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janj_dk · 28 October 2011, 10:42 PM

Why select vintage watches - when you can have a modern watch for less.

Do we/you do it because the quality is better - I guess not.
Do we/you do it because the price is higher - maybe/maybe not.
Do we/you do it because of the look - yes/maybe.
Do we/you do it because of the history - yes.
Do we/you do it because of the uniqueness - yes.

I think different people have different ways to look at it, but for me I'm a little split on this question.
I really, really like the vintage look of watches, and I like the history behind many of the watches from a time where the focus was more on the functionality and less on bling and fashion.

The vintage watches are from a time where their existed NO forums on the Internet, no definition of WIS, and I guess the number of people with a passion for watches was much less than present day.
The reason for this is multiple I think.

No way to spread the information other than via "magazines" - did they exist
Watches was just not something to collect
Watches was a functional piece/tool - tell time and date - (no cellphones, etc..)
People collected "other things" - stamps, art, wine, antiques, etc..

The start of watch collecting began in the 1990'ties, and really hit it big at the start of the millimum (2000).

For me the split is about 50/50 - vintage vs modern - I like the modern watches for their functionality and improvements but love the vintages watches for their looks and history.

What is you story behind - vintage vs modern watches?

My Mix is like this

Best Regards

Jan J

slcbbrown · 28 October 2011, 11:29 PM

Usually pay about 30 to 50% of current retail for a great watch that can last the rest of my life, and then some.

Keeperoftime · 28 October 2011, 11:36 PM

Simply put: Charm.

Submarino · 29 October 2011, 12:56 AM

The older Rolex craftsmanship, the plexi crystals, the silver date wheels, the matte dials and the naturally faded bezel inserts. Did I miss anything?

Yes I did. Also the childhood memories of people that are no longer in this world that used to wear those Rolexes around me when I was a kid and the aspirations behind wanting one when I grew up!

Keeperoftime · 29 October 2011, 01:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Submarino

The older Rolex craftsmanship, the plexi crystals, the silver date wheels, the matte dials and the naturally faded bezel inserts. Did I miss anything?

Yes I did. Also the childhood memories of people that are no longer in this world that used to wear those Rolexes around me when I was a kid and the aspirations behind wanting one when I grew up!

+1

rnrmbs · 29 October 2011, 01:33 AM

I own one vintage Rolex, a 5513. To me that's the alltime classic Submariner. Matte dial, a bit of patina, and ofcourse the domed plexi. There's is a charm and warmth to domed plexi that flat sapphire can't produce.

For my taste the dial should be 100%, and the case fat and sharp. I don't like overpolished, round cases and lugs.

LI Matt · 29 October 2011, 09:55 PM

I like the idea of having a watch that's about as old as I am

You don't ever have to worry about it being "out of style", because with Rolex "style" is pretty much irrelevant.

dddrees · 29 October 2011, 10:11 PM

After getting a number of modern watches and becoming enamored with watches, I wanted something just a little bit different and a bit special. A vintage Rolex watch was the next logical move for me.

buffy · 29 October 2011, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Submarino

The older Rolex craftsmanship, the plexi crystals, the silver date wheels, the matte dials and the naturally faded bezel inserts. Did I miss anything?

Yes I did. Also the childhood memories of people that are no longer in this world that used to wear those Rolexes around me when I was a kid and the aspirations behind wanting one when I grew up!

Quote:

Originally Posted by LI Matt

I like the idea of having a watch that's about as old as I am

You don't ever have to worry about it being "out of style", because with Rolex "style" is pretty much irrelevant.

That´s pretty sums up why i went for vintage, just love matte dials.

fusionstorm · 30 October 2011, 12:58 PM

Anyone with a bit of money can march out of an AD with a Rolex on their wrist. They've joined millions of others worldwide who sport basically that same watch.

Vintage Rolex is on far fewer wrists. You have to be careful of what you're buying, as there's no such thing as a vintage AD. I like that uniqueness.

Tudor66 · 30 October 2011, 01:44 PM

I just picked up a 16800 sub, not a true vintage, but not a new AD item either.
I like the slightly faded look of the pearl bezel piece, and the fact that the watch was first sold in 1984, and now looks brand new after a rolex service.

The price was less than half as a new sub, which made it a great entry into the. Rolex market. I am saving up for another one, maybe an older gmt...

Beelzy · 31 October 2011, 12:29 AM

There's something about the matte dial and plexi crystal and the warm glow they give when the sun shines on them.

