Vintage is NOT for me.

[Nicko]

I really hate to say this, but after careful thought and the battle I have been having about trading my 5513 for another vintage model I have come to the conclusion that I will never be happy wearing a vintage model for everyday wear. I am too much of a perfectionist when it comes to watches amongst other things and with vintage it's very difficult to be like that unless you have deep pockets.

I really loved my 16610 that I had and truly am upset that I traded it off. It's kinda like the guy who trades his new Lexus in for a 1964 1/2 Mustang Convertible. They are nice to look at and drive once in awhile but for everyday it lacks comfort and convenience of a newer model.

I will be trading my 5513 off for a new model, most likely an LV becuase I like larger plots.

Anyway, I will be sad to see her go, but my lifestyle just doesn't permit me to own 2 so it will have to be one that I can wear everyday without worry.

Comments are welcome, but please don't rag on me as I know my faults and I do this type of thing all the time, last time it was with a car and this time it's with a watch. The Lexus analogy wasn't just a made up one!

[The GMT Master]

Well, it's up to you at the end of the day - if it's too difficult to live with, then it's time to part ways. Best of luck finding a replacement

[onkyo]

Different strokes for different folks.....

I am glad you discovered what makes you happy!

[gqllc]

Good for you! Now you know what you like and some people take a lifetime to figure it out and still don't get it right! Just don't do it again or that would be strike three!! LOL

[Speed]

Steve,

I applaud your decision!

I have thought of going vintage on a choice 1680, DJ or 5513 as well...but why not buy newer and make it my own Vintage.

I need my watches to work and I don't need to keep worrying that one of them has fake parts, lume thats about to fall out etc. etc.

Good on you!

[nickriebe]

Live and Learn!

[nauticajoe]

Sorry to hear that Steve. You need to do what makes you happy.
Like I always say, no need to hang on to a watch if it sits in the safe or doesn't get worn.
Happy Hunting!

[sakuraba]

Glad you've made this decision, buddy.

Don't let this experience sour your enthusiasm for vintages. I, myself, love vintage watches, but I leave the ownership experience to those more patient than me.

The LV's a great choice. Get a spare black bezel insert and you have 2 watches!

[kcmo]

Always go with your heart! Glad you've made a decision you're happy with.

[kyle L]

Sorry to hear that Steve, good luck! Vintage is special to me, you just can't go to any AD and pick up a vintage Rolex like you could with a modern one.

[Dr. Robert]

I am vintage...wish I could turn or trade myself into a new young me.

[tgoose1]

Excellent decision!

[Welshwatchman]

You can't look much further than a new 16610LV (with the black bezel, for me).

Get one while you can, with your name on the papers and wear it daily for the next 20 years.

The sale of your 5513 should leave you with a reasonable amount of change as well.

[Nicko]

Originally Posted by Welshwatchman

You can't look much further than a new 16610LV (with the black bezel, for me).

Get one while you can, with your name on the papers and wear it daily for the next 20 years.

The sale of your 5513 should leave you with a reasonable amount of change as well.

Thanks Paul, if you know of anyone, please direct them to the for sale section as I have placed it there.

[jcherskine]

Good for you Steve.
Have to agree that would be good to buy new and make it your own vintage.
Happy hunting.

[learningtofly]

I'd say just revel in the fact that you experienced the joy of owning a vintage Rolex - I consider you lucky to have done it.

There's absolutely no need to have to justify anything, and I understand just what you're talking about.

[Jackxv]

Uuuh...

So you want to trade 2 perfect watches for 1 "Godsknowsonlywhatnext"' watch ?

I'd enjoy them.

Jack

Nicko,

I'm sorry tho hear that, I've warned you on april 14th for this.

Jack

[Watch Professor]

I agree with you. I thought of going with a vintage sub date since I had a new GMT IIC, but I prefer new or almost new. So I went "V" series. Very happy that I did.

[Nicko]

Originally Posted by Jackxv

Uuuh...

So you want to trade 2 perfect watches for 1 "Godsknowsonlywhatnext"' watch ?

I'd enjoy them.

Jack

Nicko,

I'm sorry tho hear that, I've warned you on april 14th for this.

Jack

I know Jack, I know....

[mike]

The important thing to remember is that there is a niche for everyone in this hobby. Vintage is certainly not for everyone though it holds a special place for me as these were the watches I grew up with.

