Some Thoughts about Vintage.........

[Jason71]

Many of you might have seen my 16800 that just came back from service from Bob Ridley. Honestly, I couldn't wait to get this thing back on my wrist. I just love it.:clap:

http://i1235.photobucket.com/albums/ff431/Jason7110/16800/IMG_5750.jpg

This is the thing........the longer that I am around Rolex watches, the more that I am migrating towards the vintage. My last 2 additions were this one and a 5513. I am getting to the place that I don't look at anything but vintage on the FS forum. I love the hour plots that have turned a creamy brown color, the plexi crystals, and the slower beat second-hand. Am I going crazy, or is this just the normal progression??:thinking:

[drtooth73]

The one in the photo is a beautiful thing.
I, too, like some vintage pieces.

[Frogman4me]

That is some beautiful patina!

[Clay]

I hear you Jason......There is something about a vintage piece that the modern pieces just don't have.....

I love my 16600, but my 1665.......

Now THAT'S a watch......

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h62/1680/DSCN0822-1.jpg

That's a great looking 16800 by the way....Wear it in the every best of health.....

I'm waiting for my 1665 to come back from Bob's even as we speak....

[sailmed]

I think what you are describing is the extra dimension that the passage of time (no pun intended) adds to an already wonderful creation. As they age, they take on a character that is similar to a fine vintage wine or piece of antique furniture. Some call it wabi-sabi, but whatever term you use, it lends a sense of warmth and imparts a feeling of life to an otherwise inanimate object. It's the perfection in the imperfection that attracts me most.

[Clay]

I think what you are describing is the extra dimension that the passage of time (no pun intended) adds to an already wonderful creation. As they age, they take on a character that is similar to a fine vintage wine or piece of antique furniture. Some call it wabi-sabi, but whatever term you use, it lends a sense of warmth and imparts a feeling of life to an otherwise inanimate object. It's the perfection in the imperfection that attracts me most.

Well said......:thumbsup:

[Yazo]

Man I walked down the exact path you did.... there's absolutely nothing wrong with it and it's 100% normal..... your tastes have evolved!!!

[HL65]

I am with you 100%!! Clay--everytime I see that baby I want to go out and get one!!

[Jason71]

I am with you 100%!! Clay--everytime I see that baby I want to go out and get one!!

Keep your cyber-paws off of it. That thing is MINE when Clay caves and decides to get rid of it.:chuckle::chuckle::chuckle::bartmoon::bartmoon:

[HL65]

Keep your cyber-paws off of it. That thing is MINE when Clay caves and decides to get rid of it.:chuckle::chuckle::chuckle::bartmoon::bartmoon:

We can share it!! Nice Sub too Jason!

[mike]

I think what is often overlooked when we talk about the history of Rolex is that THESE were the pieces that made that history.:cheers:

[HL65]

I think what is often overlooked when we talk about the history of Rolex is that THESE were the pieces that made that history.:cheers:

No doubt about that Mike!!!!:cheers:

[Alcan]

Jason, that Sub without the cyclops looks outstanding!! :thumbsup: :cheers: :thumbsup:

[feilong108]

http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae191/feilong_108/IMG_2416-1.jpg

after i gotten mine....the rest of my watches are not worn since then

[HL65]

Going to bank tomorrow to swap out me PN for me Milsub: I love vintage Rolex--new ones just don't grab me like these do!!:thumbsup:
193494

[Jason71]

Going to bank tomorrow to swap out me PN for me Milsub: I love vintage Rolex--new ones just don't grab me like these do!!:thumbsup:
193494

I'm just posting pictures of some semi-vintage 16800 with a worn-out bezel.......and excited about the absence of the cyclops. You are posting pictures of Mil-subs and talking of PN's.http://03.static.slide.com/version/20110225160043/images/emoticons/bow_down.gifhttp://03.static.slide.com/version/20110225160043/images/emoticons/bow_down.gifhttp://03.static.slide.com/version/20110225160043/images/emoticons/bow_down.gifhttp://03.static.slide.com/version/20110225160043/images/emoticons/bow_down.gif

[HL65]

I'm just posting pictures of some semi-vintage 16800 with a worn-out bezel.......and excited about the absence of the cyclops. You are posting pictures of Mil-subs and talking of PN's.http://03.static.slide.com/version/20110225160043/images/emoticons/bow_down.gifhttp://03.static.slide.com/version/20110225160043/images/emoticons/bow_down.gifhttp://03.static.slide.com/version/20110225160043/images/emoticons/bow_down.gifhttp://03.static.slide.com/version/20110225160043/images/emoticons/bow_down.gif

LOL!! It is all good!! What a terrible habit!!:cheers:

[ezinternet]

sailmed expressed it very well .. the subtle signs of use and age impart a character to a watch that says "I've experienced time passing". I appreciate the age and the beauty of the piece. Sounds as if you do also.

A vintage watch says "I'm older" and it shows its history in every fade, patina, and mark on its face and case. Every vintage watch is unique, by virtue of having lived a life, so far. A new watch looks, well ... new, modern, contemporary, sleek, shiny and with history not yet written on its face.

There is another level of appreciation - the technical one. I enjoy and actually prefer my old Porsche 911 - even without ABS, airbags, traction control, stability management and more horsepower. Still, a new 911, definitely offers a better driving experience at the limits on the track (measured in lap times) or if one wants working heat or A/C.

Luckily, watches aren't as complicated as cars, and vintage performs just fine. There's another appreciation of just how well the vintage movements, when well maintained, keep time just as well as the newer ones.

