Isn't newer better?

[Mickey®]

Originally Posted by Time Exposure

For me, Vintage is "build it as best as we can." Contemporary is "build it as economically as we can." As it applies to Rolex? Perhaps not as clear. But check other examples: Valjoux 72 vs. 7736, Omega 321 vs. 861, etc. Each engineered to performance and reliability, but the latter built to economy. I just prefer the art (vintage) to the function (modern) in wrist watches.