Reccs on Vintage Rolex as a Gift, Please.

[GoneWiththePups]

First of all, thanks to everyone who contributes to this forum! It's been incredibly helpful!

I was married in Oct. 1989. This year I will celebrate my 25th wedding anniversary and I want to surprise my husband with a 1989 Rolex. Neither of us are collectors, so it's not like we/he's had his eye on a particular model. To surprise him, I'll have to make the selection all on my own.

If you had to buy only one men's watch as a gift (as I've described above) in the $3k-$6k range, what model would you search for/get? What model would you stay away from? Why?

I have a lot of time to research but hearing from experts would be a great jump start!

Thanks!

[Beaumont Miller II]

I would go for the Rolex Submariner 16610 for the following reasons:

You are looking for a watch from 1989, and I believe the 16610 was introduced in or around this year.

The 16610 is one of the most iconic and recognizable Rolex watches ever produced.

With the sapphire crystal and date function, it is also one of the most versatile.

The price you have budgeted for the gift would be able to buy a beautiful example. With plenty of examples around you can afford to be choosy and take your time. I let a pristine example go a month ago that would have left you with money in your pocket.

These watches with proper care should provide decades of service.

The 16610 remained virtually unchanged during its production run, the exception being "a no lug hole case". Which means even though its a used watch, you don't feel like it is out of style.

I can't think of anything off the top of my head that Rolex made in 1989 that I would tell you to avoid. However, I would stay away from dealers that try to sell you a watch beyond what you have budgeted. Even a beautiful 18k head only Day Date on a croc strap can be purchased for your husband at that price.

Happy Anniversary to both of you.

[nsumner]

Originally Posted by Beaumont Miller II

I would go for the Rolex Submariner 16610 for the following reasons:

You are looking for a watch from 1989, and I believe the 16610 was introduced in or around this year.

The 16610 is one of the most iconic and recognizable Rolex watches ever produced.

With the sapphire crystal and date function, it is also one of the most versatile.

The price you have budgeted for the gift would be able to buy a beautiful example. With plenty of examples around you can afford to be choosy and take your time. I let a pristine example go a month ago that would have left you with money in your pocket.

These watches with proper care should provide decades of service.

The 16610 remained virtually unchanged during its production run, the exception being "a no lug hole case". Which means even though its a used watch, you don't feel like it is out of style.

I can't think of anything off the top of my head that Rolex made in 1989 that I would tell you to avoid. However, I would stay away from dealers that try to sell you a watch beyond what you have budgeted. Even a beautiful 18k head only Day Date on a croc strap can be purchased for your husband at that price.

Happy Anniversary to both of you.

Well said John, I agree.

Depending on your husbands style, I'd also look at a 16710 GMT Master.
It would tick all the same boxes as the Submariner but be not quite as ordinary.

Happy anniversary. Sounds like your husband's a lucky man.

[datejust24]

If you weren't looking for a piece from '89 I would without a doubt go for a matte dial 5513...BUT John raised some very good points...good luck on your search and take your time with it...and oh yea, congrats on your 25th coming up...and heres to 25 more.

[Tudor Guy]

1989 was also the heyday of the two tone datejust, which is a timeless classic if you think he is more of a dress watch less sport watch kind of a guy.

[Tools]

I would consider what my spouse's interests are and where he would be wearing a Rolex most of the time..

No point in spending that kind of money on something that he may not like..

[anilzat]

Originally Posted by Tools

I would consider what my spouse's interests are and where he would be wearing a Rolex most of the time..

No point in spending that kind of money on something that he may not like..

If I had a wife give me a Rolex, any Rolex I'd be so grateful that she would do that for me.

[springer]

I would recommend the Rolex GMT-Master II, model 16710 for several reasons:

If you are looking for a watch from 1989, the 16710 is a classic sports model Rolex, was introduced close to 1989 and is now discontinued.

The GMT-Master II has a long history with Rolex dating back to the 1950's and is easily recognizable by the multi-colored bezel inserts available for this model. Besides the red/black insert pictured below, they were also available in red/blue and solid black.

The GMT-Master II has a multiple time zone feature, a rotating bezel and is water tight to 100 feet in its oyster case.

Prices for nice, complete sets of the 16710 GMT-Master are well within your budget.

Good luck with your decision and have a happy anniversary!

[GoneWiththePups]

Thank you Beaumont Miller II! This is so helpful. I so appreciate you insight and the starting point. I'm looking forward to the "journey of the search." With 9 months, I've got plenty of time to research and find the right one.

[GoneWiththePups]

Thank you nsummer! That's wonderful insight. I don't know how long I would have had to research to uncover that nugget.

[GoneWiththePups]

Thank you datejust24! I actually planned to get him a new watch with a much bigger budget. The more typical, "We've had 25 wonderful years and here's a really nice watch to commemorate that." But, I when I thought about a vintage watch from 1989, the watch shifted from being a really nice gift to something with a real sentimental connection. Kind of where time for us began. nonetheless, I appreciate your input.

[Vincent65]

Agree re the above; Sub or GMT. Funny name, BTW - I reckon he'd be happy with a return of the pups! Happy Anniversary!

[GoneWiththePups]

That's what I'm thinking, Anilzat!

