Saw about 20 vintage Rolexes, my tastes aren't what I thought.

[Henrimontgomery]

I had the opportunity to have a private viewing of an unusually large number of vintage models, many of those I never had experienced face to face before.

Among the models, some 1675, 16700, 16710, which I had assumed from research and the occasional browsing of grey-dealers, were what I wanted. I even tried a 16700 and was quite pleased.

However, and despite my best attempts, what really drew me during this meeting was the gold models. Gold Daytona to be precise. I never really cared for the SS models, but now I know what must be my next acquisition.

What is surprising me the most is that I thought Gold would be bling bling and tacky, where in fact I couldn't take my eyes of it. The heft, the glimmer, the sense of immunity against time... perfect.

So my question, for the gold owners. Do you guys wear it out daily, and are you conscious about donning such a opulent watch ?

[Bruno Datejust]

I believe there is a quite big difference between how things are perceived in Europe and in the USA. I find it an interesting question anyway. Dreaming a 5 digit DD sometimes, these are not even out of the reach with prices.

[Wahlberg]

Originally Posted by Bruno Datejust

I believe there is a quite big difference between how things are perceived in Europe and in the USA.

How do you mean? Gold is more special in Europe?

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Henrimontgomery

So my question, for the gold owners. Do you guys wear it out daily, and are you conscious about donning such a opulent watch ?

People don't generally notice watches (unless you're here on this board). In real life I've had literally two comments in 20 years on my watches - one from a fellow enthusiast and one from a dealer.

Nobody gives a S, in the same way that most people don't look to identify the handbag a lady is carrying or the shoes somebody is wearing. It's just an accessory like any other - unless you know, in which case you're family.

[airansun]

Well, my (white) gold Speedmaster is significantly heavier than my steel ones. So, I almost never wear it.

Vintage yellow gold Daytonas, particularly on yellow gold bracelets, are way too flashy for me, even tho I get your point. These are some of the most striking Daytonas.

[ravenhome777]

I like the burl wood day dates in gold, but unfortunately they're so dam small. Not sure I could get past the size issue. Just looks funny.

[ravenhome777]

I like the ones with the Italian days. I think that would be kind of cool.

[Erpin]

I always like wearing my gold sub or yachtmaster when im in casual attire like jeans and t shirt. Sharp contrast indeed.

[1665fan]

Sounds like you might have see a lot of average pieces....or just not a vintage guy

[motoikkyu]

There's gold and there's gold. I am fortunate enough to have two yellow gold DateJusts. The older one, a 6075 Ovettone is absolutely seductive: the gold has a warm quality that later alloys didn't replicate. I wear the 6605 often (I have it on a strap) and no one ever notices it. If I WANT my flashy watch to get noticed, I wear the Azimuth Mecha --unfortunately, age-related presbyopia is a thing and I can only read the tiny numbers in the morning. By later in the day, it's a blur without the glasses.

[bieb1]

Like the OP, I live in Switzerland and went through the same dilemma regarding getting a full gold DD or not. Once on the wrist, it looked a lot less flashy than I expected and I decided to get one, a 1991 18038. I absolutely love it! So yes, I wear it daily and also on weekends with shorts/T-shirt. The bracelet is also important and for my small wrist I find the President with the satin/gloss combi quite elegant.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by bieb1

Like the OP, I live in Switzerland and went through the same dilemma regarding getting a full gold DD or not. Once on the wrist, it looked a lot less flashy than I expected and I decided to get one, a 1991 18038. I absolutely love it! So yes, I wear it daily and also on weekends with shorts/T-shirt. The bracelet is also important and for my small wrist I find the President with the satin/gloss combi quite elegant.

Absolutely stunning!

[BigBlue1]

Originally Posted by bieb1

Like the OP, I live in Switzerland and went through the same dilemma regarding getting a full gold DD or not. Once on the wrist, it looked a lot less flashy than I expected and I decided to get one, a 1991 18038. I absolutely love it! So yes, I wear it daily and also on weekends with shorts/T-shirt. The bracelet is also important and for my small wrist I find the President with the satin/gloss combi quite elegant.

Ya that's badass looking

[Toronto Soup King]

bieb1 that is a beautiful watch. I am not often made envious but, wow. Good for you!

[soicanbefree]

Originally Posted by Henrimontgomery

What is surprising me the most is that I thought Gold would be bling bling and tacky, where in fact I couldn't take my eyes of it. The heft, the glimmer, the sense of immunity against time... perfect.

So my question, for the gold owners. Do you guys wear it out daily, and are you conscious about donning such a opulent watch ?

I've worn it out basically wherever I want. NYC, Norway, Singapore. Hong Kong.

