To flip or keep the only modern Rolex in a collection?

[theflywrist]

Hey everyone.
Hope you guys are all doing well.

A random thought that I never saw coming, but hey tastes evolve, and that is actually the beauty of this hobby!
After getting my 1680, 5513, and finally 1675, I just find the BLNR less and less charming. I find the size a tad too large, the bracelet a little too shiny, and just generally a lot less appealing than it used to be.
I did love it to bits and never thought that I would consider this I must say!

My main incentive to keeping it was that it would be a great "beater" so to speak, and my go to watch to the beach, and to work where it can easily take hits here and there in a cockpit should it happen.

After acquiring the 1675, I don't see the BLNR getting much wrist time, and I doubt that will change.
I see no reason why the 1675 can't take over the job as my daily work watch in the cockpit. I will soon have it pressure tested, and will be all set IMO.

This will leave me with my vintage TRIO and a Patek 5711.

Curious if you guys have let go of your moderns once headed the vintage route?
Lately, it pretty much has to be an acrylic or nothing (if rolex).

Love to see what you guys did in your collections if faced with a similar Dilemma, and your opinions
Thanks guys!

[droptopman]

At least I know I am not crazy...Going through the same thing. Never really looked at vintage until a few years ago. Always wanted the latest greatest new release. Once I put a vintage on, I have slowly been moving out all the modern pieces. Also find I need less (quantity) of a collection with vintage. I have always loved the 5 digit references, but I don't think my one remaining 5 digit is going to last long now. I am guessing as soon as I find what I am looking for, it will move too.

I do like the idea of having a beater, but I can find a less than perfect 4 digit for that and just make sure it is waterproof. I am so bad now I am even wearing a vintage sport watch with a suit sometimes...guess I should invest in a vintage dress watch at some point.

[Tom1675]

I was given a watch by my boss, he gave me a budget and took me to the rolex store and wanted me to find something. I told him what I wanted wasn't there and was something vintage and he didn't understand and still doesn't but he bought me vintage anyway... I love my 1968 1675 one-owner all original and wish i had the budget for a gilt little hand but maybe I'll flip this one one day and "upgrade".

Also, you can get a BLNR for a decent price these days -already they seem to be coming down. Well researched vintage is a more sound investment, to speak to the practical side of your brain.

Speaking to your heart, thats vintage imho...

[vintagehartmann]

I had a 5711 too, besides my vintage Rolex. I loved it and think it's one of the most beautiful watches in the world.

However, that was all logic, and it never got enough wrist time after the initial honeymoon. I kept thinking about my 5512, 1675 and 1016 being on my wrist even when I was wearing the 5711.

Now I only have four vintage Rolex pieces, and I've never looked back.

[morafa4]

Originally Posted by Tom1675

I was given a watch by my boss, he gave me a budget and took me to the rolex store and wanted me to find something. I told him what I wanted wasn't there and was something vintage and he didn't understand and still doesn't but he bought me vintage anyway...

Helluva boss you have there.

Sub out "boss" for "wife", and you share a similar story with many a forum member

I kid. Good choice!

[toneafficianado]

Blnr makes a perfect daily beater though with its Triplock crown and adjustable bracelet.
It does all the jobs SO well. But if you're not feeling it any more then sell, sell , sell.

[zapokee]

I say get rid and put the cash to another vintage.

As it's a current model, you can always get another one in the future if you regret it.

[Rybour]

Love my 16013 and 1603, Vintage charm!

[springer]

All my modern watches that I've worn the past couple decades are now gone. I'm strictly vintage now. The last one to go was my 2001 GMT II, 16713 SS/18K.

[Kingface66]

Maybe...and quite possibly...I'm alone, but I think that after the dust settles, you're either a devoted vintage guy or not. I, myself, find nothing appealing or sexy about BLNRs. They all look production line mass-produced, designed on a computer program, and look almost as if they're made from plastic when compared to a vintage GMT, or Sub.
It's like, if you fully and truly "get" the appeal of vintage, it eludes me why you would want one of these.
But, again, just my opinion.
(The scotch on the rocks I just had did NOT influence this statement at all!)

