Help! Buying pre-owned gift for DH.

[magda]

I admit, I know very little and am just learning, but it's my husband's 60th birthday and I've been saving for this for a while. It's a lot of money for us so I'm a bit nervous and could really do with advice from people more in-the-know!
So, I'm down to 2 watches, virtually identical but different prices and years. Both are from reputable sellers on ebay. Or, at least, top sellers with good reviews!!
There's datejust 16220 with original box and original warranty document from 1989 in "very good" conditio with no visible scratches at US$3,000 and a 1 yr warranty.
And a datejust 16200 with original box (no original warranty document) from 2004 in "pristine" condition at US$3,550 and a 3 year warranty.
Which would you go for?
I'm not fussed about the one bezel or the ither but Much as it's a lot of money, I'm thinking I can get a much newer watch for 'only' $550 more. But then a friend said, with Rolexes, the older the better. But wouldn't that only apply to a vintage watch? 1989 is hardly vintage but not new either.
What should I do?? I don't know enough to know whether $550 is worth it or if 1989 is just fine.
I guess it worried me when the 1989 seller said - when I asked him - there were no scratches but "please understand, you are buying a 22 year old watch. It is not new." Why would he say that? If it has no scratches or wear then it's new looking, no??
Sorry for rambling.
Any help is deeply appreciated.
m