First Rolex

[Bwildes]

Hello all, I am ready for my first Rolex and prefer a vintage. Budget around $6-9K USD. Love the Cokes, SDs and Daytonas but would love to hear opinions for a daily driver. Birth year 1971, was also thinking maybe something from that year as well. thanks for your time.

[AF_Rob]

You should be able to get into a new SD for that price range.

[CWIN]

You have some great options in that price range. You could go 1601/1603, 1016, 5513, 1680, or 1675. Just depends on which you like best. You might consider posting this in the Vintage Rolex sub section. Enjoy the hunt for your first and .. Welcome to TRF!

[Lordofrolex]

Sub 16800 matte or sub 5513

Those both are great starter vintage subs.

For a first watch I would just go with a modern Rolex.

But if you have to go vintage check out the ones I mentioned.

[Norm34]

Very first Rolex, I'd recommend brand new. Otherwise if vintage, the 5513 is the way to go

[Mickyfin]

Remember the important rule, buy your seller first, and don't let your passion overrule common sense.

[Watchgeek5000]

Since you prefer vintage disregard buying new as stated above. A cool vintage Sub (early 70's)is always a no brainier. Now just decide date or no date.

[SLS]

Originally Posted by Bwildes

Hello all, I am ready for my first Rolex and prefer a vintage. Budget around $6-9K USD. Love the Cokes, SDs and Daytonas but would love to hear opinions for a daily driver. Birth year 1971, was also thinking maybe something from that year as well. thanks for your time.

For a 1971 birth year watch, that would put you in a GMT 1675, Sub 5512, 5513, red 1680 & DRSD 1655. The 16800 was not introduced until 1979 or so. With your budget, your best bet is a 5513 or 1675...I choose the latter, as you can probably find a better example for your money. FYI. the "Coke" or Red/Black bezel combo was first introduced on the 16760 in 1983. The only choices before that were Red/Blue or Black. Of course, when buying vintage, do your homework as there are a lot of subtleties in vintage Rolex. Good luck!
Scott