Newbie Advice

[cpefy3]

Hello TRF!! I am, as they would say on talk radio a "long time listener, first time caller." I need a little advice as I will be hopefully purchasing my first Rolex/Tudor watch in the coming weeks. I am looking for a watch to wear to my wedding as my current daily wearer is a sports style dive watch (Oris Aquis 40mm black) and I do not think it would look the part. As such, I would probably like to stay away (currently) from sports watches and have something that can go from a tuxedo to jeans and a t-shirt. My budget is $2200 (although could probably go up to $2500) which I know is very low for timepieces of this caliber; but between planning/paying for a wedding and trying to save for a down payment on a house, my budget has to remain on point.
I was entertaining the idea of either an older pre-owned Rolex Datejust (hopefully with a fluted bezel) or a Tudor Prince Oysterdate (however I am open to other ideas). I understand the differences between the two; however I am looking for the opinions of the members here. I think I would like to have a metal bracelet, although if I can get a great watch on a leather bracelet and save up down the road for an oyster or jubilee bracelet I am willing to do that too.
I have been reviewing the listings on here for preowned watches and I am seeing very few that are in my price range; as such I have been mainly looking at Chrono24.com. Should I be looking elsewhere?
Thanks again for the advice, it is truly appreciated!!
cpefy3

[kilyung]

Start with a head only model like an old 1601. Should be readily available for your budget. Wear it with strap to dress it up or NATO for a more casual look. Congrats on the wedding and welcome to TRF.

[rmlovett1]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Start with a head only model like an old 1601. Should be readily available for your budget. Wear it with strap to dress it up or NATO for a more casual look. Congrats on the wedding and welcome to TRF.

X2 ...Great advice⬆️....congrats in advance!

[Maiden]

I would suggest a pre owned dj, I picked up this 1980 16014 for just under 3k CAN$ which should be within your budget. Good luck and post pics when you are done!

[OmegaJJH]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Start with a head only model like an old 1601. Should be readily available for your budget. Wear it with strap to dress it up or NATO for a more casual look. Congrats on the wedding and welcome to TRF.

I think this advice is right on the money from a very experienced member of our community

[Daytona88]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Start with a head only model like an old 1601. Should be readily available for your budget. Wear it with strap to dress it up or NATO for a more casual look. Congrats on the wedding and welcome to TRF.

Agreed. I have looked at them myself as well. Depending on your age, you may even be able to get one from your birth year...Becker Time sells a ton of 1601s.

[77T]

In your search, be most careful that the watch has been serviced recently - say within past year or two. Else, your budget will get a hit when it's routine service comes around.

As for the watch - you are in older model DJ territory with your budget. Mike's suggestion is what I'd do - find a head only deal and use a strap for dress/office wear.

Now as to seller - you know the drill if you're a long time listener...
Buy the seller first, but have the watch verified upon arrival. Trust, but verify.

[Ckci]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Start with a head only model like an old 1601. Should be readily available for your budget. Wear it with strap to dress it up or NATO for a more casual look. Congrats on the wedding and welcome to TRF.

Perfect answer from a guy who knows his stuff!

[Ckci]

Originally Posted by nresetar

I would suggest a pre owned dj, I picked up this 1980 16014 for just under 3k CAN$ which should be within your budget. Good luck and post pics when you are done!

Gorgeous, who wouldn't be happy with this? It looks Great!

Russell

[cpefy3]

Thanks for all the great responses so early in the morning!! Besides Becker Time and the classifieds on here, are there other sites I should specifically be looking at that usually have older Datejusts?
I liked the idea of my birth year (1984) watch, thanks for this suggestion Daytona88!!

[OmegaJJH]

Originally Posted by cpefy3

Thanks for all the great responses so early in the morning!!

What?

It's nearly 2pm 😂

[douglasf13]

I would look at the new Tudor Black Bay 36, if it's available in time.

[locutus49]

I concur with SS Datejust. PM a trusted TRF dealer with your request and see if he can help you.

[stil]

Originally Posted by nresetar

I would suggest a pre owned dj, I picked up this 1980 16014 for just under 3k CAN$ which should be within your budget. Good luck and post pics when you are done!

Curious about the crown on this example. Can anyone educate me? Did the older 16014s have an oversized crown?

[iliketime]

keep saving a bit more?

[watchwatcher]

Originally Posted by iliketime

keep saving a bit more?

Yeah...I'm going to dissent from the majority and agree with this post. You've got an awfully lot on your plate right now with the wedding and new home...the budget you've set forth is going to be awfully limiting when you're looking into watches of this caliber.

I would suggest getting through this period, and then when your budget frees up a little more, looking into a luxury watch. My two cents. Oh, and congrats on the wedding!