Looking to buy a birth year Rolex

[Nado_]

As the title states, specifically looking to buy a 97' year watch to commemorate a number of important milestones in my life that have happened over the past 2 years. That said, definitely want to keep it around the 10k max price range, which I realize limits the choice of models quite a bit. Initially have been considering an Explorer or ND Sub. (Would also consider others if you guys have interesting suggestions) Two questions I have:

1) What is the best way to hunt down a model from a specific year?
2) Is there anything to be wary of buying models from this year? (I'm not too in the loop about older Rolex models.)

Thanks for the help

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by Nado_

As the title states, specifically looking to buy a 97' year watch to commemorate a number of important milestones in my life that have happened over the past 2 years. That said, definitely want to keep it around the 10k max price range, which I realize limits the choice of models quite a bit. Initially have been considering an Explorer or ND Sub. (Would also consider others if you guys have interesting suggestions) Two questions I have:

1) What is the best way to hunt down a model from a specific year?
2) Is there anything to be wary of buying models from this year? (I'm not too in the loop about older Rolex models.)

Thanks for the help

Congrats on the achievment you want to celebrate. There are tables like the one am attaching below in Internet which provides as approximate year each serial number was issued. Based on that an U serial would be the serial you are looking for (1997). However a watch could had been sold right on the year was built (hottest models at that time) or be unsold for years so an U serial could have not necessarly be sold on 1997.

Another option is to look for a model that was actually sold on 1997, regardless on the year was built.

I think a $10k budget will work for the models you are looking for; hope this helps and happy hunting!





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[sj24k]

Just go to Chrono24 and search by year. Or any other major watch reseller’s site and type the year into the search field. That’s the best way to start.

Once you find the one you’re interested in, you need to vet the seller on places like this forum and with their other customers.

You can also work with a trusted reseller or dealer and have them do the sourcing for you.


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[padi56]

Well almost impossible to get a exact birth year watch from the 1990s, as all charts are just a approx date when the clasp/case was stamped and not when the watch was made. So single letter U serials would be a good start good luck in getting your watch,or rely on the paperwork when the watch was sold..

[SN13]

Note that a 1997 14060 (nodate) i think the 1997 dials were just transitioning to SWISS Luminova at that stage? But likely you're looking at Tritium watch....

and to just throw out another option.

16600 Seadweller.... Likely purchased CHEAPER than a 14060 submariner. Has a date (no cyclops) and ultimately, the SD line is more awesome and it's not "Just a sub"

[Driver8]

Nothing to add to the decent info already given, but does anyone else feel really old that someone born in '97 is looking for a birth year watch!

I know that still makes the OP 24 y/o, but I still like to think I'm about that age..., although one look in the mirror swiftly confirms that I'm not!

Good luck with your search, OP - hope you find one!

[Highend7]

Originally Posted by sj24k

Just go to Chrono24 and search by year. Or any other major watch reseller’s site and type the year into the search field. That’s the best way to start.

Once you find the one you’re interested in, you need to vet the seller on places like this forum and with their other customers.

You can also work with a trusted reseller or dealer and have them do the sourcing for you.


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This is simply the best option...and I strongly suggest Chrono24...

[Nado_]

Thank you for all the info everyone! I appreciate the advice and the kinds words :).

[Rado63]

Before you start getting anxious to buy a 1997 U Serial take a look at what a complete set looks like so you know what you are paying for. This example is sold, but it is an excellent reference for what a U serial 16610 would look like. I would consider contacting this dealer and asking for help obtaining one. Remember a '97 in very good condition and complete box and papers won't be cheap. So if you are going to do the search, be patient and get exactly what you want. Remember sometimes this can take time as in months to years to find exactly what you want. Here is a link.

https://www.hqmilton.com/timepieces/...d-papers-A3615

[Nikrnic]

Patience x2 is the key when limiting yourself to such a specific choice. When you find one don't let the year influence your decision. It's all about condition. Happy Hunting.

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[boring_sandwich]

Originally Posted by fskywalker

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I would not fully rely on these date charts. I have a T serial DJ that RSC confirmed was manufactured in Sept 1997.

[SN13]

Also my N serial 16628 YM, was made in 1991 according to the dates, but the model was released in 1992.

[Robine]

I can't remember...in 1997, did Rolex also make other watches than the two the OP mentioned?

[piglet]

Hi NADO,

I do feel old ... I was about your age when I purchased my first Rolex in 1997 a GMT-II. Still have it today and will pass it along to one of my twins. Good luck with the search - they are out there, just follow all the great advice here in the forum and you will be fine. Check out DAVIDSW out of Orlando. They are awesome to work with - I picked up a 124060 earlier this month from them. They will help find you what you are looking for.