How old should I go for my first Rolex?

[creamburmese]

I'm about to buy my first Rolex as a present to myself for getting promoted and am thinking a midsize datejust TT. I can't get a new one but I'm thinking I should get at least a model from the 2000's rather than an older watch... is this a reasonable approach? My only real requirements are that it have quickset, sapphire and luminous hands so I can see what time it is in the middle of the night, but even so there aren't so many choices around in midsize - I'd have a lot more options if I extend the search to older watches, but don't know if that's a wise choice. And I really like the newer rose gold TTones! Anyway what do you experienced owners think?

[unitas12]

Nothing wrong with the older watches. Questions to ask are when was the last service. Buy the seller. Someone else can chime in on when sapphire was launched.

[Speed]

Get the best conditioned watch you can for the best price. If you don't want to buy new, try sellers here for used watches. There are a lot of risks buying from random sellers - especially on the internet, Pawn shops or non-ADs.

[gwalker]

Originally Posted by Speed

Get the best conditioned watch you can for the best price. If you don't want to buy new, try sellers here for used watches. There are a lot of risks buying from random sellers - especially on the internet, Pawn shops or non-ADs.

Exactly what I was going to say!!!

[SKYFALL]

Originally Posted by Speed

Get the best conditioned watch you can for the best price. If you don't want to buy new, try sellers here for used watches. There are a lot of risks buying from random sellers - especially on the internet, Pawn shops or non-ADs.

x3

[TSW]

X4

[floater156]

I would not worry as much about the age as the condition and service history, congrats on the promotion!

[mjclark32]

X5

[Brushpup]

Originally Posted by creamburmese

I'm about to buy my first Rolex as a present to myself for getting promoted and am thinking a midsize datejust TT. I can't get a new one but I'm thinking I should get at least a model from the 2000's rather than an older watch... is this a reasonable approach? My only real requirements are that it have quickset, sapphire and luminous hands so I can see what time it is in the middle of the night, but even so there aren't so many choices around in midsize - I'd have a lot more options if I extend the search to older watches, but don't know if that's a wise choice. And I really like the newer rose gold TTones! Anyway what do you experienced owners think?

Hey there, welcome to the forum. Speed gave you great advice, I really can't add too. I will second the advice to look to our Trusted sellers here. I firmly believe you will have a very hard time finding a better deal anywhere on the street. More importantly, you can buy with confidence in knowing you are getting an authentic watch without worry. There are many of them here with stellar reputations. If lume is important like you say, the newer you buy the better. If you get something older say from the 80's, it's likely to have none left. Lastly, if you could consider the regular size at 36MM you will find a lot more choices.

[slcbbrown]

Quickset was, largely, an 80's thing and sapphire got rolled out in the 90's. Almost any 90's Rolex will have both upgrades. Early to mid-90's lume could be fairly faint but useable.

Not sure what you're calling mid-size DJ. I usually associate 31mm as the mid-size. If you're after a woman's watch, the 31mm is not all that common on the used market. If you're calling 34mm mid-size, they're out there but nowhere near as common as the 36mm.

[creamburmese]

Thanks so much for all the advice! When I say midsize I mean the 31mm - I like the look and it's not too cumbersome- whereas the smaller ladies watches don't have quite the impact;). I'm very willing to buy on this forum - it seems the prices are good and lots of references. So if anyone has a 31mm in great shape - contact me! I really will be swayed by the appearance though- in common with many I fall for a pretty face ;).