Anyone seesaw between modern and vintage?

[JParm]

Modern pieces are great - my Hulk and DD40 are perfectly engineered, fit extremely well and are great watches to look at. However...

Though my 16710 isn't quite vintage, there's just a charm to it that I can't describe. I can never let that one go.

My next piece is going to be a vintage Tudor Snowflake with blue dial, and I can't decide whether to just buy outright (grossly going over budget for a decent one) or sell the Hulk to help fund it.

Will I miss the Hulk, or just be completely smitten with the old Snowflake enough that I won't even think about the 6-digit Rolex? Who knows...

Anyone else fighting with this? 2 Rolexes below are mine; Snowflake pic off of the internet to show how beautiful it is!

[rushca01]

Yes, I do 100%. I have a couple more 5 digits I want to round out my collection. But my daily wearers are modern 6 digits.

There is something about the 5 digit 16710, 16600, 14060, 16610, 16570 that just speak to me, the combination of lug holes and Swiss Only dial is what I go after. Maybe because they are the last (in my opinion) of the legacy tool Rolex’s . They are not quite as pretty and refined as the 6 digits but a good mix.

I still want a 16570 and 16610 (prefer an LV but with the current market...). The last piece will be a birth year 1983 Sea Dweller.

[rcclarkie]

I am similarly torn between the 5 and 6 digit references.

Your question requires more context though - are you replacing your daily wear Hulk with the Tudor and planning to rotate it with your DD and Pepsi? Or is this a special occasion piece that will only come out when you drop the top for an easy Sunday drive?

If it's the former, in selling the Hulk I think you would ultimately miss the conveniences of the modern references - better lume, more robust movement and that far superior bracelet and clasp. These things make the wearing experience so much better and it's easy to take them for granted.

If it's the latter then I'd probably still hang onto the Hulk, find a vintage snowflake that needs some love (which would likely be cheaper) and find a good local watchmaker familiar with Rolex/Tudor and start the process of restoring it so you can make it yours.

Thanks for sharing - great pics.

[Houston77]

I rotate four pieces: a DJ41, ZBlue, five digit YM, and a 1980s DJ. I really enjoy the contrast. There’s just something about the old bracelet jangle that’s charming.


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[othertbone]

Noooooooooooo don't sell the Hulk, you will regret it, everyone does! Buy the new one when you can afford it, don't trade! I'll never understand why people want to trade their watches. Sure there may be a one off every now and then, I get it, but you will regret selling Rolex or any other great piece.

[kieselguhr]

I can’t say I do. Probably the only vintage piece I would keep is my dad’s due to sentimental value. Otherwise, I stick to modern references because I prefer the aesthetics and advanced features.


AOW

[JParm]

Originally Posted by rcclarkie

I am similarly torn between the 5 and 6 digit references.

Your question requires more context though - are you replacing your daily wear Hulk with the Tudor and planning to rotate it with your DD and Pepsi? Or is this a special occasion piece that will only come out when you drop the top for an easy Sunday drive?

If it's the former, in selling the Hulk I think you would ultimately miss the conveniences of the modern references - better lume, more robust movement and that far superior bracelet and clasp. These things make the wearing experience so much better and it's easy to take them for granted.

If it's the latter then I'd probably still hang onto the Hulk, find a vintage snowflake that needs some love (which would likely be cheaper) and find a good local watchmaker familiar with Rolex/Tudor and start the process of restoring it so you can make it yours.

Thanks for sharing - great pics.

Originally Posted by othertbone

Noooooooooooo don't sell the Hulk, you will regret it, everyone does! Buy the new one when you can afford it, don't trade! I'll never understand why people want to trade their watches. Sure there may be a one off every now and then, I get it, but you will regret selling Rolex or any other great piece.

It's funny - in seeing the 3 of these together in my post, I just love the dial diversity (including my chocolate DD40).

I can't sell the Hulk after that!!

[othertbone]

Originally Posted by [email protected]

It's funny - in seeing the 3 of these together in my post, I just love the dial diversity (including my chocolate DD40).

I can't sell the Hulk after that!!

GOOD MAN! Enjoy those lovely pieces brother

[playford]

My dad has a mint red sub, its beautiful. I like the the pre-ceramic sea dweller and the pepsi GMT and Polar but as lovely as they are i'm not sure they are everyday pieces.

