Is birthyear watch overrated?

[RXAPPP]

I did think about buying one for my son but in truth, when he graduates or I pop it I'll buy him a new one or he can have one or all of mine. If I had a son today I may be tempted to buy a safe queen to keep for 21 yrs, then again.......

[iclick]

Originally Posted by Clay

I don't think they had watches when I was born...

Primordial watches existed when I was born (1947) but those without facelifts have corroded dials, discolored lumes, creaky mechanisms, and beat-up cases--much like my face and body. Likewise, getting them them back in shape is problematic. I'd like to have a 1947 Bubbleback with a California dial but I haven't found the right one yet. My enthusiasm for this idea is decreasing with time for some reason.

[mysonsrolex]

I hunted down a birthyear 1680 and am very happy I did. It took a while as 76 wasn't an easy year to find.

For some strange reason it just feels right - I have flipped a few watches but its going nowhere.

To each their own I guess

[paltak]

Originally Posted by roh123

I was never that into birth year watches. I did however run into my big red from the correct year which is cool but in the end it came down to model and condition. So now I pretty much have the coolest watch from my year in exceptional condition. Quite cool but I would have been fine buying one from another year if the watch was right.

My recommendation is to always buy the right watch. If it's from the right year it's kind of icing on the cake.

Excellent perspectives and advices by all. No right or wrong answers but personal preferences is my take away.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I may relook at that 1680 Red birthyear

[lhanddds]

Originally Posted by Tools

Everybody has their own tics and wrinkles..

Personally I just do not understand the idea of having a watch from your birth year. The entire concept eludes me but I suppose that's just the way I'm wired..

I also don't understand the concept of buying a watch and sticking it in a safe for 18 years for a child. Don't get me wrong.. I've bought my kids Rolex and cars for graduation and other occasions. But I'm pretty sure that if I pulled a watch out of the safe from back in the dark ages my kids would be polite, but it may not fit in with their current life views..

I wouldn't openly criticize anybody for such a desire; I just don't get it..

X2

Sent from my KFTT using Tapatalk

[Tudor66]

Originally Posted by Vincent65

The watch has to be right - I'm not too bothered about the year. To me, it's just sentimentality, but I understand it.

I agree with Vincent65. I have owned a few nice 1965 year watches- (my birth year); However the watch details, condition, patina and other factors weigh in more heavily than the year it was made.

I really enjoy this beater 1968 year Omega watch, it's still a 1960's watch, just not my birthyear...

[newu5er]

Originally Posted by T. Ferguson

You guys got me thinking about it so I just struck a deal to pick up this birth year Rolex:

[Kingface66]

I totally understand the appeal (I should, since I shelled out a pretty penny to get my '66 gilt!). I think in a lot of ways, it speaks to whatever sentimental, creative, and even a romanticizing aspect of who we are. Plus, it's something a lot of us wear every day, it's (literally) attached to us, and very much so evokes our personality. Just as some Rolex wearers have no desire to buy a 48 year-old watch in used condition, I find absolutely no desire whatsoever to buy a brand new Rolex. To me, they look exactly the same and have no personality. This is purely a subjective point of view. But, something vintage, with character, and that which has aged in its own way, is so beautiful and unique to me. And having one from the year I was born is just an added bonus. It doesn't mean much, but just KNOWING that it, too, is from 1966 is very cool. In a strange way, at least for me, it makes the relationship w my watch that much stronger. There's more of a connection.

(Jesus, its sounds like I'm in love with the damned thing!)

[mimo5000]

Originally Posted by Kingface66

(Jesus, its sounds like I'm in love with the damned thing!)

What, you mean you're not???!?!

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by mimo5000

What, you mean you're not???!?!

(raising head with pride) YES! Yes, I am!

[77T]

There is some satisfaction in saying (when someone notices your Rolex) "It's as old as I am, and just as good looking"

[Base-Z]

If I lived a million years, there are three things that I just will never understand the concept of. 1. Birth year items, 2. Caravans, 3. Barbeques.

[mimo5000]

I have to say, there is something about it for me. I don't really know why, but I definitely want a birth year watch...maybe a DRSD! Now that would be very cool.
I'm sure if I spent considerable time and money in therapy I might find out what childhood neglect I've got buried deep down inside that makes me want something born when I was. Or maybe it's just because I never had a brother.
But I'd rather spend money on watches over therapy.

[ABChop]

I like em.
Got my Red sub from 69
; )

[1675-David]

I want a 1655 from 1981... The year I lost my virginity

[1675-David]

Originally Posted by 1675-David

I want a 1655 from 1981... The year I lost my virginity

Brings back better memories

[CrownMe]

i wouldnt mind having a birth year watch. But 1986 is slim pickings though for a vintage collector.

[Vincent65]

Originally Posted by 1675-David

I want a 1655 from 1981... The year I lost my virginity

TMI dude!

[Rogdogg]

While I do not have one, I like the idea of a birth year watch. I don't know if I would go out of my way to get one or pay a premium for one but to wear a watch in good condition and perfect running order that is the same age as me would be pretty cool. If the right deal was to come around who knows..., maybe I'll get one.

[Mark020]

I own a couple of them so: a yes for me.

[DCheeta]

Originally Posted by T. Ferguson

You guys got me thinking about it so I just struck a deal to pick up this birth year Rolex:

I like that model. Shortly after that, they switched to the maxi sundial. Not really my gig. The shadow is too thick, it's disproportionate to the bracelet.

[StaceeJaxx]

Is birthyear watch overrated?

Yes.

[cdweller]

I had been looking for one, but then found the specific model I was looking for in pristine condition that was not in my birth year. I purchased the watch, not the estimated year of production. That being said, I can appreciate the sentiment of those who do purchase birth year watches

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by cdweller

I had been looking for one, but then found the specific model I was looking for in pristine condition that was not in my birth year. I purchased the watch, not the estimated year of production. That being said, I can appreciate the sentiment of those who do purchase birth year watches

Casebacks have the quarter and year of production engraved, from mid 1950s to about 1970, I think it was. So you can be pretty sure of the year if born in that period.

[Michael M.]

For me yes, as I'd be buying an A serial 16520 Zenith daytona..prefer my plastic daytona's

[adam78]

I'd much rather have the no-crown-guard Sub my father is wearing in this photo (I'm about 1), but unfortunately it was traded in after suffering water damage in the early '70s.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by adam78

I'd much rather have the no-crown-guard Sub my father is wearing in this photo (I'm about 1), but unfortunately it was traded in after suffering water damage in the early '70s.

Great photo, I wish I had my dad's watch too. He only had a Smiths pocket watch, but would love to have it.

[jdmi32]

I have mine, but it was more of a happy coincidence than anything else. I've always wanted a transitional Speedy, and this one from 1968 just happened to be for sale as I was in one of my search modes. It's clearly not perfect and has its share of dings and dents, just like me. Just kinda neat to know that this thing has been ticking for about as long as me.

[dpa94114]

at first i really liked the idea. but truth be told, it was mostly just an excuse to buy another watch.

And if I'm going to buy another watch, it might as well be because I LOVE it.

I'm also not 100% convinced of any of the serial number tables...along with the idea that those watches sat around the dealers for years at times, so getting a pinpoint date is probably not a sure thing.

[enhamhale]

My 66 sub is my wife's birth year does that count .