Plus you don't see every bloke in town sporting one.

matt4hand · 31 October 2011, 01:22 AM

For me it's all about history, patina and passion!
I love having something you don't see on every day.
The hunt for the perfect one brings me joy as well.

Kayaker52 · 31 October 2011, 01:22 AM

I just don`t like any of the new Rolexes.PERIOD!

onkyo · 31 October 2011, 04:09 AM

[QUOTE=janj_dk;2831827]Why select vintage watches - when you can have a modern watch for less.

Do we/you do it because the quality is better - I guess not. Not better but different
Do we/you do it because the price is higher - maybe/maybe not. No
Do we/you do it because of the look - yes/maybe. Yes
Do we/you do it because of the history - yes. Yes
Do we/you do it because of the uniqueness - yes. Yes

QUOTE]

HERITAGE82 · 31 October 2011, 04:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keeperoftime

simply put: Charm.

x 2

Lol-x · 31 October 2011, 08:46 AM

Sweet baby Jeses that is a cool photo

esm · 31 October 2011, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kayaker52

I just don`t like any of the new Rolexes.PERIOD!

I'm quite the opposite.

I just dont like any of the vintage Rolex watches. PERIOD!

Why? I just don't like foreign DNA.

If I want history, I will make one with a new one from fresh.

gerard88t · 31 October 2011, 08:55 AM

Then may I ask why you are posting in the vintage Rolex forum?

Quote:

Originally Posted by esm

I'm quite the opposite.

I just dont like any of the vintage Rolex watches. PERIOD!

Why? I just don't like foreign DNA.

If I want history, I will make one with a new one from fresh.

esm · 31 October 2011, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gerard88t

Then may I ask why you are posting in the vintage Rolex forum?

Simple.

Because it came up as one of the latest threads (via Tapatalk), and IMO - it is a general question that anyone can have an opinion on.

It is quite the same why you'd frequent the main Rolex forum and may decide on answer or give an opinion on some of the general modern Rolex questions.... One I can think on top of my head can be - "WHY modern watches?"

gerard88t · 31 October 2011, 09:00 AM

Quite a lot more info added from you than necessary. The first ten words were sufficient. Thanks

Quote:

Originally Posted by esm

Simple.

Because it came up as one of the latest threads (via Tapatalk), and IMO - it is a general question that anyone can have an opinion on.

It is quite the same why you'd frequent the main Rolex forum and may decide on answer or give an opinion on some of the general modern Rolex questions.... One I can think on top of my head can be - "WHY modern watches?"

esm · 31 October 2011, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gerard88t

Quite a lot more info added from you than necessary. The first ten words were sufficient. Thanks

Apologies. Didn't realise there is a different posting regulation over at the vintage section of TRF. Thanks for letting me know.

gerard88t · 31 October 2011, 09:06 AM

Relax. I was asking only.

esm · 31 October 2011, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gerard88t

Relax. I was asking only.

Chilled. I was simply replying to the posts.

Morrie · 31 October 2011, 04:56 PM

Firstly to hell with the conversation killers, and most importantly Why OLD.
Well over the years Ive had 3 new cars and lost a bundle on them when selling...that told me something.
And I do believe its the same with very special watches. I have a lovely old Day Date President with a Pie Pan dial, It only cost me a fraction of what a new one would cost and I have to say with time its become more than just my favourite. Its with me all time except in shower!
Cheers George

watchnewby · 27 December 2011, 07:34 PM

For me it is the : Look, history and uniqueness.
The older Rolex craftsmanship is simply superb.
The plexi crystals (or plastic to some) which IMO is much better than the saphire glass found in modern watches in terms of getting smudges of fingerprints.

red57 · 28 December 2011, 01:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by esm

I'm quite the opposite.

I just dont like any of the vintage Rolex watches. PERIOD!

Why? I just don't like foreign DNA.

If I want history, I will make one with a new one from fresh.

The new Rolex watches look to flashy for me, do you wear lots of big jewelry?

Rod. · 28 December 2011, 02:59 AM

My Sub wasn't vintage in 1972 when I bought it, nor did I ever consider where we'd be nearly 40 years later. At the time I bought it, it was as most young people do -- for the moment, and immediate 'needs'.

Would I buy a new one today? Simply from the economics -- and as someone else already noted about new car depreciation -- I'd look for a good used one.

YMMV,
Rod.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Jagatai · 28 December 2011, 03:21 AM

Vintage has character.

