What drives your passion to collect?

[adt]

Hey everyone-

I'm not sure if this has been posted in the past, so my apologies if it has.

I was wondering what drives you collectors to seek the vintage models that you do? I know everyone buys what they like but after awhile is there more to it?

If you love comex - what is it about comex do you love that allows you to pay such a huge premium for them? Rarity? If you love the milsubs - why? Genuine military tools? Daytona - is it a love for automobiles that is a factor? Paul Newman is your hero? How about Milgauss? GMT? Aviation enthusiasts?

Personally I love the DRSD. Something about it grabs me. I'd rather have 2 cheaper DRSD versus a Milsub. But that's me. I love the heft of the DRSD, the fact that it was created for professional use, the presence on the wrist, the date feature with a clean crystal and no cyclops. Obviously, a Mk3 or Mk4 is much cheaper than a Milsub, comex or BC. If they were all the same price, that's a different story.

I know everyone has their preferences so what exactly drives your passion and desire to collect the models you do? I know Ken collects many models, all MINT, but yet to see a GMT in the line-up.

Sorry if this post does not address the enthusiast that just love simple vintage watches. I'm wondering the opinions of those that have ventured further and willing to spend larger percentage of their disposable income on this passion.

Sorry for the length...hoping to hear as many opinions as possible to get to know this community

[hennabav]

For me, its chasing after the things you can't have...it's what drives me. Also, owning a piece of Rolex heritage or icon!!

[KarlFr]

I simply just like to buy a Rolex steel matte dialed plexi sports model whenever a clean one smiles back at me

[rolexpawn]

Being crazy over Rolex, and a strong marriage.

[mike]

I think for me it's the history and heritage of the brand. Few brands have been so much a part of the "Pioneer sprit"/ Military background that marks the brand.

Well,..that and the fact I bought some of the new.

[Racer X]

I just wanna impress the babes.

[Michael M.]

Originally Posted by Racer X

I just wanna impress the babes.

[RLXSTR]

History. I collect because of the history behind a particular Rolex or another ofbrand watch. Makes it a conversation piece more than a timepiece.

[HL65]

For me it is definitely the history and heritage of Rolex! There is something about seeing a perfectly preserved piece of history that still works as good as it did day one! To see the gloss of a gilt dial-- the chocolatey color of a tropical- the beauty of an exotic PN dial- the provenance of a Milsub and Comex- etc etc. I could go on for hours but don't worry I won't! As for GMT- you are correct as I don't own one. I did and am not opposed to owning one again. I have been waiting and searching for a perfect mint 6542 Bakelite for a long while. When I find the one I want I will likely get it- then you will see a GMT in my lineup as long as a mint 6200 doesn't show up first! Great to have a place to share our passion- a great bond to have that ties people together all around the world- how amazing is that!! Cheers all!

[SkyClown]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan65

For me it is definitely the history and heritage of Rolex! There is something about seeing a perfectly preserved piece of history that still works as good as it did day one! To see the gloss of a gilt dial-- the chocolatey color of a tropical- the beauty of an exotic PN dial- the provenance of a Milsub and Comex- etc etc. I could go on for hours but don't worry I won't! As for GMT- you are correct as I don't own one. I did and am not opposed to owning one again. I have been waiting and searching for a perfect mint 6542 Bakelite for a long while. When I find the one I want I will likely get it- then you will see a GMT in my lineup as long as a mint 6200 doesn't show up first! Great to have a place to share our passion- a great bond to have that ties people together all around the world- how amazing is that!! Cheers all!

Well said!!!

[cruvon]

For me I guess is more a case of an appreciation of history and human evolution ala industrialisation that brings out my passion for all things vintage. I never owned a Rolex before or was never a great fan of collecting watches, do have a decent little coin collection though and have had my trusty Swatch chrono for 10 years which along with my iphone did all my timekeeping, till I chanced upon this vintage section while looking for a modern DSSD and ended up buying a 1680 birth year red sub instead.
Think pro vintage writeups in this vintage forum coupled with Rolex's stellar history with their hey day collections and it's spirit of challenging the extremes whether it meant conquering the ocean depths or the highest peaks intertwined with human achievements this century, is what got me hooked.

[bluemartinifan]

This is a timely thread for me - as I am hunting a 5513 now. Of course I am drawn to the Rolex brand, it's history and iconic status - but you can get those traits with a modern Rolex...

I am drawn to yesteryear. I view a 45 year old sub as similar to an antique oil painting by a named artist. The original piece was made 45+ years ago and is relevant today. Both "works of art" are hard to find and appreciated by a select audience of collectors.

One thing I am learning about buying a vintage piece - it is much harder than buying modern - maybe that is for another thread...

[YetiBiker]

Originally Posted by Racer X

I just wanna impress the babes.

If it were only that easy!!

