Buying first watch - Is this worth it!?

[woodcote93]

Hi! So I'm 20 and have decided Its time to invest in a watch which I can have for life and be the start of a collection etc.

I just need some 'experienced' advice on whether what I'm looking at is a good buy/investment and if the watch is a good example.

Its a Rolex Men's Datejust 1603 SS supposedly from 1974 And It's being offered at $2,500. its has an Oyster bracelet (doing a search I found only jubilee bracelets so this was a minor concern of mine).

would love to hear what everyone thinks of it :O!?

[Tools]

Nothing wrong with a Stainless Steel 1603 and the Oyster bracelet is not uncommon, although from 1945 to ~1957 it could only be had with a Jubilee.

If you are thinking of that watch, the last two photographs are of a completely different watch..

[Rags]

I would look here in the For Sale section before I would go anywhere else. There are a number of honest sellers that will help you find what you want.

[Fiery]

Originally Posted by Rags

I would look here in the For Sale section before I would go anywhere else. There are a number of honest sellers that will help you find what you want.

+1. Especially since, as Larry pointed out, those pictures are kinda fishy. They may be of 2 or 3 authentic Rolex watches, but they're not of a single watch. Huuuge red flag for me.

[jjnd08]

Originally Posted by Tools

Nothing wrong with a Stainless Steel 1603 and the Oyster bracelet is not uncommon, although from 1945 to ~1957 it could only be had with a Jubilee.

If you are thinking of that watch, the last two photographs are of a completely different watch..

Good catch.

I would avoid based on this.

[woodcote93]

thanks Guys, really appreciate the help. would have never noticed any of these things being so inexperienced in picking out the little things! I'm literally just looking for a watch which is nice but I don't feel i have to be careful wearing it - hence the steel instead of gold.

Also - How can you tell the two bottom photos are different!? I'd just love to know so i know for future reference???

[tedscott3]

Taking into consideration your age, and how it will be your first Rolex I would do whatever it took to get a modern piece.

[REDiesel]

I would think that you would be able to get a later model (80's) with quickset and sapphire crystal for that money.

[echau]

Originally Posted by tedscott3

Taking into consideration your age, and how it will be your first Rolex I would do whatever it took to get a modern piece.

agreed.

[The Joker]

Originally Posted by woodcote93

thanks Guys, really appreciate the help. would have never noticed any of these things being so inexperienced in picking out the little things! I'm literally just looking for a watch which is nice but I don't feel i have to be careful wearing it - hence the steel instead of gold.

Also - How can you tell the two bottom photos are different!? I'd just love to know so i know for future reference???

Jubilee bracelet on the one with the movement.
2nd pic, the bezel is different. Engine turned in the original pic, white gold in bottom pic.

[The Joker]

Originally Posted by tedscott3

Taking into consideration your age, and how it will be your first Rolex I would do whatever it took to get a modern piece.

Apart from rob a bank.

[The Joker]

Not sure you are gonna get a minty Rolex for that money.

What about a speedmaster professional as your first great watch?

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthrea...highlight=3570

[woodcote93]

And also, this watch I'm buying now is just simply for a 'runaround' watch, I'm getting a ballon bleu ultra thin (please don't hate! I know its a jewelry company first etc....) for my 21st later this year but I just wanted something simple and non flashy!

But thanks, I've now scrapped this watch and have increased the budget to $3,500 looking for something no older than 20 years. hopefully I find something better!

[dsangil87]

O suggest to increase your budget a little bit
Maybe $3500-$4k if u can. U can buy a decent
And newer rolex for that price. Datejust, expy 1 36mm,
Expy 2. And if possible to buy with papers too.
Its a better investment for you in the future.

[rmfnla]

Originally Posted by woodcote93

thanks Guys, really appreciate the help. would have never noticed any of these things being so inexperienced in picking out the little things! I'm literally just looking for a watch which is nice but I don't feel i have to be careful wearing it - hence the steel instead of gold.

Also - How can you tell the two bottom photos are different!? I'd just love to know so i know for future reference???

Welcome to TRF!

The 1603 came with the 1575 movement; the 1570 pictured above does not have a date.

Anyplace that is so casual about the photos they provide of an item they are selling cannot be trusted to be completely truthful about what they tell you.

I also think that is too much $$ for that model; I'd go elsewhere.

BTW, congrats on being smart enough to do your diligence before buying; it's astounding how many newbies buy first and then start asking questions...

[landroverking]

The price is right but is the watch. 2500 to 3500 is about what DJs seem to be trading for.
Look here in the for sale section. Price shop eBay and some of the grey market dealers to get an idea of prices. IMO eBay is always high.

[Explorador]

Welcome to TRF!

Whatever comes later, THIS is the very beginning, a personal milestone in your life.
Since you live in the US, I suggest you consider a trusted seller here at TRF. What would improve the coolnes factor is getting a nice timepiece from your birthyear.
Ah, and check the seller well before buying! Buy the seller.

Enjoy the hunt

[rmfnla]

Originally Posted by landroverking

The price is right but is the watch. 2500 to 3500 is about what DJs seem to be trading for.
Look here in the for sale section. Price shop eBay and some of the grey market dealers to get an idea of prices. IMO eBay is always high.

Depends on the model; that kind of money is OK for a 16013 or even a but a bit too much for a 1603, at least in my experience...

[beshannon]

Watches are not an investment.

Buy the watch you want to wear and you like, good luck.