[theflywrist]

Originally Posted by droptopman

At least I know I am not crazy...Going through the same thing. Never really looked at vintage until a few years ago. Always wanted the latest greatest new release. Once I put a vintage on, I have slowly been moving out all the modern pieces. Also find I need less (quantity) of a collection with vintage. I have always loved the 5 digit references, but I don't think my one remaining 5 digit is going to last long now. I am guessing as soon as I find what I am looking for, it will move too.

I do like the idea of having a beater, but I can find a less than perfect 4 digit for that and just make sure it is waterproof. I am so bad now I am even wearing a vintage sport watch with a suit sometimes...guess I should invest in a vintage dress watch at some point.

Haha oh you definitely are not alone man!!
I must say, I don't see a vintage sub on leather strap out of place as a dress watch ;)
5 Digits are okay, 16750 for example is a great watch with all the vintage characteristics. I figure theres really nothing a 1675 can't do on a day to day basis, so why count on the BLNR to do it! :D
For beach days, a Seiko diver perhaps!

Originally Posted by Tom1675

I was given a watch by my boss, he gave me a budget and took me to the rolex store and wanted me to find something. I told him what I wanted wasn't there and was something vintage and he didn't understand and still doesn't but he bought me vintage anyway... I love my 1968 1675 one-owner all original and wish i had the budget for a gilt little hand but maybe I'll flip this one one day and "upgrade".

Also, you can get a BLNR for a decent price these days -already they seem to be coming down. Well researched vintage is a more sound investment, to speak to the practical side of your brain.

Speaking to your heart, thats vintage imho...

One hell of a boss man!! Great story.

Originally Posted by vintagehartmann

I had a 5711 too, besides my vintage Rolex. I loved it and think it's one of the most beautiful watches in the world.

However, that was all logic, and it never got enough wrist time after the initial honeymoon. I kept thinking about my 5512, 1675 and 1016 being on my wrist even when I was wearing the 5711.

Now I only have four vintage Rolex pieces, and I've never looked back.

So here's my problem with modern lately.
There is too much presence, too much "bling", and they wear too large.
Non of those factors exist with the 5711.
I also like the idea of having one watch that will be my story if you know what I mean!
Other than that, vintage all the way!!

[lhanddds]

I think this is the normal maturation process. Some folks never mature (he he). Seriously as people go from watch wearers to watch collectors, you come to appreciate the subtle nuances of vintage watches. Also, the search is so much more rewarding than walking into an AD and plunking down some cash. I currently have a polar Exp 2 42 which gets the least amount of wrist time. As nice as it is, I find it kinda boring. Welcome to enlightenment.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[droptopman]

Awesome thread. Enjoy hearing others thoughts on this subject.
Strongly agree with Larry regarding the search. The process of finding a specific model in a specific condition takes a lot of time and effort. I think the hunt is part of the process of bonding with a watch. There is a built in connection when you spend hours upon hours looking at examples...until you finally find the ONE!

[Love]

So what your heart says!

Sent from my 5054N using Tapatalk

[2ar2c1]

Originally Posted by lhanddds

I think this is the normal maturation process. Welcome to enlightenment.

x2.

[CRM114]

Originally Posted by theflywrist

Hey everyone.
Hope you guys are all doing well.

A random thought that I never saw coming, but hey tastes evolve, and that is actually the beauty of this hobby!
After getting my 1680, 5513, and finally 1675, I just find the BLNR less and less charming. I find the size a tad too large, the bracelet a little too shiny, and just generally a lot less appealing than it used to be.
I did love it to bits and never thought that I would consider this I must say!

My main incentive to keeping it was that it would be a great "beater" so to speak, and my go to watch to the beach, and to work where it can easily take hits here and there in a cockpit should it happen.

After acquiring the 1675, I don't see the BLNR getting much wrist time, and I doubt that will change.
I see no reason why the 1675 can't take over the job as my daily work watch in the cockpit. I will soon have it pressure tested, and will be all set IMO.

