Vintage Movement

[guitarnut]

ok, first, ya'll are always breaking my stones. as a longtime rolex fan but recent enthusiast, I am trying to learn. Some will recognize my posting about my vintage rolex and give me the same replies; however, I feel this forum, populated with worldwide enthusiasts and experts, is the place to ask questions. about me: I am an academic; therefore, I question everything.

I bought a vintage DJ and I have been studying the movement of rolex. I still don't know the differences or intricaices of version 1.0 vs 2.0 so bear with me. I was comparing the "ticking" of the second hand on my vintage DF vs a more recent GMT. The second hand on the more recent GMT seems to "tick" faster...as does the same comparison with my DF vs a more recent submariner.

My hypothesis is that, a vintage watch will be 1) lighter weight and 2) less quality movement. My hypothesis is based on all other consumables. One example, a car...while a vintage chevelle or nova II is incomparible..a new car is more technologically sophisticated. I know neither my 73 nova, 77 buick, 78 ford, nor my 67 pontiac had anywhere near the reliability or technology in my new 15k hyundai. I would say with confidence, they were way classier than my current hyundai. they were heavier, but cars and watches are not the same.

Please comment and correct me where my terminology or anything is wrong. As an academic, I welcome the criticism as I can learn.

my question is on the vintage movements...am I correct in my vintage watch should have more of a "tick?" what is the difference of more recent movements? Can I tell a 101 from a 102 (showing my ignorance on movement numbers)?

[andromeda160]

Well looks like you're comparing the 15xx calibers with the 30xx caliber. I'd say your assessment is pretty far off. With proper maintenance there's no reason a vintage shouldn't have the same lifespan as a modern Rolex. The hands on the GMT have a smoother sweep due to the fact that the newer ones have a 28,800bph movement as opposed to the 18,000 bph in the vintage DJ.

You are correct about vintages being lighter though, they sure used a lot less materials in the case and bracelet back then. But overall I'd say the vintage pieces are no more or less tough than their modern counterparts.

[J!m]

The fact the old vintage is still running is testament to its quality and reliability.

It has stood the test of time.

Only time will tell us if the newer movement is "better" than the old one.

[R.W.T.]

A LOT of subjective terminology there.

Less quality? Hardly.

Reliability....not so much necessarily either. Sometimes simplicity trumps modern practice.

It's a different world. A 50's 312 ford V8 is not a current 5.0 liter. Quality I wouldn't say is lesser on the earlier engine. It may actually be better.

Sure everyone likes the incomparable advances in the technologies of new automobiles. Simplicity of maintenance and cost of such is another factor.

I wouldn't necessarily say it's a fair comparison across the board. You can use the analogy in certain instances but in other ways it falls apart.

Working on the newer movements is much more time consuming and many of the parts I would consider more delicate individually. Some aren't Both versions have their place. You simply cannot beat a properly maintained 1570. Is it as accurate overall generally as a 3135, no. Can it be? Certainly but on average not as likely.

Age and past maintenance is a factor.

Later 15xx movements are 19800 BPH btw.

I own and work on both. I love the 3135. The newer movements than that are astonishingly brilliant, but a 1570 is also simply the work horse of all time.

Really they are all very good machines and not necessarily something that needs to be compared but just enjoyed for what they are.