Kayaker52 · 28 December 2011, 03:26 AM

I have been buying Rolex vintage watches way back they wear reasonable,I like the older styles,they don`t knock off many vintage models(I am not sure now)plus they just look time worn..

28 October 2011, 10:42 PM	#1
janj_dk Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Denmark Watch: Rolex Explorer II Posts: 20	WHY vintage watches? Why select vintage watches - when you can have a modern watch for less. Do we/you do it because the quality is better - I guess not. Do we/you do it because the price is higher - maybe/maybe not. Do we/you do it because of the look - yes/maybe. Do we/you do it because of the history - yes. Do we/you do it because of the uniqueness - yes. I think different people have different ways to look at it, but for me I'm a little split on this question. I really, really like the vintage look of watches, and I like the history behind many of the watches from a time where the focus was more on the functionality and less on bling and fashion. The vintage watches are from a time where their existed NO forums on the Internet, no definition of WIS, and I guess the number of people with a passion for watches was much less than present day. The reason for this is multiple I think. No way to spread the information other than via "magazines" - did they exist Watches was just not something to collect Watches was a functional piece/tool - tell time and date - (no cellphones, etc..) People collected "other things" - stamps, art, wine, antiques, etc.. The start of watch collecting began in the 1990'ties, and really hit it big at the start of the millimum (2000). For me the split is about 50/50 - vintage vs modern - I like the modern watches for their functionality and improvements but love the vintages watches for their looks and history. What is you story behind - vintage vs modern watches? My Mix is like this Best Regards Jan J

28 October 2011, 11:36 PM	#3
Keeperoftime "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Real Name: Jeremy Location: Louisiana Watch: Rolex Posts: 2,732	Simply put: Charm. __________________ As a man is, so he sees. As the eye is formed, such are its powers. William Blake

29 October 2011, 12:56 AM	#4
Submarino "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Real Name: Mr. H Location: Dallas Watch: them for me! Posts: 7,180	The older Rolex craftsmanship, the plexi crystals, the silver date wheels, the matte dials and the naturally faded bezel inserts. Did I miss anything? Yes I did. Also the childhood memories of people that are no longer in this world that used to wear those Rolexes around me when I was a kid and the aspirations behind wanting one when I grew up! __________________ WATCHES ARE THE NEW CURRENCY!/ MEMBER 27491/OFFICIALLY DESIGNATED OLD TIMER /AP OWNERS CLUB MEMBER Instagram @watchcollectinglifestyle

29 October 2011, 01:33 AM	#6
rnrmbs "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Netherlands Posts: 222	I own one vintage Rolex, a 5513. To me that's the alltime classic Submariner. Matte dial, a bit of patina, and ofcourse the domed plexi. There's is a charm and warmth to domed plexi that flat sapphire can't produce. For my taste the dial should be 100%, and the case fat and sharp. I don't like overpolished, round cases and lugs. __________________ PP AP ROLEX OMEGA AP owners club

29 October 2011, 09:55 PM	#7
LI Matt "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Real Name: Matt Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 298	I like the idea of having a watch that's about as old as I am You don't ever have to worry about it being "out of style", because with Rolex "style" is pretty much irrelevant. __________________ I don't wear a Rolex for other people, I wear it for me. "We're going to hell anyway, let's travel first class" -- Kaiser Chiefs

28 October 2011, 11:29 PM	#2
slcbbrown "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Real Name: steve Location: dallas area Watch: 50's TT t-bird Posts: 3,688	Usually pay about 30 to 50% of current retail for a great watch that can last the rest of my life, and then some.

29 October 2011, 10:11 PM	#8
dddrees "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2010 Real Name: Dan Location: USA Watch: This N That Posts: 34,251	After getting a number of modern watches and becoming enamored with watches, I wanted something just a little bit different and a bit special. A vintage Rolex watch was the next logical move for me. __________________ When it captures your imagination, that's when you know you have found your passion. Loyal Foot Soldier of The Nylon Nation. Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons

