To flip or keep the only modern Rolex in a collection?

[redfred]

I had the same dilemma when I got into the vintage scene, I had a GMTc and a Subc which I quite liked but after picking up a 1665 they were never worn and I found that I did'nt even like them, they were eventually part traded for more vintage and I have never given them a second thought.

[fusionstorm]

Beyond what has already been stated by everyone in this thread, one of the things I love about vintage is that I have something unique on my wrist that only a very small subset of Rolex owners would be wearing at that moment. Modern, especially sport models, are far more likely to be found "in the wild".

[Vincent65]

Sounds to me like a foregone conclusion...

[Cortezthekiller]

I started with vintage and wear all of them in a weekly rotation with suits and on weekends with jeans. My only new watch purchases were so I could go in the water, but couldn't justify paying over $1000. Otherwise I was robbing my next vintage purchase!

Since then, I picked up a few microbrands on Kickstarter for fun. This keeps my new purchase itch in check while I search for the next piece on my vintage want list. It is nice having a few watches you like to wear, but wouldn't really care if they were lost, stolen, flooded, or smashed.

[subtona]

For me, Must have a rolex in the collection, vintage or new they were all built with daily wear in mind.

[simongpaez]

If you are not feeling it anymore it might be time to let it go

[traf]

Maybe I'm the odd one out here, but I still have appreciation for the modern stuff independently of the vintage. I like each for different reasons, but I see room for both in a well rounded collection...

In your case, I'd say sell off the BLNR if you are disenchanted by it. You can readily buy another at any given time in the foreseeable future 👍


Sent from my  iPhone 6 using Tapatalk

[sishac]

From a Rolex standpoint, I have a 5512, 1680 and a 1675....I also own an Omega Speedmaster Professional and a vintage Seamaster 300.....when I wanted a watch that I could wear and really not be concerned about it, I bought a used Omega Seamaster Professional (blue Bond watch)...it is tough, it is low profile and I have zero issues wearing it in the water and "roughhousing" with it. I know that my other watches are all pretty tough watches, but I'd rather not "roughhouse" with them....but they are all daily drivers, so to speak...everyone goes in the rotation, and all but the 1675 live equal lives on a nato as well as their proper bracelets.

[traf]

Update on this?? 😇


Sent from my  iPhone 6 using Tapatalk

[JohnnyNoDate]

I went through the same cycle with a GMTc which I considered my "lifetime" watch at the time. I even bought from an AD...

I ended up selling it to cover costs for some vintage pieces. But at the end of the day, I came back to purchasing a SubC. I really needed a daily watch that was waterproof and could take a beating.

My idea is to keep a minimum modern collection (i.e.: 3 pieces) and grow the vintage collection over time.

[Netminder1]

I'm a 33/33/34 guy. My collection is a nice mix of vintage/neo-vintage/modern. Besides Rolex, I also collect IWCs. I love their tool watches including the nicest dress watch of all time the Jubilee Portuguese (IMHO). I will admit when I started collecting watches, I did miss the boat on Rolex. But I've been making up for it.

So all I can add to this discussion is: Think twice and then think again. While BNLRs are finding a market bottom, it is only a matter of time before they start to go up again. You can probably graph the cycle - introduction-->flippers-->collectors accumulate-->collectors/wearers get bored-->market bottoms--MSRP goes up-->secondary market goes up.

And of course, don't look back. You'll beat yourself up with regrets every time someone posts a beautiful pic of a watch you let go.

[omitohud]

I collect vintage but keep a few semi modern for travel, so when the chance come for me to say save someone drowning, I don't have to take off my thin case mark III drsd first.


I blame it on the autoconnect.

[superstarmar]

Sorry you feel that way!
Love my BLNR !!! It's my daily and probably will be
for a long time... Had previous sub 16613 and liked the
original size . I wasn't sure if I'd like the larger new version case.
But now that I have it , I don't think I can go back !!! The vintage
and previous models wear kinda small .. It's a toss up ...

[Frogman4me]

I had this dilemma many many years ago. Let just say I don't own a modern Rolex and I have no regrets. Vintage watches all the way ;)

[Charlie3755]

Originally Posted by Frogman4me

I had this dilemma many many years ago. Let just say I don't own a modern Rolex and I have no regrets. Vintage watches all the way ;)

X 2


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[mattedialdoc]

I just let my last modern go. My tastes changed as I learned more about the Rolex history, and the Vintage bug bit hard. I no longer find anything *special* in the 6 digit references. I think some of the 5 digit are OK.....but then why not go true vintage with matte and plexi! I purchase watches to wear....as watches...not as museum pieces. I find it interesting when folks show concern about hurting a tool watch. Wear and enjoy.
(....yeah, I need to change my screen name....again! 😬)

[dpa94114]

as I've bought more watches, my everlasting affection for 1802/3/7 has slipped a little to the ease that comes with 18038.

Getting the Day + Date right on the old DayDates can drive u crazy. especially February.

[Lordofrolex]

Personally i like to diversify my collection so a good mix is nice.

[cascarilla]

Thanks guys, I'm not crazy, I was beginning to think it was a rare animal

[L55HEM]

Definitely sounds like you are a vintage guy, I had a couple of vintage watches and some modern. Decided I preferred modern and then worried about selling the vintage ones, but ended up selling and personally didn't have any regrets, all down to personal taste. I would do what a couple of others have and trade it in and get another vintage for your collection.

[Boaters]

I love the vintage side of Rolex it is getting harder to get in with the prices rising as they are but they are beauties go with your heart and that sounds vintage to me.

[datejust24]

After owning all modern Rolex with the exception of a late '70's DJ I have sold all the modern for my one and only which is my 5512...it's hands down the most comfortable Rolex I've yet to own and don't plan on EVER letting it go ...get rid of the BLNR you won't regret it I promise

[bluemartinifan]

After years of flipping many vintage and modern watches of many brands, I am all vintage now for reasons already shared earlier in the thread. I don't need/want an $8,000 "beater" so my workout and swim watches are 70s and 80s Seiko divers.

[strafer_kid]

Been along this route myself. Have tried most of the modern Sport Rolex but have ended up moving them on because they just did not 'do it' for me - maybe they have moved too far in some aspects of their design from the earlier versions? Currently just have Sub 114060 and SD16600 that I would use as 'beaters' or in water, though I still rotate my vintage fairly regularly. No doubt there are pros and cons for both current and vintage - maybe the trick is to just mix both to the level makes you happy?