Help! Buying pre-owned gift for DH.

[magda]

I admit, I know very little and am just learning, but it's my husband's 60th birthday and I've been saving for this for a while. It's a lot of money for us so I'm a bit nervous and could really do with advice from people more in-the-know!
So, I'm down to 2 watches, virtually identical but different prices and years. Both are from reputable sellers on ebay. Or, at least, top sellers with good reviews!!
There's datejust 16220 with original box and original warranty document from 1989 in "very good" conditio with no visible scratches at US$3,000 and a 1 yr warranty.
And a datejust 16200 with original box (no original warranty document) from 2004 in "pristine" condition at US$3,550 and a 3 year warranty.
Which would you go for?
I'm not fussed about the one bezel or the ither but Much as it's a lot of money, I'm thinking I can get a much newer watch for 'only' $550 more. But then a friend said, with Rolexes, the older the better. But wouldn't that only apply to a vintage watch? 1989 is hardly vintage but not new either.
What should I do?? I don't know enough to know whether $550 is worth it or if 1989 is just fine.
I guess it worried me when the 1989 seller said - when I asked him - there were no scratches but "please understand, you are buying a 22 year old watch. It is not new." Why would he say that? If it has no scratches or wear then it's new looking, no??
Sorry for rambling.
Any help is deeply appreciated.
m

[cruvon]

Welcome and am sure your husband will appreciate the gift. As for vintage watches, true if they are older then they might not be perfect so unless your husband really loves vintage, I would recommend you buy him the newer one for 550 extra. Vintage is an acquired taste and one has to be comfortable with that before buying one, much like the preference for a vintage or modern car. Also the sports model Rolexes are the ones that are currently more in demand on the vintage scene though the Datejusts are a good watch too. If going the vintage route I would recommend getting him a Submariner. Either way let us know what you decide, all the best.

[magda]

Thanks cruvon. So you're saying the '89 is in fact vintage?? I didn't really think it was.
Sigh... now I have one vote for the '89 and one for the '03/'04!!
Anyone else care to throw in their 2 cents??

[drtooth73]

price is ok, not really cheap.
you can get those on internet anytime:
http://www.goldwatchco.com/Browse/Pr...lture=US&track

[cruvon]

Originally Posted by magda

Thanks cruvon. So you're saying the '89 is in fact vintage?? I didn't really think it was.
Sigh... now I have one vote for the '89 and one for the '03/'04!!
Anyone else care to throw in their 2 cents??

well, it's getting towards vintage and some might even consider it as vintage because is a discontinued reference number but as I said Datejusts are not as hotly collectible as are the sports lineups.

If I were you I would either get the newer Datejust or the other option would be a Submariner or Seadweller(either a vintage one or a newer one depending on your tastes/budget and if future value/appreciation and easy liquidity is a concern). Note that if you go the vintage route or buy with a view to future appreciation, it is a minefield in itself and a watch that has unoriginal parts like service replacements/dials/hands etc. would severely affect it's vintage value. So make sure you post detailed watch pictures in the vintage section and take advice from the knowledgeable forumers there before you buy.

Here's the link to the vintage section
http://www.rolexforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=32

[magda]

Thank you. I don't think I want vintage. And unfortunately, I can't afford a newer submariner so I had better stay with a newer datejust.
Drtooth, is the link you posted a good option other than eBay?
Can anyone else offer good options besides eBay?
I'm afraid I may have trouble buying anything on eBay if/when I reneg on the 1989 one! I have never bought anything online before and didn't realise that if you make an offer and win the item, you are then committed to paying for it.

[cruvon]

Cheers, the "For Sale" section here is a great place to start too,
http://www.rolexforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=9
,am sure Drtooth will update on that other link.
Also take into account that a watch with complete Boxes and Papers would cost more than a watch with none so you will have to decide if you really need the documentation.