To many collectors it's the history of a very special era of a storied company as much as the watches themselves that is the allure.

The LV might represent the best of choices as it stands unique in Rolex diver lore as the only classic case with the modern maxi dial.

[Nicko]

Originally Posted by mike

The important thing to remember is that there is a niche for everyone in this hobby. Vintage is certainly not for everyone though it holds a special place for me as these were the watches I grew up with.

To many collectors it's the history of a very special era of a storied company as much as the watches themselves that is the allure.

The LV might represent the best of choices as it stands unique in Rolex diver lore as the only classic case with the modern maxi dial.

Thanks Mike, I think the LV is the best choice as well....

[rkb]

I love the vintage Sub designs and would wear one gleefully. BUT- I want it to look new, I don't find any romance in patina on the hands, dial or indicies.

[Subexplorer]

Hola Steve (NIcko)
As an owner of both vintage and modern made Rolex Subs, I can well understand your thought.
As Mike very well said, there is a niche for every one of these types, but budget makes us to decide sometimes between one or another, if not possible to have both.

I hate to risk my vintage 5508, 1680 or 5513, and prefer to use my 14060m for everyday use and scuba diving. Feel safer this way.

Your comparisson with vintage cars makes sense to me too.
My son wished to use our restored 1966 Mustang for everyday riding.
But, used to the handling, braking, etc. of modern cars, with better A/C and safety we think that to risk both the passengers, and the classic vintage, makes no sense to us.

It gives great pleasure to own a pice of history and to use or wear it from time to time, but newly made and brand new technology, can be beaten for a hard everyday use.

You can´t go wrong with an LV SUb I guess. Hope you can find the Rolex that suits you best.

Very cordially, Abel



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[mike]

Originally Posted by Subexplorer

Hola Steve (NIcko)
As an owner of both vintage and modern made Rolex Subs, I can well understand your thought.
As Mike very well said, there is a niche for every one of these types, but budget makes us to decide sometimes between one or another, if not possible to have both.

I hate to risk my vintage 5508, 1680 or 5513, and prefer to use my 14060m for everyday use and scuba diving. Feel safer this way.

Your comparisson with vintage cars makes sense to me too.
My son wished to use our restored 1966 Mustang for everyday riding.
But, used to the handling, braking, etc. of modern cars, with better A/C and safety we think that to risk both the passengers, and the classic vintage, makes no sense to us.

It gives great pleasure to own a pice of history and to use or wear it from time to time, but newly made and brand new technology, can be beaten for a hard everyday use.

You can´t go wrong with an LV SUb I guess. Hope you can find the Rolex that suits you best.

Very cordially, Abel



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Whew!! NICE CAR!! (oh yeah, the watch ain't bad either).

[Hooper]

Vintage is not my thing either, but live and learn ! Good Luck

[ersnyder]

Totally understand your position Steve and the car analogy fit perfectly. I have an Exp II that was my first Rolex and it's "vintage" (tritium, '87) but I've had it all along. I'm certain what's in it and I'm certain when/where it's been serviced and who did the service. My others have all been new. But, there is still an appeal to me by the red Subs!

[tgoose1]

Your pride of ownership will not be diminished but rather enhanced by purchasing a new LV. If you haven't already, go to your local AD, try on a new LV and compare to your current vintage watch. I trust you will feel very happy and secure about this decision after doing that. Best to you!

[Nicko]

Originally Posted by tgoose1

Your pride of ownership will not be diminished but rather enhanced by purchasing a new LV. If you haven't already, go to your local AD, try on a new LV and compare to your current vintage watch. I trust you will feel very happy and secure about this decision after doing that. Best to you!

I have, that's part of the reason as well....Like I said, shoulda never got rid of the 16610..

[tgoose1]

Word of caution since you are also considering a SD/4000. This watch has a totally different feel compared to a 16610, you wouldn't think so but it does. I am very familiar with both and can tell you the Submariner 16610 is more comfortable as a primary everyday wear. Compare both side by side carefully before you choose. Later.

[TheDude]

I have found that compared to contemporary, owning Vintage can bring more intense pride and happiness, but also lower lows and increased worry as well. It's certainly not as simple as owning a contemporary model.

I'm sure every Vintage owner has thought of casting it all aside at least once. I hope you hang in there or at least return to Vintage someday.