[Chadridv]

If I had to pick one it'd be modern. Same boat, 16710 not quite vintage, but what industry techs call "modern vintage". Anyhow, if I had to pick one it'd be my 126710, but I hope i never have to pick...

[JParm]

Originally Posted by Chadridv

If I had to pick one it'd be modern. Same boat, 16710 not quite vintage, but what industry techs call "modern vintage". Anyhow, if I had to pick one it'd be my 126710, but I hope i never have to pick...

Beautiful shots!

[Nikrnic]

Good luck if you move on from your Hulk. I'm sure it's a tough one to let go of. I have a modest collection of five six digit Rolex all bought new and there is really nothing else calling my name on that front. In the last two weeks I found two five digits, I wouldn't call them vintage but they almost feel like it to me. I was looking off and on at 16710s and one found me ( F ser.no.) just recently. A couple years ago I traded my 14060m for a new 114060, good deal at the time but now missing that one I pulled the trigger on a random M a few days ago feeling if I'm going to do it I might as well do it now as I see them also steadily climbing.
Both one owner full sets

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[illiguy]

OP - I feel you on this one, 100%. I just recently picked up a well-worn Submariner 14060 from 1991 to scratch the older, 5-digit itch. That said, my favorite watch I own still remains my 6-digit SubC Date 116610LN.

Said another way, the Hulk is special and I would not sell it. I feel like you would regret it. Just acquire the Tudor Snowflake (beautiful watch), outright, if possible.

[dhknola]

I really do not care for anything six digit. Modern vintage and pure vintage are what does it for me.

[btinl]

My modern Rolex watches have been collecting dust since I started buying vintage pieces. The 4 digit subs and GMTs have so much more character.

[TreiseKL]

Having a 116600 solves the problem. I too struggled with it until I came across this watch... checked off every box

[pomelowatches]

all the time! have an AK that I love, but then also a 16710 and older vintage models that I love to wear too. Can understand that some people do not dig the new chunkier case look though.

[JParm]

Originally Posted by illiguy

OP - I feel you on this one, 100%. I just recently picked up a well-worn Submariner 14060 from 1991 to scratch the older, 5-digit itch. That said, my favorite watch I own still remains my 6-digit SubC Date 116610LN.

Said another way, the Hulk is special and I would not sell it. I feel like you would regret it. Just acquire the Tudor Snowflake (beautiful watch), outright, if possible.

I'm trading my recently acquired Speedmaster (3590.50) - just decided in the last hour. Acquired the Speedy fairly recently and it's a great watch - but nothing fits and sings like a Rolex / Tudor!

[KingsTrumper]

I started with purely 5 digits: YM 16622 (sold as didn't wear), Bluesy (still have and love), 16600 (2006), 16710 (Pepsi - sold now as found it to thin), TT Daytona (too small but looked awesome on rubber b). I then went full vintage and got a 5513 from 1969 but never really liked it.

Current collection is: SD43 / JC DS / 16600 (1991 tritium) and Bluesy. As much as I like the 6 digits the 5 digits have a warmth and the 16600 is a true tool watch. I love the SD43 and JC as they are imho modern tool watches but feel it can sometimes be too shiny and it's a shame they won't age like the pre-ceramics. I guess 5 digits are a good middle ground.

[herts9]

I'd love to get into vintage, but there's just so much about the unknown. Replacement dials, service hands, aftermarket this and that...too much of a question mark. At least with new, I know that mostly everything isn't messed with that isn't glaring from what I would typically see in a dealer's case.

That and the clasps. I can't stand the older ones. Spoiled by the new stuff.

[Dave_T26]

I used to wear vintage exclusively (mostly my vintage Sea-Dweller but also some non-Rolex) but I’ve been wearing a newer (10 years old, but still modern) DSSD more lately. Mixing the vintage and modern SD now.

[JParm]

Originally Posted by herts9

I'd love to get into vintage, but there's just so much about the unknown. Replacement dials, service hands, aftermarket this and that...too much of a question mark. At least with new, I know that mostly everything isn't messed with that isn't glaring from what I would typically see in a dealer's case.

That and the clasps. I can't stand the older ones. Spoiled by the new stuff.

I think for me, I purchase to wear. I'm not as considered with service parts and the like, as long as it's OEM and period-correct (e.g. I wouldn't want a 1675 with luminova).

