The Vintage Look

[Richard Pryor]

I know the whole point of vintage is to have a watch that has never been restored, but in good condition. I'm wondering about a few things that could be done to a watch and what it does to its value:

1. Original Bracelet vs. Brand New Bracelet

Oyster bracelets stretch, and a 1970's watch, even if cared for super well, will have a bracelet full of dings, and is gonna be stretched. Bracelets gather all the sweat from the wrist.

Does it take away a lot of value to have a brand new 78360 instead of a 78360 from the 1970's?

Is part of the 'vintage look' to have a bracelet that matches the watch in terms of age/looks/condition?

2. Bezel Insert

Bezel inserts fade with age, use, sun, salt water, etc. But you can find authentic NOS Rolex inserts from the 1970's.

What is more desirable? Is it a matter of choice? Personal preference? Does it influence the price of the watch?

3. Patina/lume color

I've read that the more a watch is exposed to the sun, the more whitish the lume will be. Others say vice versa (yellow).

Is this also a matter of personal preference? Does it influence the price of the watch? Is a well cared for vintage Rolex with yellow looking dial markers/hands/pearl worth more than the same watch, same conditions but with more whitish looking lume?

4. Crystal

All scratched original 1970's Tropic or a NOS Tropic?

Thanks for your time!

[Keeperoftime]

I think everything you mention is subject to the Buyer's preference. The amount of $ original vs replacement makes is a matter of interpretation as well.

-Buy what you like.

Whether one wants an all original 6542 or one that has RSC upgrades, is up to them. There is way too much emphasis IMHO. on so-called originality.


Welcome to TRF!

[Kingair]

Originally Posted by Keeperoftime

I think everything you mention is subject to the Buyer's preference. The amount of $ original vs replacement makes is a matter of interpretation as well.

-Buy what you like.

Whether one wants an all original 6542 or one that has RSC upgrades, is up to them. There is way too much emphasis IMHO. on so-called originality.


Welcome to TRF!

B I N G O !

HANW

[azguy]

I think in order of importance aside from case and movement, would be:

• Hands/Dial
  
• Bezel
  
• Bracelet
  
• Crystal

Crystals more than likely have already been changed out on a 30-40 year old watch, you can only polish the scratches out so many times. You can source anything with enough cash...

Personally, I could care less about bracelet originality, as all can be sourced. Plus, you have no real proof the one on the watch even came with it.

Bezels, people are VERY concerned about originality, especially when talking about patina'd pearls, proper fonts and decades of daily wear marks and fading.

In most case matching original hands and dials is where it's at...after case and movement of course...matching patina, like two books ends

All of the above, just my opinion

[RC2]

I second Azguy not only does he cheer for a great ball team I like his way of thinking. Dial hands case are very important. Bezel next for me and watch history is a big factor. Buy the seller not just the watch. Rich

[Fredrik]

A personal comment on the bezel insert condition:

If I had bought the watch new and it faded with time, I would not mind. But buying a used watch with a faded bezel is not for me. It feels like buying some sort of faded rock-consert T-shirt from the 70s that you never went too see.