Help with My Vintage vs Modern Dilemma

[ct11127]

Hello All,

I'm a newbie at collecting Rolex. Recently, I've been shopping for a white 1680, and have also been considering a 5513. I'm now thinking about an Explorer 1016 also. I am pretty much equally fond of each of these models, so price, condition, and degree of authenticity would be the criteria on which I base my decision, as opposed to preference for a particular model.

But there is now another contender, a modern piece. I have come across an AD who is not going to be an AD much longer and who wishes to clear what little Rolex stock he has left. He has offered to sell me the new Sub non-date 14060M COSC for $4,000, 2-year Rolex warranty and everything. From what I've seen, this watch retails at most ADs for about $6,300.

I like the look and wrist presence of the vintage pieces very much, but as far as modern pieces go I've always been fond of the non-date Sub, which I haven't owned but which seems like a good practical watch that's also very comfortable.

In short, I'm having difficulty prioritizing, and I'm also a bit confused and overwhelmed. Here is what I've been thinking: Do I want a new, practical watch that so long as I treat it well doesn't need to be coddled, or do I want a charming vintage piece, the ownership of which will entail a great deal of joy but potentially some headaches?

Please advise. Many thanks in advance to the knowledgeable members of this community.

[Frogman4me]

My first Rolex was a 14060 and it's a great piece but I don't miss it much ever since I entered into the vintage Sub world. If you plan on doing many activities with the watch then the 14060 is an excellent choice with its sapphire crystal but for me I much rather have a 5512/5513 with like you said its wonderful charm. Best wishes on your decision.

[HERITAGE82]

I had a 16613 and went to a 5513 and let me tell you that I had a lot of concernes about durability at first....

Then I told myself that these were issued to people in the Military and were not "coddled" by there owneres one bit!!

So I say got for the charming vintage sub, and you will never second guess yourself when look at your wrist and see that beautiful plexi reflecting off the sun and those maxi markers smiling back at you....I never do!!!

[oldbronco]

I recently lucked into this one. my watch maker tested it to 50m, which was the limit of his machine. I'm a desk diver BTW. however, I'm a vintage addict, & in general, I've found the vintage Rolex to be just as sturdy as the modern ones.

[ct11127]

Qcasanova and OldBronco,

Both of those watches are gorgeous. I'd be so happy to find one.

[Dan Pierce]

The only way to be completely happy is owning both vintage and modern.
dP

[lhanddds]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

The only way to be completely happy is owning both vintage and modern.
dP

X2

It's hard to confine yourself to just one choice. If you are a watch nut, you'll eventually have more.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by dan pierce

the only way to be completely happy is owning both vintage and modern.
Dp

x2

[Rod.]

Originally Posted by ct11127

Hello All,

I'm a newbie at collecting Rolex. Recently, I've been shopping for a white 1680, and have also been considering a 5513. I'm now thinking about an Explorer 1016 also. I am pretty much equally fond of each of these models, so price, condition, and degree of authenticity would be the criteria on which I base my decision, as opposed to preference for a particular model.

But there is now another contender, a modern piece. I have come across an AD who is not going to be an AD much longer and who wishes to clear what little Rolex stock he has left. He has offered to sell me the new Sub non-date 14060M COSC for $4,000, 2-year Rolex warranty and everything. From what I've seen, this watch retails at most ADs for about $6,300.

I like the look and wrist presence of the vintage pieces very much, but as far as modern pieces go I've always been fond of the non-date Sub, which I haven't owned but which seems like a good practical watch that's also very comfortable.

In short, I'm having difficulty prioritizing, and I'm also a bit confused and overwhelmed. Here is what I've been thinking: Do I want a new, practical watch that so long as I treat it well doesn't need to be coddled, or do I want a charming vintage piece, the ownership of which will entail a great deal of joy but potentially some headaches?

Please advise. Many thanks in advance to the knowledgeable members of this community.

I've had my 5513 since 1972 and there have been no headaches. I did just have it overhauled by Rolex, but it came back as -new and with a two year warranty -- the best of both worlds -- a 'new' vintage Rolex!

Rod.

[apan]

A well maintained vintage Rolex should last you a lifetime. If you are a one watch kind of guy, then I would go vintage.

