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Hulatime · 14 June 2011, 02:43 PM

I'm slowly coming to the realization that I may actually prefer to wear old (and older) Rolex watches. Obviously, the latest models offer some fantastic enhancements and I know I'm preaching to the choir when I say "there's just something about the way a vintage piece feels on the wrist." So I'd like to hear some suggestions about what watches I should start looking for.

I recently acquired a 1981 RootBeer (16753) and really love it. Was told it has the original dial, hands, bracelet and acrylic crystal but the bezel was replaced during service in 2010. Anyway, I'm loving this "old school" style.

So my question is what should I consider next? My current watches are mainly sports models and I am really loving the Comex watches. But I'm open to suggestions, recommendations and thoughts. Also, what might offer the "biggest bang for the buck" right now?

As always, thanks for your expertise and advise.

cruvon · 14 June 2011, 02:56 PM

I guess a 1680 Mk1 red sub or later or a 1665 double red sea dweller mk1 or later "Full set" depending on how much you want to spend. Comex is great if you get a genuine Full set but think the real deal Comexes are above 100k. a few forumers here have them so they the best bet for information on current Comex prices.

Hulatime · 14 June 2011, 03:09 PM

My thought regarding budget is with the cost of new Rolexes getting so high, I can forego a couple of those and put it towards a nice vintage example. And as much as I love the Comex, $100K would not happen

. Maybe that leaves me with your suggestions which are both gorgeous watches...

cruvon · 14 June 2011, 03:33 PM

True, better than speculating that the current Rolex lineups would turn vintage is better to buy vintage:).

Edit: Here's 2 links to start off with

http://rolex.watchprosite.com/show-f...ti-649211/s-0/

http://doubleredseadweller.com/

HL65 · 14 June 2011, 08:04 PM

In vintage collecting rather than predict what will be go with what is and focus on:
What you like and want to wear--what is in best condition and original configuration--buying from the very best sellers and not taking chances. Everyone can have an opinion on what they think will be--but for me the reality of what actually is works best in my book--just a thought.

LI Matt · 14 June 2011, 09:21 PM

In terms of "bang for the buck", there's:

-- the hand-winds, the 6400 and 6600 series

-- the OP Dates, the 1500/15000 series

-- the Air Kings

After that would be vintage DJs, which can be easily had for ~$2000.

One word of warning about vintage dress Rolexes -- everything I've listed here is in the 34-36mm range. If that's too small for you....

Racer X · 14 June 2011, 09:46 PM

I agree with Ken. Take your time (!), become familiar with the different vintage references, learn what to look for and what the pitfalls are, and THEN buy what you like in the best condition you can afford. When you do buy, ONLY buy from a highly trusted seller, even if it means paying up a bit.

Frogman4me · 14 June 2011, 11:21 PM

Check out the various Vintage Subs, there are so many in so many price ranges I have to believe there is one for you. Good luck and take Ken's advice, buy the best example and get it from a reputable seller!

mike · 15 June 2011, 12:17 AM

Ken is spot on as usual.

The perfect vintage watch (or collection) reflects the desire of the owner.

dddrees · 15 June 2011, 12:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike

Ken is spot on as usual.

The perfect vintage watch (or collection) reflects the desire of the owner.

X2

Another vote for Ken.

Jagatai · 15 June 2011, 01:02 AM

>>The perfect vintage watch (or collection) reflects the desire of the owner

Yes! Figure out what you like and why you like them. Ask yourself: do you want to wear them every day? Or once in a while? Or never?

Read, consult, check the market place, buy books, go out and handle the watches.

And most importantly: BUY THE SELLER!

KarlFr · 15 June 2011, 08:01 AM

I like the Mondani books http://store.collezionareorologi.it/index.php?lang=en
to read up different models and variations
Personally I like to stay away from anything relumed, redialed, parts mixed/replaced and unknown sellers
What to buy? The watch that smiles back to you and you want to pass down to your kids

destrow · 15 June 2011, 08:57 AM

buy as many as you can. feed the sickness!

TimeToGo · 15 June 2011, 09:16 AM

Depends on your budget also? Have you considered a birth year model?

