Can you guys talk me through this Datejust?

[9 iron]

So here's the deal. I have Rolex taste but, since I'm once again raising little kids, I don't have the budget. I did just a few years back, but with the kids (4 and 6) and living in this present economy and a wife who now stays home (that's not a knock, I prefer it)...... Well, lots of guys in the same situation. Makes no difference, I'm a happy guy, and it's just a watch. I began lusting over watches just about the time the economy went in the tank, so I've focused on Seiko Divers and I'm happy with the few that I have.

But, I am coming into a little windfall shortly and out of that am going to allocate about 2K to one nice watch, God willing. After many, many months of pouring over so many watches and waiting patiently to see if they still ring my bell months later, I have it narrowed it down to two (and yeah, there is a big list of runner ups ). An Omega 2254.50 or a 1980's era Stainless Datejust with stick dial. This is not a "Which One" thread, because honestly, whichever one comes up first in great condition at the time I have the money (coming shortly) is the one I'l be buying, and I can honestly say that I'll be very happy with either one.

But the question re: the Datejust.

So I thought I'd been doing my homework. I have been looking at early/mid 1980's stainless Datejusts with silver or white dials and stick markers, with quickset date and Jubilee bands, in pretty darned good condition from reputable sellers.

Throw out the highs and lows - highs being the web retailers/resellers who are listing these at roughly $3, lows being the shady looking EBay auctions or extremely low post count forum sellers who want you to believe that their $999 dollar Rolex is real.

Isn't a 1980's Datejust as described above a pretty desirable watch, and isn't 2K (+/-) a really reasonable price? I was watching an EBay auction recently with exactly such a watch. Looked great, seller had high sales numbers and 100% feedback and several attaboys on this forum as a legit source. The watch was listed at roughly $2100 and the EBay listing ran 10 days (Buy it now only) and no bites, it ended up not selling. Lots of pics, watch looked great, solid seller, actual watch-in-hand.

Am I wrong about the actual resale value of these? Is it actually lower? I'm not seeing these coming up in the forums in good condition at lower prices.

I just want to really know where I stand before I buy.

[Speed]

I think a stellar condition DJ from that era is worth $2K. I was looking for a silver stick dial, fluted bezel and jubilee bracelet last year. Saw one on Bernardwatch (notoriously "strong" pricing) for $3300. I said no way and bought a new V series version. I love it, but also love the vintage models.

[hawg]

I would think for 2k you should be able to get a pretty decent watch. The TT with gold are going for the 2.5k mark. They are very nice watches for mid eighties. Keep your eyes open on this forum as well. I purchased a mid eighties TT 16013 and love it. Runs flawlessly, and in great shape.

[watch watcher]

$2,000 is a realistic budget for a nice SS model; TT are a couple of 100 dollars more (or so). I have a mid-eights TT for which I paid $2,200 on eBay.

You can find some deals here, but rarely will you find anything in the lower end of the market because of the smaller profit margin. The Datejust is not an overly popular model here and not in great demand (here), either.

[AJMarcus]

If you don't need the date you could also pick up an air king in very good condition for that price as well. In that price point you have a number of omegas to choose from. Everything from a seamster to rail master and even a speedy if you are patient and a little lucky. Don't give up the search.

[vukotab]

I agree that 2k is reasonable price for DJ that you`re looking for. Just be patient, keep looking and if you want to try to buy on E-Bay, maybe it`s not bad idea to post links of auctions to Watchout section of TRF, there are real experts that can point you all pros and cons of selected model.
Good luck!

[Shieldsy]

Don't rule out Ebay. You will pick a better watch at a better price on there. Look for sellers with reputable feedback and only pay with Paypal. For 2k you should get a good condition 16014 or even a 16234 or 1601. Dealers will be looking for around 3k for the same watch.

Cheers

Shieldsy

[swish77]

I bought a cosmetically mint '70s silver dial DJ with the white gold bezel on a tight Jubilee for $1800 last year, BUT it ended up needing a thorough service, which should be a consideration when you're buying a used Rolex. The service can run anywhere from $500-$800 for relatively routine stuff at an RSC or vintage expert like Bob Ridley. (Local watchmakers might be able to do simple movement service for less.) Also, if you're interested in boxes and papers with your DJ, expect to pay more. Regardless, your base budget is in the ballpark. Good luck.

[GRabens]

I am in the same boat as you. I am a young professional with two young kids. My wife just recently went back to work, but now I have the privilege of spending $1k a month in child care.

I recently bought a mint ca. 1991 16234 SS & Gold Datejust from Benard Watch. I paid mid $3ks, but it came with box, papers, etc. with a silver tapestry dial which is hard to find if you like it. THe watch stopped running about 4 weeks after my purchase. I ended up sending the watch back and it got a full overhaul and service for free! The 20 year old watch may have never been serviced in its life. A service job for the DJ is probably around $500 or more.

My point is you get what you pay for. You may pay a little more buying from a reputable dealer, but you have peace of mind that your watch is real and stand behind service if something goes wrong.

Attached is the stock photo of my Datejust.

[LI Matt]

Originally Posted by watch watcher

I have a mid-eights TT for which I paid $2,200 on eBay.

My uncle paid about that for his TT from Melrose Jewelers. (Dunno exactly how old it is, but it's got lugholes.)