This will leave me with my vintage TRIO and a Patek 5711.

Curious if you guys have let go of your moderns once headed the vintage route?
Lately, it pretty much has to be an acrylic or nothing (if rolex).

Love to see what you guys did in your collections if faced with a similar Dilemma, and your opinions
Thanks guys!

I've got a mix of several GMTs, 2 are modern with one of those PM and the other SS, a BLNR. The rest are great example, vintage 1675s. I wear and still travel with them all but found while working in the cockpit and around/up inside the airplane the BLNR suits me best because I don't worry or care that much about knocking, dinging, or scratching it up like I do the vintage models. The 1675s I'm more protective of, can't help it because none of them are thrashed and a preservation instinct kicks in. I used to beat up a 1675 but it wasn't vintage in those days. Now the BLNR fills that role. The same goes for my Omega Speedys, modern and pre-moon.

[themaninblack]

The pure charm and interest of vintage is difficult to compete with. There appears to be something so mercenary and deliberate about the modern watch industry but perhaps I'm just kidding myself. Business has always been business! I spend a large amount of time in the water so a waterproof watch is important to me especially when traveling so regularly the 14060m or BLNR are with me (usually throw a Seiko in the bag too!) but at home I would rarely wear them. Now I've put the Seamaster 300 Co-Axial on a Hirsch Carbon strap it's my new travel companion and a modern I can enjoy anytime. Really disliked the bracelet especially the clasp and the NATO just lets the watch down.

Btw not saying some of the vintage pieces aren't waterproof but I don't put it to the test!

[Motomike]

If you are not that excited about then just move on.

[MATCH1969]

Sell it and try to find an "early vintage" you can wear on a daily base

[Karbo]

My one and only modern is a GMT 16710 and to me this is the perfect toolwatch/vacationwatch. Otherwise vintage all the way

[eton97]

I'm having exactly the same problem
I've got a Patek blue 5711 and a mk4 1665 DRSD.
Ever since buying the Drsd, the 5711 has been sat twirling around on the watch winder. I put it on last week to remind myself of why I own it and adore it......couldn't wait to get home from work and put on the red

Bought the 5711 as my 'forever' watch....not so sure anymore. Thinking of swapping it out for another vintage...although will that even get airtime over the double red?

[DCgator]

Tomorrow is not guaranteed to be here.

[theflywrist]

Originally Posted by lhanddds

I think this is the normal maturation process. Some folks never mature (he he). Seriously as people go from watch wearers to watch collectors, you come to appreciate the subtle nuances of vintage watches. Also, the search is so much more rewarding than walking into an AD and plunking down some cash. I currently have a polar Exp 2 42 which gets the least amount of wrist time. As nice as it is, I find it kinda boring. Welcome to enlightenment.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Haha fair enough.
Thats the problem, it loses its charm I think. The hunt is also probably half the fun in acquiring the watch, which usually is not the case for modern.

Originally Posted by droptopman

Awesome thread. Enjoy hearing others thoughts on this subject.
Strongly agree with Larry regarding the search. The process of finding a specific model in a specific condition takes a lot of time and effort. I think the hunt is part of the process of bonding with a watch. There is a built in connection when you spend hours upon hours looking at examples...until you finally find the ONE!

Very true!

Originally Posted by CRM114

I've got a mix of several GMTs, 2 are modern with one of those PM and the other SS, a BLNR. The rest are great example, vintage 1675s. I wear and still travel with them all but found while working in the cockpit and around/up inside the airplane the BLNR suits me best because I don't worry or care that much about knocking, dinging, or scratching it up like I do the vintage models. The 1675s I'm more protective of, can't help it because none of them are thrashed and a preservation instinct kicks in. I used to beat up a 1675 but it wasn't vintage in those days. Now the BLNR fills that role. The same goes for my Omega Speedys, modern and pre-moon.