14 June 2011, 02:43 PM	#1
Hulatime "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Calif Posts: 348	Seeking thoughts on what vintage Rolex I should consider I'm slowly coming to the realization that I may actually prefer to wear old (and older) Rolex watches. Obviously, the latest models offer some fantastic enhancements and I know I'm preaching to the choir when I say "there's just something about the way a vintage piece feels on the wrist." So I'd like to hear some suggestions about what watches I should start looking for. I recently acquired a 1981 RootBeer (16753) and really love it. Was told it has the original dial, hands, bracelet and acrylic crystal but the bezel was replaced during service in 2010. Anyway, I'm loving this "old school" style. So my question is what should I consider next? My current watches are mainly sports models and I am really loving the Comex watches. But I'm open to suggestions, recommendations and thoughts. Also, what might offer the "biggest bang for the buck" right now? As always, thanks for your expertise and advise. Attached Images

14 June 2011, 08:04 PM	#5
HL65 TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Ken Location: SW Florida Watch: One on my wrist. Posts: 64,006	In vintage collecting rather than predict what will be go with what is and focus on: What you like and want to wear--what is in best condition and original configuration--buying from the very best sellers and not taking chances. Everyone can have an opinion on what they think will be--but for me the reality of what actually is works best in my book--just a thought. __________________ *SPEM SUCCESSUS ALIT*

14 June 2011, 09:21 PM	#6
LI Matt "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Real Name: Matt Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 298	In terms of "bang for the buck", there's: -- the hand-winds, the 6400 and 6600 series -- the OP Dates, the 1500/15000 series -- the Air Kings After that would be vintage DJs, which can be easily had for ~$2000. One word of warning about vintage dress Rolexes -- everything I've listed here is in the 34-36mm range. If that's too small for you.... __________________ I don't wear a Rolex for other people, I wear it for me. "We're going to hell anyway, let's travel first class" -- Kaiser Chiefs

14 June 2011, 02:56 PM	#2
cruvon "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Australia Posts: 4,689	I guess a 1680 Mk1 red sub or later or a 1665 double red sea dweller mk1 or later "Full set" depending on how much you want to spend. Comex is great if you get a genuine Full set but think the real deal Comexes are above 100k. a few forumers here have them so they the best bet for information on current Comex prices.

14 June 2011, 03:09 PM	#3
Hulatime "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Calif Posts: 348	My thought regarding budget is with the cost of new Rolexes getting so high, I can forego a couple of those and put it towards a nice vintage example. And as much as I love the Comex, $100K would not happen . Maybe that leaves me with your suggestions which are both gorgeous watches...

14 June 2011, 03:33 PM	#4
cruvon "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Australia Posts: 4,689	True, better than speculating that the current Rolex lineups would turn vintage is better to buy vintage:). Edit: Here's 2 links to start off with http://rolex.watchprosite.com/show-f...ti-649211/s-0/ http://doubleredseadweller.com/

14 June 2011, 09:46 PM	#7
Racer X "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Real Name: Dave Location: Unknown Posts: 999	I agree with Ken. Take your time (!), become familiar with the different vintage references, learn what to look for and what the pitfalls are, and THEN buy what you like in the best condition you can afford. When you do buy, ONLY buy from a highly trusted seller, even if it means paying up a bit.

14 June 2011, 11:21 PM	#8
Frogman4me Banned Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Maryland Posts: 6,268	Check out the various Vintage Subs, there are so many in so many price ranges I have to believe there is one for you. Good luck and take Ken's advice, buy the best example and get it from a reputable seller!

15 June 2011, 12:17 AM	#9
mike "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 22,683	Ken is spot on as usual. The perfect vintage watch (or collection) reflects the desire of the owner.

15 June 2011, 01:02 AM	#11
Jagatai "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Real Name: Philip Location: NY Posts: 851	>>The perfect vintage watch (or collection) reflects the desire of the owner Yes! Figure out what you like and why you like them. Ask yourself: do you want to wear them every day? Or once in a while? Or never? Read, consult, check the market place, buy books, go out and handle the watches. And most importantly: BUY THE SELLER!

15 June 2011, 08:01 AM	#12
KarlFr "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Scandinavia Watch: ♛ Posts: 1,330	I like the Mondani books http://store.collezionareorologi.it/index.php?lang=en to read up different models and variations Personally I like to stay away from anything relumed, redialed, parts mixed/replaced and unknown sellers What to buy? The watch that smiles back to you and you want to pass down to your kids

15 June 2011, 08:57 AM	#13
destrow "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: New Orleans Posts: 145	buy as many as you can. feed the sickness!

15 June 2011, 09:16 AM	#14
TimeToGo 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: North Florida Posts: 16,736	Depends on your budget also? Have you considered a birth year model?

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