So there's everything right about preferring vintage. :thumbsup:

[Clay]

Hey Ken....What did I tell you about posting pictures of the Mil Sub.....
:banghead::banghead::banghead:

[HL65]

Hey Ken....What did I tell you about posting pictures of the Mil Sub.....
:banghead::banghead::banghead:

It is a payback for your 1665-which has the nicest dial I think I have seen on one to date!!! :cheers:

[Frogman4me]

Clay and Ken both you guys are driving me crazy! I am currently without a vintage Rolex and I have to look at your photos and just sit here and eat it. When I do get mine I'm gonna post tons of pics to make up for lost time!

[Clay]

Clay and Ken both you guys are driving me crazy! I am currently without a vintage Rolex and I have to look at your photos and just sit here and eat it. When I do get mine I'm gonna post tons of pics to make up for lost time!

David, I'm looking forward to it......:thumbsup:

[HL65]

Clay and Ken both you guys are driving me crazy! I am currently without a vintage Rolex and I have to look at your photos and just sit here and eat it. When I do get mine I'm gonna post tons of pics to make up for lost time!

As am I !!!:thumbsup:

[Frogman4me]

As am I !!!:thumbsup:

David, I'm looking forward to it......:thumbsup:

Thanks guys, I might have a GTG party as well. You guys are invited. :rofl:

[Michael M.]

Looks spectacular!!

[lhanddds]

We can share it!! Nice Sub too Jason!

guys, Clay is never going to let this go :thinking: Nothing can beat the warmth of a vintage piece. It looks alive when compared to a cold new product.

[garis]

I too, am a convert. Went down the rocky road with modern then ended up with the 3 you see in my signature....and loving very minute of it :thumbsup: I'll never look at a modern piece again ever. I'm now waiting anxiously for the arrival of my latest acquisition, a 9401 blue snowflake..sigh with dreamy eyes :clap:

[HL65]

guys, Clay is never going to let this go :thinking: Nothing can beat the warmth of a vintage piece. It looks alive when compared to a cold new product.

Of course he won't! Why would he? Just another way to compliment a great guy with a great watch!! Cheers!!!:cheers:
PS--I have my hands full or should I say wrists!!

[GeorgeK]

http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae191/feilong_108/IMG_2416-1.jpg

after i gotten mine....the rest of my watches are not worn since then

Yours is a brother to mine, 7.4 million as well:

[Clay]

Of course he won't! Why would he? Just another way to compliment a great guy with a great watch!! Cheers!!!:cheers:
PS--I have my hands full or should I say wrists!!

Ken,
You forgot good looking as well......:lol::lol::lol:

[HL65]

Ken,
You forgot good looking as we......:lol::lol::lol:

My mistake!!!:dummy:

:rofl::rofl::rofl:

[SS Oyster]

Yes, over time, things just get better and better ...

but, the new models are pretty darned good!

[SS Oyster]

I actually love vintage - just adding levity

:justkiddi

[sub300t]

I wanted a Submariner for years before I was able to get one, I decided on a vintage 5513(I should have got one when they could be had for $1500 used!), the new ones just seem cold and lifeless to me. The matt dial and plexi crystal give the watch a soul!

[oldbronco]

for awhile, I was a watch buyer. I caught the vintage bug, & sold most of my modern stuff. then, I became a watch collector. vintage watches just have an aura & panache about them. as a friend of mine said: "think of all the history that watch has seen" when he saw my circa 1937 Bubble Back.

[Clay]

I have to say that I do love my modern 16600 Sea Dweller and I can't in good conscience pooh pooh modern watches completely.....

I enjoy being able to switch off between the two and I will admit that I might take my modern watch where I might not take my vintage piece.....

Given a choice, my 1665 wins hands down....

But the 16600 is a pretty nice watch....

Hey, and they do both have lug holes....:lol:

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h62/1680/DSCN0973-1.jpg

[JimSnyder]

I think what is often overlooked when we talk about the history of Rolex is that THESE were the pieces that made that history.:cheers: Well said Mike. I would rather have a worn 14060 or 5513 then a brand new Sub C :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :cheers:

[YetiBiker]

I think the sentiments regarding vintage pieces have been eloquently expressed by all. There is a warmth to the acrylic crystals that is palpable every time you touch it. Certain pieces are rare, produced in limited numbers..Mil Subs, PN, 6542, 4 liner gilt dials, etc. and they will never be produced again.

There is a measure of maturity in taste when owning a vintage watch. You are evolving and your appreciation of watches is becoming more sophisticated. That is wonderful!!

I went through the same evolution. Modern watches just are not appealing to me at all. Congratulations…on second thought, my sincere condolences…you have just contracted "Vintagerolexitis"…for which there is NO cure. Just ask all the others that have been afflicted. ;)

[HL65]

I think the sentiments regarding vintage pieces have been eloquently expressed by all. There is a warmth to the acrylic crystals that is palpable every time you touch it. Certain pieces are rare, produced in limited numbers..Mil Subs, PN, 6542, 4 liner gilt dials, etc. and they will never be produced again.

There is a measure of maturity in taste when owning a vintage watch. You are evolving and your appreciation of watches is becoming more sophisticated. That is wonderful!!

I went through the same evolution. Modern watches just are not appealing to me at all. Congratulations…on second thought, my sincere condolences…you have just contracted "Vintagerolexitis"…for which there is NO cure. Just ask all the others that have been afflicted. ;)

So glad to have you with us my friend!! Well said!!!:thumbsup:

[JimSnyder]

I have to say that I do love my modern 16600 Sea Dweller and I can't in good conscience pooh pooh modern watches completely.....

I enjoy being able to switch off between the two and I will admit that I might take my modern watch where I might not take my vintage piece.....

Given a choice, my 1665 wins hands down....

But the 16600 is a pretty nice watch....

Hey, and they do both have lug holes....:lol:

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h62/1680/DSCN0973-1.jpg What a pair Clay :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :cheers:

[oneillba]

Oldies, but goodies.