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tom_hanx · 20 January 2011, 07:01 PM

Hi there,

A very dear friend reached out to me for advice. Alas, I am no Rolex specialist and cannot answer the query, so I am turning to you guys:

She wants to buy her husband a Rolex. As you can imagine, past "Sex and the City", she wants a vintage Rolex - ideally from his birth year 1973.

Which models were available then? Her budget is ~5k which should cover also a visit to a rolex shop for quick cleaning and oiling (if such was not already done).

Thanks in advance

Tools · 21 January 2011, 02:19 AM

All of the current models were available in 1973...

tom_hanx · 21 January 2011, 02:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tools

All of the current models were available in 1973...

Thanks for this - the question probably should then be: which 1973 models fit in the 5k limit?

Or better yet, if you were in the same position, which one would you buy for someone who is not a WIS (his current watch is a Tissot

)

MonBK · 21 January 2011, 02:29 AM

A TT Datejust.

slcbbrown · 21 January 2011, 02:40 AM

Lots of them can be had for less than $5,000. I bought a rootbeer in 1973. It will be hard to find a 1973 version of that watch, but a comparable, somewhat newer one can be found. Sub's and DJ's were being made by the boatload in 1973, so may be your easiest watches to search for.

Warnsboy · 21 January 2011, 02:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slcbbrown

Lots of them can be had for less than $5,000. I bought a rootbeer in 1973. It will be hard to find a 1973 version of that watch, but a comparable, somewhat newer one can be found. Sub's and DJ's were being made by the boatload in 1973, so may be your easiest watches to search for.

X2 on the Sub.....you should be able to find a decent one and have it serviced in that price range.

tom_hanx · 21 January 2011, 03:40 AM

Thank you, guys!!! Much appreciated!

Saxon007 · 21 January 2011, 04:21 AM

You'll probably need to shop for a 5513 (no date) sub. A 1680 from that year would be a red sub which would most likely be well above your price limit. A 1680 with a replacement dial might be available at that price point.

A 1675 GMT is a great looking watch and should be in your price range.

therolexguy · 21 January 2011, 06:08 AM

1680 Submariner. It has the date and goes well with anything.

Lion · 21 January 2011, 06:49 AM

Sounds like a lot of fun tracking down a Rolex watch form your birth year.....

tom_hanx · 21 January 2011, 06:54 AM

I am not sure l would be this intrigued. Unless you are talking about a Zenith El Primero, Super Sub Sea, which would be... awesome indeed. I wish I can afford to hunt one of them some day

Tools · 21 January 2011, 07:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tom_hanx

Thanks for this - the question probably should then be: which 1973 models fit in the 5k limit?

Or better yet, if you were in the same position, which one would you buy for someone who is not a WIS (his current watch is a Tissot

)

Well........... let's eliminate some....

. Yachtmaster........ didn't exist in 1973, sorry

. Sub Date.......... Nope - this is the era of the Reds

. Explorer II......... Not a chance...... Orange hand Steve Mcqueens, they'll be closer to 10 times your budget...

. Daytona.... Nope.. the 6239 style Newmans can go for 6 figures..

. Milgauss ... Hmmm I thnk that you're looking at a quarter mill for one of those

. GMT Master .. Possibly.. but a good 1675 from this age will likely be more than the budget..

. Day Date....... Nah... at least 8 grand for one of those.. more if the bracelet is good..

So........... that leaves us with 3 choices...
. Sub 5513. ,, Careful here. This is the most collected (and faked) watch in the world

. Date Just.... Probably the least expensive and most available

. Explorer ... A classic, and likely in the budget....

tom_hanx · 21 January 2011, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tools

Well........... let's eliminate some....

. Yachtmaster........ didn't exist in 1973, sorry

. Sub Date.......... Nope - this is the era of the Reds

. Explorer II......... Not a chance...... Orange hand Steve Mcqueens, they'll be closer to 10 times your budget...

. Daytona.... Nope.. the 6239 style Newmans can go for 6 figures..

. Milgauss ... Hmmm I thnk that you're looking at a quarter mill for one of those

. GMT Master .. Possibly.. but a good 1675 from this age will likely be more than the budget..

. Day Date....... Nah... at least 8 grand for one of those.. more if the bracelet is good..

So........... that leaves us with 3 choices...
. Sub 5513. ,, Careful here. This is the most collected (and faked) watch in the world

. Date Just.... Probably the least expensive and most available

. Explorer ... A classic, and likely in the budget....

Larry,

This is the kind of thing that makes these fora awesome!!! SO much knowledge in a single post. Would have taken me ages in research alone, not to mention the possibility to recommend the first 5513 that comes to my desktop... From my perspective, it would probably be best to hunt one 5513. I will search for the specifics and how to spot proper ones (price range, details).

