First or last year of production?

[Tan_]

Hi,

I was curious to know peoples opinion on this;

When looking to own a retired/extinct model/reference, do you consider the first year of production or final year to be more significant (or special)?

First year: This is how it was first created and released, the original of the reference.
Last year: final period it was made, possibly with refinements and variations.

I’m not so much concerned with price for either end, just what you consider to be the sweet spot for an extinct model and why?

I understand that condition, documentation and price are often paramount - please let me know what you think from an all-other-things-being-equal viewpoint.

Thanks

[skyblue12]

I'd rather have the first example rather than the last.

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[brucethemanlee]

i'm not that into vintage watch collecting - so others with more experience will no doubt chip in.

But imho....

all things begins equal in terms of price, condition, set.... one would prefer first year production first then last year production and then everything in between

However price will fluctuate widely depending on condition and would take a better condition watch over 1st year watch

[Tan_]

Thanks both.
That was what I’d thought broadly speaking - Quality of piece, then first year if possible.

[Chadridv]

No expert here but I think it depends on the reference and in most cases makes no difference at all.

I think for example a 16610LV, my guess is the first year is probably more special and dare I say collectible. But take the 116610LV, I don’t think it really matters. Although for some reason I’d prefer to own a 2020.

[rmagoo57]

Last year for me. I'm noodling putting together a collection of "last run" 5 digit references (or close to last.) I have a couple so why not add a couple more! I also have a 2019 114060 - by luck a last run model. Would love to add a random serial 14060M!

[dpt.calvin]

First for me.

[sutats]

Hi. To collect, the first version. To wear, the final version. Generally with any type of collectable, it's the first and therefore the oldest variant of anything that people usually remark on and seek.

[Watchsama]

Hm. If I had to pick. First year. Feels more special. Like the first pressing of a book

[rmagoo57]

Originally Posted by sutats

Hi. To collect, the first version. To wear, the final version. Generally with any type of collectable, it's the first and therefore the oldest variant of anything that people usually remark on and seek.

I collect to wear! I'll stick to last run with all updates incorporated.

[MTdweller]

I usually prefer the last year of production to get any/all improvements to that model.

[illiguy]

Originally Posted by MTdweller

I usually prefer the last year of production to get any/all improvements to that model.

Same for me.

[samuel019]

First for me

My SDK-First year released

My 116613-First year with Smurf dial

Not the greatest examples but what I have that’s no more

[jimcarver]

Depends what you are talking about. Vintage piece, maybe first. 116610Lv or something similar. Last, so many produced that neither years have much significance. So I'd just like the newest one possible.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

I’ll buy from the middle of the production run because none of you guys are shopping there. The argument between first or last means nothing to me, it’s still a Rolex and I buy ‘em to wear ‘em. I don’t buy anything too precious to wear and I don’t pay extra for a narrative.

[kans86]

Originally Posted by sutats

Hi. To collect, the first version. To wear, the final version. Generally with any type of collectable, it's the first and therefore the oldest variant of anything that people usually remark on and seek.

Agreed with this.

[Dr.Smellody]

I like to have both.... the closest I have is a SUBMARINER 6205 and a last year SUBMARINER 16610.