Originally Posted by anilzat

If I had a wife give me a Rolex, any Rolex I'd be so grateful that she would do that for me.

[GoneWiththePups]

I actually love the 2-tone. Didn't know '89 was the heyday. He's a mix of dress and sport. Thank you Tudor Guy!

Originally Posted by Tudor Guy

1989 was also the heyday of the two tone datejust, which is a timeless classic if you think he is more of a dress watch less sport watch kind of a guy.

[GoneWiththePups]

Hahaha!

Originally Posted by Vincent65

Agree re the above; Sub or GMT. Funny name, BTW - I reckon he'd be happy with a return of the pups! Happy Anniversary!

[GoneWiththePups]

Great information here, Springer! Thank you for this.

Originally Posted by springer

I would recommend the Rolex GMT-Master II, model 16710 for several reasons:

If you are looking for a watch from 1989, the 16710 is a classic sports model Rolex, was introduced close to 1989 and is now discontinued.

The GMT-Master II has a long history with Rolex dating back to the 1950's and is easily recognizable by the multi-colored bezel inserts available for this model. Besides the red/black insert pictured below, they were also available in red/blue and solid black.

The GMT-Master II has a multiple time zone feature, a rotating bezel and is water tight to 100 feet in its oyster case.

Prices for nice, complete sets of the 16710 GMT-Master are well within your budget.

Good luck with your decision and have a happy anniversary!

[sishac]

What a nice gesture!!! I think you've gotten some great info, and personally would go with the GMT because I think it is a bit more unique, especially with three bezel insert options! But be 100% clear that he will love anything you get him. The one thing I would point out is that the Sub and GMT are 40mm compares to the DateJusts 36mm....depending on his wrist size and watch preference, he may feel that it is too "dainty" on his wrist.


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[cptsdr]

If he happens to be a "DAWG" fan, the red and black GMT is a great choice.

[GoneWiththePups]

Thanks for pointing out the scale issue, Sishac.

Originally Posted by sishac

What a nice gesture!!! I think you've gotten some great info, and personally would go with the GMT because I think it is a bit more unique, especially with three bezel insert options! But be 100% clear that he will love anything you get him. The one thing I would point out is that the Sub and GMT are 40mm compares to the DateJusts 36mm....depending on his wrist size and watch preference, he may feel that it is too "dainty" on his wrist.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[GoneWiththePups]

He's an LSU Tiger fan. Probably not a purple and gold option out there.

Originally Posted by cptsdr

If he happens to be a "DAWG" fan, the red and black GMT is a great choice.

[nsumner]

Originally Posted by GoneWiththePups

He's an LSU Tiger fan. Probably not a purple and gold option out there.

My wife's uncle played for the LSU Tigers in one of the bowls (cotton I think) and was awarded a Datejust with the bowl name on the dial. Too bad he won't sell it.

[GoneWiththePups]

Wow! That's sooo cool! Just curious, does Rolex do that for all the bowl games?

Originally Posted by nsumner

My wife's uncle played for the LSU Tigers in one of the bowls (cotton I think) and was awarded a Datejust with the bowl name on the dial. Too bad he won't sell it.

[nsumner]

Originally Posted by GoneWiththePups

Wow! That's sooo cool! Just curious, does Rolex do that for all the bowl games?

No, not that I'm aware of. This was a long time ago, he's in his 70's. He also has an Omega from a different bowl game.

[DCheeta]

What a great idea! You've been given great advice, all I want to add is this - keep us posted, let us know what you decide. We'll all be looking forward to finding out, and seeing pics of course!

[Ignorant1]

WOW - lucky devil

But, since you say it's your 25th anniversary, i.e. "Silver" -
I'd check out something like this beauty - - -
a 16610 with a Serti dial . . . . .



and, if he doesn't like it -
I think it's absolutely marvelous (hint, hint)

[rovelty 48]

Your husband is very lucky

[GoneWiththePups]

Thank you, I will DCheeta.

Originally Posted by DCheeta

What a great idea! You've been given great advice, all I want to add is this - keep us posted, let us know what you decide. We'll all be looking forward to finding out, and seeing pics of course!

[GoneWiththePups]

Awwww shucks...

Originally Posted by rovelty 48

Your husband is very lucky

[GoneWiththePups]

Yes, i had thought of the "only sliver" metal option to go with the 25th theme. Funny hint!

Originally Posted by Ignorant1

WOW - lucky devil

But, since you say it's your 25th anniversary, i.e. "Silver" -
I'd check out something like this beauty - - -
a 16610 with a Serti dial . . . . .



and, if he doesn't like it -
I think it's absolutely marvelous (hint, hint)

[GoneWiththePups]

Ooooo...I just looked up the Serti dial (had no idea what it is) and I LOVE it! Very nice detail. Thanks for suggesting that!

--------------

Yes, i had thought of the "only sliver" metal option to go with the 25th theme. Funny hint!

Originally Posted by Ignorant1

WOW - lucky devil

But, since you say it's your 25th anniversary, i.e. "Silver" -
I'd check out something like this beauty - - -
a 16610 with a Serti dial . . . . .



and, if he doesn't like it -
I think it's absolutely marvelous (hint, hint)