[Frogman4me]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan65

For me it is definitely the history and heritage of Rolex! There is something about seeing a perfectly preserved piece of history that still works as good as it did day one! To see the gloss of a gilt dial-- the chocolatey color of a tropical- the beauty of an exotic PN dial- the provenance of a Milsub and Comex- etc etc. I could go on for hours but don't worry I won't! As for GMT- you are correct as I don't own one. I did and am not opposed to owning one again. I have been waiting and searching for a perfect mint 6542 Bakelite for a long while. When I find the one I want I will likely get it- then you will see a GMT in my lineup as long as a mint 6200 doesn't show up first! Great to have a place to share our passion- a great bond to have that ties people together all around the world- how amazing is that!! Cheers all!

+1

[adt]

has anyone here fallen in love with vintage only to fall out of love with them?

for me, the chart has been upwards all the way. something like a bullmarket where my interest and collection is at an all time high.

is it the same for you?

or are there come of you that have cone shaped charts - interest peaked in the past but has come down significantly - maybe sold many of your collection to settle with just one or two?

or a plateau chart - where interest peaked in the past and now its a steady horizontal line...

i'd be interested to know.

has anyone dumped vintage and gone back full swing into modern?

[onkyo]

Mental illness... (what my other half says)

[adt]

Yes, the 6542 is one I am after as well. To find one is mint condition is no easy task. Are you only after a complete set? Did you see the one with Eric Ku? Quite nice, is that one not pristine enough?

Originally Posted by SteelerFan65

For me it is definitely the history and heritage of Rolex! There is something about seeing a perfectly preserved piece of history that still works as good as it did day one! To see the gloss of a gilt dial-- the chocolatey color of a tropical- the beauty of an exotic PN dial- the provenance of a Milsub and Comex- etc etc. I could go on for hours but don't worry I won't! As for GMT- you are correct as I don't own one. I did and am not opposed to owning one again. I have been waiting and searching for a perfect mint 6542 Bakelite for a long while. When I find the one I want I will likely get it- then you will see a GMT in my lineup as long as a mint 6200 doesn't show up first! Great to have a place to share our passion- a great bond to have that ties people together all around the world- how amazing is that!! Cheers all!

[DiamondJack]

For me there is clearly the heritage and iconic status of the watches we collect. I also like the historical aspect and the fact they have survived for so long in tact, are still working perfectly and still providing enjoyment all these years later.

I often wonder about who owned them in the past and always think it's a pity there isn't some sort of log book to register past owners like with cars. That's one of the reasons I go for box and papers wherever I can to see who originally owned them and from where.

But for some reason, I have always had an interest and attraction to historic things. For example, my London home was built in 1850. I also have a classic sports car (TR6) from the 70's or should I say "money pit on wheels". Probably something inherited from my grandfather who collected antique clocks and my mother who collected various antiques and paintings. So something I grew up with. Just wish I had decided to collect watches much earlier !!!!

But there again, I also like to collect modern watches and would profess to others that this is because of the design and quality.....but, quite probably, in reality it's more of a psychological status thing .... who knows???

I think guys just like to collect stuff..... whether it be football programs, stamps, coins, art, whatever..... I remember talking to an educational psychologist and he said that this is a definite trait seen in boys at a very early age. This is used to get them to focus and, for example, read books. If there is a set of say 5 Harry Potter books, the boys are more likely to read the whole set rather than if there is just a one-off book.

Wrist watches were first introduced for women and it wasn't until the first world war that men starting making modifications to pocket watches to wear them on their wrist. And yet I would estimate that perhaps 90%+ of all watch collectors are men.

[oldbronco]

[IMG][/IMG]
history, style, quality, mystique, + my ocd.

[youngr]

Nice collection

[Justjosh]

Originally Posted by onkyo

Mental illness... (what my other half says)

Yeah that's where I'm at as well.

[KarlFr]

Originally Posted by Racer X

I just wanna impress the babes.

[cruvon]

Originally Posted by DiamondJack

:

I think guys just like to collect stuff..... whether it be football programs, stamps, coins, art, whatever..... I remember talking to an educational psychologist and he said that this is a definite trait seen in boys at a very early age. This is used to get them to focus and, for example, read books. If there is a set of say 5 Harry Potter books, the boys are more likely to read the whole set rather than if there is just a one-off book.
:

Spot on on that men love to collect. My wife's been desperately trying to get rid of all my vintage jeans and am not letting her;)

[HL65]

Guys are hunters--collecting stirs the blood!! Or as Pav said above--Mental illness!!

[Goiguidoc]

1) Combination of passion and a good investment
2) Quality and robustness: Rolex sport watches age particularly well over the years
3) History and heritage: Comex, Milsubs,...but also Paul Newman, Steve Mcqueen, Clint Eastwood...