30 October 2011, 12:58 PM	#10
fusionstorm "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Piedmont, CA Watch: various vintage Posts: 2,272	Anyone with a bit of money can march out of an AD with a Rolex on their wrist. They've joined millions of others worldwide who sport basically that same watch. Vintage Rolex is on far fewer wrists. You have to be careful of what you're buying, as there's no such thing as a vintage AD. I like that uniqueness. __________________ 1680 MK II 2.2M (my daily); 1655 MK IV 8.1M (my 1st vintage); 16660 x 4 - 8.0M spider & matte 7.4M, 8.0M, 8.0M; 16610LV F MK I/MK I; 116528 Z; 14060 M COSC; Tudor 75090 Gone.....never forgotten: 14000 F, 14060 V COSC, PAM 048, 16623 F, 1680 MK V 3.1M, 16800 matte 8.3M & 1655 MK IV 7.4M

30 October 2011, 01:44 PM	#11
Tudor66 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Real Name: Al Location: California, USA Watch: GMT- Pepsi Posts: 3,462	Almost vintage I just picked up a 16800 sub, not a true vintage, but not a new AD item either. I like the slightly faded look of the pearl bezel piece, and the fact that the watch was first sold in 1984, and now looks brand new after a rolex service. The price was less than half as a new sub, which made it a great entry into the. Rolex market. I am saving up for another one, maybe an older gmt... __________________ -NAWCC Member

31 October 2011, 12:29 AM	#12
Beelzy "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2010 Real Name: Chris Location: Cen-Cal Watch: 16610 Posts: 869	There's something about the matte dial and plexi crystal and the warm glow they give when the sun shines on them. Plus you don't see every bloke in town sporting one.

31 October 2011, 01:22 AM	#13
matt4hand Banned Join Date: Jan 2011 Real Name: Matt Location: Atlanta Watch: Tramp Posts: 2,369	For me it's all about history, patina and passion! I love having something you don't see on every day. The hunt for the perfect one brings me joy as well.

31 October 2011, 01:22 AM	#14
Kayaker52 Banned Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: New york Posts: 255	I just don`t like any of the new Rolexes.PERIOD!

31 October 2011, 04:09 AM	#15
onkyo Banned Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: Pav Location: Manhattan Posts: 11,495	[QUOTE=janj_dk;2831827]Why select vintage watches - when you can have a modern watch for less. Do we/you do it because the quality is better - I guess not. Not better but different Do we/you do it because the price is higher - maybe/maybe not. No Do we/you do it because of the look - yes/maybe. Yes Do we/you do it because of the history - yes. Yes Do we/you do it because of the uniqueness - yes. Yes QUOTE]

31 October 2011, 08:46 AM	#17
Lol-x Facilitator Join Date: Nov 2005 Real Name: Steve Location: Omnipresent Posts: 33,269	Sweet baby Jeses that is a cool photo __________________ *Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.* ~Abraham Lincoln Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride. ~John F. Kennedy ROLEXploitation - yeah I'm a victim

31 October 2011, 09:06 AM	#23
gerard88t "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Bucks County Posts: 409	Relax. I was asking only.

31 October 2011, 04:56 PM	#25
Morrie "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Real Name: George Location: New Zealand Watch: 14k Omega PiePan Posts: 31	For me OLD is the way to go Firstly to hell with the conversation killers, and most importantly Why OLD. Well over the years Ive had 3 new cars and lost a bundle on them when selling...that told me something. And I do believe its the same with very special watches. I have a lovely old Day Date President with a Pie Pan dial, It only cost me a fraction of what a new one would cost and I have to say with time its become more than just my favourite. Its with me all time except in shower! Cheers George

27 December 2011, 07:34 PM	#26
watchnewby Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Kuala Lumpur Posts: 18	For me it is the : Look, history and uniqueness. The older Rolex craftsmanship is simply superb. The plexi crystals (or plastic to some) which IMO is much better than the saphire glass found in modern watches in terms of getting smudges of fingerprints.

28 December 2011, 02:59 AM	#28
Rod. "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Real Name: Rod. Location: Canada Watch: 5513 Posts: 118	My Sub wasn't vintage in 1972 when I bought it, nor did I ever consider where we'd be nearly 40 years later. At the time I bought it, it was as most young people do -- for the moment, and immediate 'needs'. Would I buy a new one today? Simply from the economics -- and as someone else already noted about new car depreciation -- I'd look for a good used one. YMMV, Rod. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

28 December 2011, 03:21 AM	#29
Jagatai "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Real Name: Philip Location: NY Posts: 851	Vintage has character.

28 December 2011, 03:26 AM	#30
Kayaker52 Banned Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: New york Posts: 255	I have been buying Rolex vintage watches way back they wear reasonable,I like the older styles,they don`t knock off many vintage models(I am not sure now)plus they just look time worn..

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