Nobody cares really or know. They just think you are probably wearing some $300-500 Michael Kors fashion watch. I wear my 116528 Daytona a lot. The only comments I have ever gotten are from Chinese guys playing poker at the casino.

I wear t-shirt and jeans and I am a younger guy. Not sure how any of that plays into it.

A vintage Daytona that would be a dream. Basically out of reach. I've come pretty close to pulling the trigger on an 1803 Stella. I would also love to own a stone dial or other exotic gold DD.

I think I am ready to move on from my Kermit, 5512, and 1016 so basically along the same lines as you.

[zapokee]

And you can always tone it down with a leather strap if you need to. Don't let concerns about excessive bling put you off buying an iconic piece.

[Pocosso]

I don't care much, I wear all my watches in gold or not everyday.

[bieb1]

Originally Posted by Toronto Soup King

bieb1 that is a beautiful watch. I am not often made envious but, wow. Good for you!

Thank you Pete!

[LSU-MOOSE]

It always amazes me how many people don’t notice watches. Buy and wear what makes YOU happy

[Toronto Soup King]

Four in my lineup are gold - two YG, one RG, one WG, 1012, 1013, 1012, 1803, and in all the times I've worn them the only person to ever say anything was the old dude chopping up my char siu in the good old He He Long Smokehouse one day. And all he did was tap his wrist with the back of the cleaver and give me a wink and a smile. Nobody else notices, but then I don't buy watches for them, they're for me. And so many people wear full gold-tone fashion watches, my full gold watches just look like one of them to a layperson.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Toronto Soup King

And all he did was tap his wrist with the back of the cleaver and give me a wink and a smile.

Beautiful. When you know, you know.

[Henrimontgomery]

Originally Posted by 1665fan

Sounds like you might have see a lot of average pieces....or just not a vintage guy

It was all from Phillips auction last weekend.

[BigBlue1]

Originally Posted by Henrimontgomery

It was all from Phillips auction last weekend.

I fancy your words Mr. Opulent.
I do wear mine as much as time allows. I sometimes get physical and do tend to bang my watch around. I will say I do wear it as much as possible. I have yet to pick up a SS model of anything yet, but will In the future.
Private viewing of Phillips, well why didn’t ya say something

[1665fan]

Did all the vintage pieces you saw sell for 2-3 times there actual value like the newer stuff??? I wonder if they were just as crazy...I shoulda taken all mine there lol

[Styles Bitchley]

Originally Posted by bieb1

Like the OP, I live in Switzerland and went through the same dilemma regarding getting a full gold DD or not. Once on the wrist, it looked a lot less flashy than I expected and I decided to get one, a 1991 18038. I absolutely love it! So yes, I wear it daily and also on weekends with shorts/T-shirt. The bracelet is also important and for my small wrist I find the President with the satin/gloss combi quite elegant.

Gorgeous.

[motoikkyu]

Originally Posted by 1665fan

Did all the vintage pieces you saw sell for 2-3 times there actual value like the newer stuff??? I wonder if they were just as crazy...I shoulda taken all mine there lol

I have taken watches to Phillips, NOS Heuer 70s chronos when they were getting the insane prices a couple of years ago. They didn't want them, preferring to sell/consign inferior pieces from members of their "club", folks who buy at inflated prices from them and then are allowed to sell through them. I suspect the big auction houses, except for the truly one-of-a-kind pieces, are mostly kind of a scam.

[Henrimontgomery]

Originally Posted by BigBlue1

I fancy your words Mr. Opulent.
I do wear mine as much as time allows. I sometimes get physical and do tend to bang my watch around. I will say I do wear it as much as possible. I have yet to pick up a SS model of anything yet, but will In the future.
Private viewing of Phillips, well why didn’t ya say something

It's actually excellent, you get to see as many models as you want, and they even give you a loupe to inspect them.

Originally Posted by 1665fan

Did all the vintage pieces you saw sell for 2-3 times there actual value like the newer stuff??? I wonder if they were just as crazy...I shoulda taken all mine there lol

They did sell well above what I thought they would. The biggest surprise to me was the Vacheron Constantin (lot 39), which went for quite a lot more than I hoped for (wish I could have taken it home with me)

[athom]

Originally Posted by Wahlberg

How do you mean? Gold is more special in Europe?

Switzerland is not Europe

[athom]

Originally Posted by Henrimontgomery

What is surprising me the most is that I thought Gold would be bling bling and tacky, where in fact I couldn't take my eyes of it.

What if gold rolex are bling bling and tacky but you like it ?!

[Henrimontgomery]

Originally Posted by athom

What if gold rolex are bling bling and tacky but you like it ?!

I’m afraid of what I am becoming