As far as choosing between a 1680, 5513 and 1016.. well, that is a tough choice! This dilemma may result in some flipping

[cruvon]

I think the nostalgic feeling one gets when wearing a vintage Rolex that has stood the test of engineering and time is far more rewarding then when wearing a new watch but that's just me!:). Offcourse buying both new and old and testing out which makes you feel better is the more expensive option but worth experimenting with:)

[Eric88]

I've done both and grown to prefer vintage. More character with those open numbers, tall plexi crystals etc. Plus, I find they wear lighter and more comfortably.

The 14060 is a great start though! If that one is BNIB with everything at $4k, at least buy it and flip for profit if you don't want to keep it.

[ct11127]

Many thanks to everyone for your responses. I will try to find a vintage piece.

[Puffy]

i have a mix of brand new and vintage... makes me appraciate the past as well as the modern day stuff

[rjmarti]

My first Rolex was a date/just that was on my wrist non-stop for 20 years. And I never took it off. When it went into its most recent overhaul I missed it so much I went a bought a sub. Somehow this has trickled into like 6 of them now, lol.

The only advice I can give you, is if its going to be your first Rolex, and from what I understand your daily or 'always' watch, give thought to what you want to see every day on your wrist. You cannot go wrong with virtually any Rolex that you will buy. They are so well made that they will last and last. Perform your service at regular intervals and enjoy it. If however you start to collect them then perhaps try for something a bit different to 'mix it up'.

Let us know what you end up purchasing. Im sure it will be wonderful. :)

[Rolexis]

My first Rolex was a Vintage 7928 followed by a 1675. then I got a 5513 after 6263 I had a 1665 Double red for two weeks that was in my teens and twenties. Back then everyone wanted the 16610. Rember that 5513 sold new until like 1991 or so. I find it quite wild that they started loving these. If I was to buy a sub I would buy vintage bc you wont lose your money. Modern watches I think will devalue bc guys that want modern watches may want the more new style that rolex is coming with. The biggest thing I hate abt the new rolex is the visible serial around the inside bezel.

[Mr. Clean]

Thanks for the post guys, this is very helpful to me too as I'm also torn between a 5513 and a 16610 to add to my YM duo. Since I have a modern Rolex already I might go for the 5513. Cheers!

[hatidua]

I continually read posts on here cautioning potential buyers about the fragility of the vintage subs and have yet to understand the logic behind it. If I get my vintage sub serviced today, is it going to be any less waterproof than it was back when I bought it new? -no. Is 100' underwater more "wet" for a vintage than 100' underwater is for a brand new sub? -no.

My 5513 has accompanied me on many hundreds, if not thousands, of dives all over the world and continues to do so, bumping into things, being worn daily, in and out of the water and it miraculously works just fine. If I were to believe everything I have read, I'd have put it in mothballs long ago and only take it out to snap a photo to post online for others to see before putting it back in the bank vault

[HERITAGE82]

Originally Posted by hatidua

I continually read posts on here cautioning potential buyers about the fragility of the vintage subs and have yet to understand the logic behind it. If I get my vintage sub serviced today, is it going to be any less waterproof than it was back when I bought it new? -no. Is 100' underwater more "wet" for a vintage than 100' underwater is for a brand new sub? -no.

My 5513 has accompanied me on many hundreds, if not thousands, of dives all over the world and continues to do so, bumping into things, being worn daily, in and out of the water and it miraculously works just fine. If I were to believe everything I have read, I'd have put it in mothballs long ago and only take it out to snap a photo to post online for others to see before putting it back in the bank vault

Well said.....

[Robbyvm]

5513 rules, this is a fantastic watch to wear!

[Clay]

Life is short....Buy the watch that appeals to you most...

BUT.....Buy Smart!!!

If it's a vintage piece, buy one that is in good shape and is able to, when serviced, pass a pressure test at it's intended depth rating....

Then, wear it and enjoy.....No worries...

[ct11127]

Really wonderful feedback. Very helpful. Greatly appreciated. This forum is absolutely fantastic.

[jlee5050]

Yeah... 4kBNIB is an unreal price. Usually they're 4k used... pretty tempting and a difficult choice. Good luck!