Thank you for your help

Gerardus · 21 January 2011, 07:00 PM

Sub 5513 or DJ.

slcbbrown · 22 January 2011, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tools

Well........... let's eliminate some....

. Yachtmaster........ didn't exist in 1973, sorry

. Sub Date.......... Nope - this is the era of the Reds

. Explorer II......... Not a chance...... Orange hand Steve Mcqueens, they'll be closer to 10 times your budget...

. Daytona.... Nope.. the 6239 style Newmans can go for 6 figures..

. Milgauss ... Hmmm I thnk that you're looking at a quarter mill for one of those

. GMT Master .. Possibly.. but a good 1675 from this age will likely be more than the budget..

. Day Date....... Nah... at least 8 grand for one of those.. more if the bracelet is good..

So........... that leaves us with 3 choices...
. Sub 5513. ,, Careful here. This is the most collected (and faked) watch in the world

. Date Just.... Probably the least expensive and most available

. Explorer ... A classic, and likely in the budget....

However, I would think you can get a DD for $4,000 with a crumby bracelet (maybe fixable) and $5,000 might get you one with a decent bracelet.

sea-dweller · 22 January 2011, 08:29 AM

I would get a 1675 GMT...

Nicko · 22 January 2011, 08:32 AM

I love my 1680 and would recommend one but a 1973 would be out of the price range; knowing that, the 5513 would be my choice.

mike · 22 January 2011, 09:48 AM

As stated, given the budget a 5523 or 1675 would fit the bill quite nicely.

TimeToGo · 22 January 2011, 09:52 AM

1675 - Good Idea!

Poohsan · 22 January 2011, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saxon007

You'll probably need to shop for a 5513 (no date) sub. A 1680 from that year would be a red sub which would most likely be well above your price limit. A 1680 with a replacement dial might be available at that price point.

A 1675 GMT is a great looking watch and should be in your price range.

x2

Great suggestions.

kyle L · 22 January 2011, 10:47 AM

'70s GMT...

ibrando · 22 January 2011, 10:54 AM

Thanks for this thread.

I too was born in '73 and am currently hunting for a birth-year Rolex. :)

Cheers,
B.

tom_hanx · 27 February 2011, 04:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kyle L

'70s GMT...

This is one SWEET watch. Damn, how do you guys find stuff like that?

Paracentesis · 27 February 2011, 04:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tom_hanx

As you can imagine, past "Sex and the City", she wants a vintage Rolex - ideally from his birth year

Excuse my ignorance, but what has "Sex and the City" got to do w/ vintage Rolex?

tom_hanx · 27 February 2011, 05:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paracentesis

Excuse my ignorance, but what has "Sex and the City" got to do w/ vintage Rolex?

In one of the movies (not tv episodes) the lead character gifts her man with a vintage Rolex, inscribed on the back. Chicks went crazy and swept most of cheap crap online in a flash...

Roley · 27 February 2011, 05:18 AM

I would suggest a nice Date-Just from 1973. The serial number would be approximately between 3,741,000 to 4,000,000

Puffy · 27 February 2011, 05:23 AM

a nice GMT, 1675 Pepsi. Oh yeah

Paracentesis · 27 February 2011, 05:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tom_hanx

In one of the movies (not tv episodes) the lead character gifts her man with a vintage Rolex, inscribed on the back. Chicks went crazy and swept most of cheap crap online in a flash...

LOL.

I watched one TV episode, years ago, and concluded that it was written for the benefit of inhabitants of a different planet from mine. I cannot see the appeal of this show on any level.

Apologies for thread derail.

LnL · 27 February 2011, 06:05 AM

Contact some of the better known guys from the classified section, like Jacek or Steve Mulholland. Steve has now assisted me on several different watches, his e-mail is
[email protected]
Send him a note with what you are looking for and your price range, he may already have what you want.

Lee Atkinson

G.J · 27 February 2011, 06:32 AM

Excellent picture Kyle...

Quote:

Originally Posted by kyle L

20 January 2011, 07:01 PM	#1
tom_hanx "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Inside SIHH Posts: 57	Which 1973 Rolex would you recommend? Hi there, A very dear friend reached out to me for advice. Alas, I am no Rolex specialist and cannot answer the query, so I am turning to you guys: She wants to buy her husband a Rolex. As you can imagine, past "Sex and the City", she wants a vintage Rolex - ideally from his birth year 1973. Which models were available then? Her budget is ~5k which should cover also a visit to a rolex shop for quick cleaning and oiling (if such was not already done). Thanks in advance

21 January 2011, 02:19 AM	#2
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,515	All of the current models were available in 1973... __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

21 January 2011, 04:21 AM	#8
Saxon007 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 2,002	You'll probably need to shop for a 5513 (no date) sub. A 1680 from that year would be a red sub which would most likely be well above your price limit. A 1680 with a replacement dial might be available at that price point. A 1675 GMT is a great looking watch and should be in your price range. __________________ Licensed to kill time.

