Hello and advice sought on first vintage Rolex

[munsonbw]

First off, let me say hello. I have hung around on other forums for a number of years and never really had an interest in Rolex, so never ventured here. I have been researching for a few weeks an keep coming back here for information, so time to post!

I am now interested in smaller watch to look more appropriate on my 6.5" wrist. I have been looking around at all sorts of things and essentially arrived at a vintage Rolex in the Oysterdate, Datejust, Air-king, Explorer family. My style preference ranges from 50-60's Precisions with the black dial and gold hands/markers to the 114270 Explorer. I prefer no gold, smooth bezel, dials other than bright silver and Oyster bracelet. From there I immediately get lost in the choices by looking at forum classifieds and ebay. Lots of options from $700 to $4000 safe queens. Where to start? What is a redial really worth relative to an original? Why pick a ref. 1500 over a 6694 and so on.

At the heart of my problem is that I am not entirely sure which one I want. For some people they narrow it down to a ref. or year or whatever, but I am a bit overwhelmed with the possibilities. Above all else I want whatever I buy to hold its value reasonably to where I buy it at. Perhaps that is an odd priority, but I know my tastes can be fickle so I don't want to overpay for the "perfect" watch now only to take a bath in a couple years. I'm not trying to make money, just minimize the loss. I also would love to keep the initial price to sub $2000, but that can be increased for the right watch.

Thanks,
Ben

[munsonbw]

Hmm, no advice? Maybe I am casting too wide of a net?

I have been looking at the more vintage pieces, hence my post here, so let's focus on that. What are the pros and cons of say a ref. 1500, 1601 or 5500? All of these have shown up on my radar, some above the target price, others below. Why pick one over another? I saw in my research some folks recommend the 1520 in the air king vs the cal. 3000. Other than the scathing review of the Explorer I, is there just cause for this?

Also to my point about resale value. This approach always seems to rub people the wrong way. While I would love to be ahead of the curve and figure out the next "highly desirable" Rolex, I am content to know that I bought at the low point of the curve. My tastes in style cross many decades, so I prefer to focus my search on ones that will tend to be safer in the long run. For instance, pay $2800 for a completely overhauled, Rolex warranty 1601 or a nice 14000m?

Ben

[Adam K.]

Maybe a nice Ref. 1601 Datejust to dip your toe into the water?

1) Some great dials were offered, the watch is classic and has loads of character (in a nicely kept example) Lug holes allow you to change that further with nice cordovan or crocodile straps, too!

2) they run the legendary 1575 caliber movement---widely regarded as one of Rolex's best-ever engines (and the same one that ticks in various vintage Subs, such as the 1680)

3) Plentiful, so can be obtained within or close to the price point you are wanting to stay in at the moment.

Just an idea.

[Frosty]

If being able to stop the second hand to "Hack" is important, you should consider that when looking at the different models. I like the 1601. I do not wear it as much because it does not hack. I do wear it though because I like the look.

[RolexPete]

Rolex 1603 perhaps? Here is mine currently with Rikki for an overhaul:

[cgibs105]

1601 or 1603 perfect starting vintage and can be found for between consistently between $1650-2200 depending on the condition. Optimally you want everything original as that's what helps to hold prices going forward. Although the sports vintages are in higher demand, a vintage DJ is an excellent start. Great value!

[lhanddds]

Do not buy a refinished dial. It has a big impact on vintage value. You are right in Datejust range.


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[joe100]

I think the 5500 is a fine way to start in Rolex. However, that said, you have to decide what works for you. Everyone here will recommend something different

[RolexPete]

Go with a pie-pan dial 16xx datejust.

[munsonbw]

Thanks for the advice gang. Great to hear that there really isn't a bad rolex. I was concerned like in cars (or Omega co-axial) that there may be one more likely to have issue or be less desired. What I am struggling with now is the style. I stumbled into the 114200 air kings and I am pretty smitten. More than I planned, but gives me that Explorer I vibe Ina more affordable package. My wrist is about 6.5" so no worries there. I really am thinking the 1601 or 1603 will be my my choice if I can't find the right AK.

Ben

[bfinta]

I just picked up a 1603... Its really even better looking in person at various angles with the pie pan dial and acrylic crystal. This is what i would recommend:)