Thoughts on Rolex Precision 6694/6494

[JJack]

I am looking for my first Rolex, and so far I am really interested in the Rolex Precision (mainly model 6694). It's a manual wind watch, as far as I can tell they were made between the 1950s to the 1970s. These are going in the range of $1,000 to $1,500 online, I have found some in really good condition. The size is small, but I have small wrists and don't mind smaller watches. I have a few questions on it.

1. What is the general opinion on the Rolex Precision line? Poor man Rolex?

2. How does the Precision series compare to the Airking? Datejust?

3. How durable is the calibre 1225? How much to expect for servicing?

4. Is this a good first Rolex?

As mentioned, it is my first Rolex, I really like the aesthetics, I don't think the size will bother me. I am not sure how I feel about the manual winding, but I have read it is a very durable movement.

I really don't what to expect and look for from my first Rolex. I don't know how the quality compares to other watches in the price range today. I don't how accurate these are. I don't know how long they generally last or how much they cost to be serviced/repaired. Maybe I am better off saving for a Datejust (seems to be the go-to vintage Rolex in the $2,000 range).

All advice and information is GREATLY appreciated! Anything that may help, please say. I have been scouring the web for info on getting into vintage Rolex, I am not new to watches but I am new to this brand.

Thank you

[Old Expat Beast]

Hi,
First of all, the 6694 is an 'Oysterdate', not a 'Precision'. Precision refers not to a model but to the movement quality and is a word found on a large number of Rolex dials. The 6694 was made up to the end of the 1980s and was one of the last manual-wind watches made by Rolex. It's a perfectly good watch, and would make a fine entry-level piece for anyone coming to Rolex for the first time. It's one of the lowest priced Rolex watches, but isn't a poor-man's anything. A cheap independent service would probably cost you around $200 but Rolex would charge you several times more.

[JJack]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Hi,
First of all, the 6694 is an 'Oysterdate', not a 'Precision'. Precision refers not to a model but to the movement quality and is a word found on a large number of Rolex dials. The 6694 was made up to the end of the 1980s and was one of the last manual-wind watches made by Rolex. It's a perfectly good watch, and would make a fine entry-level piece for anyone coming to Rolex for the first time. It's one of the lowest priced Rolex watches, but isn't a poor-man's anything. A cheap independent service would probably cost you around $200 but Rolex would charge you several times more.

Oh, silly me thinking Precision was a model. $200 isn't bad for servicing if that is the case. I still am rather overwhelmed by the multitude of choices in my price range (about $1,500). I really would prefer an automatic, and I the models I see is the Airking, Speed King, "Oyster Perpetual", and the Datejust. The Datejust really is my favorite model of them all, but I haven't found any available in my pricerange.

Comparing the models I listed, is there anything that stands out that you could tell me? Is there a website somewhere that explains all these vintage models in depth, or will I have to learn gradually?

Much thanks!

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by JJack

Oh, silly me thinking Precision was a model. $200 isn't bad for servicing if that is the case. I still am rather overwhelmed by the multitude of choices in my price range (about $1,500). I really would prefer an automatic, and I the models I see is the Airking, Speed King, "Oyster Perpetual", and the Datejust. The Datejust really is my favorite model of them all, but I haven't found any available in my pricerange.

Comparing the models I listed, is there anything that stands out that you could tell me? Is there a website somewhere that explains all these vintage models in depth, or will I have to learn gradually?

Much thanks!

I think you had some good advice in the other two threads that you started along these lines. If I were you I would be looking for a 1603 Datejust (late 60s to early 1970s) or an Air-King 5500 from a similar period. You should be able to find either for about 2,000 with perhaps a bit of change left over for servicing if you find a good deal.

[JJack]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

I think you had some good advice in the other two threads that you started along these lines. If I were you I would be looking for a 1603 Datejust (late 60s to early 1970s) or an Air-King 5500 from a similar period. You should be able to find either for about 2,000 with perhaps a bit of change left over for servicing if you find a good deal.

I am sorry if I have started too many similar threads, I was hoping that each topic was individual, I just have many questions that are best answered here on the forums. I have been reading many old forum posts with questions similar to mine, forums are my go-to place for getting answers that otherwise may take hours of searching.

The Datejust 1603 is just over my price range, is there a major difference between a DJ and an Airking/Oyster Perpetual that justifies the $400-$500 difference? I am really having a hard time determining differences between models

And thank you again for your help! I find this community very helpful and friendly so far :)

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by JJack

I am sorry if I have started too many similar threads, I was hoping that each topic was individual, I just have many questions that are best answered here on the forums. I have been reading many old forum posts with questions similar to mine, forums are my go-to place for getting answers that otherwise may take hours of searching.

The Datejust 1603 is just over my price range, is there a major difference between a DJ and an Airking/Oyster Perpetual that justifies the $400-$500 difference? I am really having a hard time determining differences between models

And thank you again for your help! I find this community very helpful and friendly so far :)

Well, there's a date complication for a start, plus the Datejust name is more recognisable and so a bit more collectible.

[padi56]

Both the 12 series movements are very very robust in construction and very little to go wrong if serviced correctly.

[joe100]

I say Air King, it's the one with the pedigree

[Invictus Maneo]

Originally Posted by joe100

I say Air King, it's the one with the pedigree

X2
Great watch and I hope to own one someday ( soon I hope ) !

[andromeda160]

Originally Posted by joe100

I say Air King, it's the one with the pedigree

X3 or if you want an Auto With date, ref 1500 Oyster perpetual dates are easily obtained in the $1500 range

If your heart is set on a DJ though , just spring out a few hundred extra, once the itch is there, not going away until it's scratched.

[JJack]

Originally Posted by joe100

I say Air King, it's the one with the pedigree

What do you mean? Is the Air King considered a step above an Oysterdate?

Originally Posted by andromeda160

X3 or if you want an Auto With date, ref 1500 Oyster perpetual dates are easily obtained in the $1500 range

If your heart is set on a DJ though , just spring out a few hundred extra, once the itch is there, not going away until it's scratched.

The Datejust is slightly bigger than the other models, that is why I like it best. I am not sure if I will find the Oysterdate/Air King models too small. Am I correct in believing the Air King is larger than the Oysterdate models? The Air King seems to be a happy medium between the Oysterdates and Datejust (lower price than DJ, automatic, slightly larger than OD).


ALSO. Is it important that I should get the original steel bracelet along with the watch? I prefer steel bracelets and find buying Rolex bracelets alone is very pricey. Yet, I routinely find models selling for $300-$500 less on a leather or aftermarket band.

Thanks everyone for your help