I did this for a long time myself.
After recently acquiring my 1675, the BLNR has almost completely lost its appeal. I do admit that I used to love the watch for the longest time.
I don't want to refrain from wearing my 1675 because I should worry about it. The only place I am prone to scratching is the bracelet(which doesn't bother me), and the plexi (which is a quick fix).
I also don't want to wear the BLNR only because it can handle the damage, if you know what I mean?
I would be doing it wrong if I was wearing it simply because it can take a beating more than the 1675.. At least thats how I see it lately.

Originally Posted by themaninblack

The pure charm and interest of vintage is difficult to compete with. There appears to be something so mercenary and deliberate about the modern watch industry but perhaps I'm just kidding myself. Business has always been business! I spend a large amount of time in the water so a waterproof watch is important to me especially when traveling so regularly the 14060m or BLNR are with me (usually throw a Seiko in the bag too!) but at home I would rarely wear them. Now I've put the Seamaster 300 Co-Axial on a Hirsch Carbon strap it's my new travel companion and a modern I can enjoy anytime. Really disliked the bracelet especially the clasp and the NATO just lets the watch down.

Btw not saying some of the vintage pieces aren't waterproof but I don't put it to the test!

I don't usually ever swim with my watches, but happy to grab a seiko for that occasion.
Beats keeping the BLNR for a once in a blue moon occasion.
(This is me convincing myself to flip for another vintage! )

[theflywrist]

Originally Posted by Karbo

My one and only modern is a GMT 16710 and to me this is the perfect toolwatch/vacationwatch. Otherwise vintage all the way

Also contemplated this actually. But as I said above, I really don't want to buy it just because it takes a beating better, unless I do really like it, which is not the case.
Tried a nice 16710 with a faded inlay recently, and except for the smaller case(which I do prefer), it really has most the BLNR features that I am leaning towards getting rid of it for.
Still not the charm of a matte dial..
Its time to pressure test and fully service the 1675. She's about to become my daily driver! :D

Originally Posted by eton97

I'm having exactly the same problem
I've got a Patek blue 5711 and a mk4 1665 DRSD.
Ever since buying the Drsd, the 5711 has been sat twirling around on the watch winder. I put it on last week to remind myself of why I own it and adore it......couldn't wait to get home from work and put on the red

Bought the 5711 as my 'forever' watch....not so sure anymore. Thinking of swapping it out for another vintage...although will that even get airtime over the double red?

Let us know how this works out!
You don't find any appeal in it at all anymore?
Good luck!

[redfred]

I had the same dilemma when I got into the vintage scene, I had a GMTc and a Subc which I quite liked but after picking up a 1665 they were never worn and I found that I did'nt even like them, they were eventually part traded for more vintage and I have never given them a second thought.

[Qinhan]

Originally Posted by Tom1675

I was given a watch by my boss, he gave me a budget and took me to the rolex store and wanted me to find something. I told him what I wanted wasn't there and was something vintage and he didn't understand and still doesn't but he bought me vintage anyway... I love my 1968 1675 one-owner all original and wish i had the budget for a gilt little hand but maybe I'll flip this one one day and "upgrade".

Also, you can get a BLNR for a decent price these days -already they seem to be coming down. Well researched vintage is a more sound investment, to speak to the practical side of your brain.

Speaking to your heart, thats vintage imho...

Dear God, I wish I could find a boss like this.

[fusionstorm]

Beyond what has already been stated by everyone in this thread, one of the things I love about vintage is that I have something unique on my wrist that only a very small subset of Rolex owners would be wearing at that moment. Modern, especially sport models, are far more likely to be found "in the wild".

[Vincent65]

Sounds to me like a foregone conclusion...

[Cortezthekiller]

I started with vintage and wear all of them in a weekly rotation with suits and on weekends with jeans. My only new watch purchases were so I could go in the water, but couldn't justify paying over $1000. Otherwise I was robbing my next vintage purchase!

Since then, I picked up a few microbrands on Kickstarter for fun. This keeps my new purchase itch in check while I search for the next piece on my vintage want list. It is nice having a few watches you like to wear, but wouldn't really care if they were lost, stolen, flooded, or smashed.

[subtona]

For me, Must have a rolex in the collection, vintage or new they were all built with daily wear in mind.