21 January 2011, 06:08 AM	#9
therolexguy 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Real Name: Todd Location: US Posts: 3,528	This would be my pick..... 1680 Submariner. It has the date and goes well with anything. Attached Images

21 January 2011, 06:49 AM	#10
Lion "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Leo Location: Midwest Watch: GMT-II 16710 PEPSI Posts: 21,461	Sounds like a lot of fun tracking down a Rolex watch form your birth year..... __________________ SS GMT-II 16710 PEPSI(Z-serial#) THE ONLY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MEN AND BOYS IS THE PRICE OF THE TOYS!!! MontBlanc Meisterstuck Doue Silver Barley MontBlanc Meisterstuck Solitaire Doue Signum Proud Card Carrying Member of the Curmudgeons.....Yikes!!!

21 January 2011, 02:29 AM	#4
MonBK Banned Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Kingstown Posts: 58,279	A TT Datejust.

21 January 2011, 02:40 AM	#5
slcbbrown "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Real Name: steve Location: dallas area Watch: 50's TT t-bird Posts: 3,689	Lots of them can be had for less than $5,000. I bought a rootbeer in 1973. It will be hard to find a 1973 version of that watch, but a comparable, somewhat newer one can be found. Sub's and DJ's were being made by the boatload in 1973, so may be your easiest watches to search for.

21 January 2011, 03:40 AM	#7
tom_hanx "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Inside SIHH Posts: 57	Thank you, guys!!! Much appreciated!

21 January 2011, 06:54 AM	#11
tom_hanx "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Inside SIHH Posts: 57	I am not sure l would be this intrigued. Unless you are talking about a Zenith El Primero, Super Sub Sea, which would be... awesome indeed. I wish I can afford to hunt one of them some day

21 January 2011, 07:00 PM	#14
Gerardus "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Real Name: Gerardus Location: often in the air Watch: ♕ Posts: 12,147	Sub 5513 or DJ. __________________ ♕126610 ♕126333 ♕116300

22 January 2011, 08:29 AM	#16
sea-dweller "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Dennis Location: Bay Area - 925 Posts: 40,018	I would get a 1675 GMT... __________________ TRF Member #6699 (since September 2007)

22 January 2011, 08:32 AM	#17
Nicko Banned Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Not here anymore Posts: 4,787	I love my 1680 and would recommend one but a 1973 would be out of the price range; knowing that, the 5513 would be my choice.

22 January 2011, 09:48 AM	#18
mike "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 22,683	As stated, given the budget a 5523 or 1675 would fit the bill quite nicely.

22 January 2011, 09:52 AM	#19
TimeToGo 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: North Florida Posts: 16,736	1675 - Good Idea!

22 January 2011, 10:47 AM	#21
kyle L "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: USA Watch: Rolex Explorer I Posts: 10,278	'70s GMT...

22 January 2011, 10:54 AM	#22
ibrando "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Real Name: Brandon Location: Ontario, Canada Watch: PAM 177 Posts: 558	Thanks for this thread. I too was born in '73 and am currently hunting for a birth-year Rolex. :) Cheers, B. __________________ --- This space for a Speedy Pro --- Panerai 177 N (2011) Breitling Chronomat Evolution [A13356] (2011) Marathon MSAR 2009 Issue [464] (2009) / Marathon Navigator (2011) Seiko SKX007J (2008)

27 February 2011, 05:18 AM	#26
Roley "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Real Name: Roland Location: GMT -4:00 Today Watch: Enthusiast Posts: 874	I would suggest a nice Date-Just from 1973. The serial number would be approximately between 3,741,000 to 4,000,000

27 February 2011, 05:23 AM	#27
Puffy "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Here and there Posts: 12,485	a nice GMT, 1675 Pepsi. Oh yeah __________________ Fine Quality is Long Remembered After the Pain of Spending Money is Forgotten

27 February 2011, 06:05 AM	#29
LnL "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Seabrook, Tx Watch: 6263 Daytona Posts: 82	Contact some of the better known guys from the classified section, like Jacek or Steve Mulholland. Steve has now assisted me on several different watches, his e-mail is [email protected] Send him a note with what you are looking for and your price range, he may already have what you want. Lee Atkinson __________________ Red Sub "A" Zenith-era Daytona 16760 Fat Lady

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