None of my watches are safe queens, so I don't get too too involved with it all as long as the watch looks clean....("OMG - it's been polished!!!" that's ok with me)

[Alex6340]

Like others said (and not only because I own one :) ), I would not sell the Hulk.

Sure you will be over moon with Tudor Snowflake for some months, but after a while you will start to miss the modern built quality of a 6digit submariner. For example firm click response and sound as well as no wabelling of the bezel....


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[abozz]

I'm a modern Rolex fan, I would not buy a Rolex vintage for daily use.

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[coaxial]

Love both eras. On a daily wearability; I would not sell the Hulk on that premise. Moving the Hulk to add a desirable vintage piece for special occasions/collecting; Sell it & get the vintage. If you are tired of it, why not sell/trade into a Patek, AP or VC.

[Father and Son]

I enjoy old and new... I have a 16700 Pepsi to balance out Hulk and Batman... Seriously- don't sell your Hulk.

I am finding myself gravitating more toward the modern flavors mainly because of size. My 5 digit GMT isnt as substantial and as such I am likely going to move it and replace with a new Pepsi.. But there isnt a replacement for the Hulk. It is one of a kind.

Best of luck.

[JParm]

Originally Posted by Father and Son

I enjoy old and new... I have a 16700 Pepsi to balance out Hulk and Batman... Seriously- don't sell your Hulk.

I am finding myself gravitating more toward the modern flavors mainly because of size. My 5 digit GMT isnt as substantial and as such I am likely going to move it and replace with a new Pepsi.. But there isnt a replacement for the Hulk. It is one of a kind.

Best of luck.

Yeah, the variety is definitely nice. Adding the Tudor will allow me to have a 4-digit (close to one, anyway), so now I will have a 4, 5, and two 6-digits.

The thought of selling the Hulk came and went in about 5 minutes

[T3F]

5-digits aren't really my thing, but I love 4-digits and have 4 of them. They have a charm to them that the 6-digits can't compete with, and I tend to like the size and proportions much better. My only issue is that when wearing them, I do start to miss the "modern" aspect of the 6-digits; they're more fragile, I don't trust the water resistance, the bracelets are rattly, and they often don't look great in bright sunlight because it highlights all of the abuse they've suffered over the years. I buy 6-digits to wear and use and 4-digits to look at (and wear sometimes, but less often and usually just for a few hours at a time) and collect, if that makes sense.

There are a few watches that straddle this border -- meaning they have the charm and proportions of vintage watches but are modern. The AP 15202 does it better than anything else, IMO. Others include many Pateks (5711/5712, 5170, 5196, 5230), the Daytona, the Speedmaster, the new IWC Spitfire range, and even the new 36mm Datejust (perhaps the most underrated model in the Rolex lineup right now, alongside the Yachtmaster).

[garbanzo]

Originally Posted by herts9

I'd love to get into vintage, but there's just so much about the unknown. Replacement dials, service hands, aftermarket this and that...too much of a question mark. At least with new, I know that mostly everything isn't messed with that isn't glaring from what I would typically see in a dealer's case.

That and the clasps. I can't stand the older ones. Spoiled by the new stuff.

Exactly this.

[JParm]

Originally Posted by T3F

5-digits aren't really my thing, but I love 4-digits and have 4 of them. They have a charm to them that the 6-digits can't compete with, and I tend to like the size and proportions much better. My only issue is that when wearing them, I do start to miss the "modern" aspect of the 6-digits; they're more fragile, I don't trust the water resistance, the bracelets are rattly, and they often don't look great in bright sunlight because it highlights all of the abuse they've suffered over the years. I buy 6-digits to wear and use and 4-digits to look at (and wear sometimes, but less often and usually just for a few hours at a time) and collect, if that makes sense.

There are a few watches that straddle this border -- meaning they have the charm and proportions of vintage watches but are modern. The AP 15202 does it better than anything else, IMO. Others include many Pateks (5711/5712, 5170, 5196, 5230), the Daytona, the Speedmaster, the new IWC Spitfire range, and even the new 36mm Datejust (perhaps the most underrated model in the Rolex lineup right now, alongside the Yachtmaster).

It's funny that you mention straddling the border - I feel like the 5-digits do just that :-)

Totally understand what you mean by saying you own just to look at (at times). My Grand Seiko is the same - just a beautiful thing to stare at sometimes, even if I don't wear it too often.