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12 January 2019, 01:59 AM | #1 |
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Any sense in buying vintage?
Hi Guys,
I´m contemplating buying a 1969 Datejust (yes - there´s a birthyear thing involved), but I wonder if it is sensible to buy such an old watch. I want it to be in daily use, and am a bit cautious because of the wear, almost 50 years of use will cause. What is your experience with vintage watches? All input is appreciated. |
12 January 2019, 02:48 AM | #2 |
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I like vintage watches, but I don't understand the birthyear thing...
Many Rolex watches look similar today as they did back in 1969, and a good service on a sound example will yield a watch as good as it was 50 years ago. Finding new parts for the older movement series may be a challenge.
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12 January 2019, 02:55 AM | #3 |
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Here's my 1968 1603, worn daily.
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12 January 2019, 02:57 AM | #4 |
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Real Name: Ky
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My DateJust is from right around 1969. It made total sense to me when I purchased it and it still makes sense now.
These watches are old but with proper care will still outlive us and I have no doubt that they will still perform fantastically after I pass them on to my sons. |
12 January 2019, 03:02 AM | #5 |
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better a watch from '69 than a car
rolex can keep these things going forever i love vintage, something about them |
12 January 2019, 07:14 AM | #6 |
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12 January 2019, 07:19 AM | #7 | |
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Quote:
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12 January 2019, 08:40 AM | #8 |
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although i like the cyclops it looks good without,
i take it this must have been an option at one point in rolex history, judging by the two dj's pictured here on this thread from '69 |
12 January 2019, 10:53 AM | #9 |
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Have no concern. These old Datejusts are sturdy workhorses despite technically being dress watches. Mine from the early '70s runs like a dream.
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12 January 2019, 05:29 PM | #10 |
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My daily wear is a 1601 vita 1971 (yes - a birth year thing). You can see it as my avatar. I change to NATO straps in the summer to extend the life of the alligator strap. But no worries wearing everyday. My thoughts are, everything is replaceable if damage occurs.
My advice is simple..Buy and wear what you like!!! |
12 January 2019, 06:41 PM | #11 |
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Thanks for all your replies. That didn´t exactly put me off the idea.
I guess I´ll keep looking |
12 January 2019, 08:16 PM | #12 |
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> I guess I´ll keep looking
Go for it These are very reliable movements. I also like this style from the 60s and 70s much more - than the modern style. Greetings from Germany MaG |
12 January 2019, 11:29 PM | #13 |
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I'm wearing my 1967 5513 Sub today. After the LAWW spa treatment this watch is good for another fifty years, with a bit of maintenance along the way!
The steel these things are made of will outlast us, OP, don't worry about buying a 1xxx series watch like the DJ you're considering. 6xxx is a little trickier (the older series) but still people wear them. Finding a watchmaker will be more difficult, sure, but what with the internet those that are still in business will find plenty of work. There are people going into that line of work, still. Anyway, vintage. Stick to Rolex from 1960 forward and you're golden. Good luck to you. |
13 January 2019, 05:05 AM | #14 |
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I have a 1969 Day-date and it’s a tank. They will outlive us and our children. Buy without doubt.
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13 January 2019, 06:41 AM | #15 |
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If your going to buy vintage get a sport model....
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13 January 2019, 06:58 AM | #16 |
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My daily wear is a 1979 5500 AK. Keeps perfect time, but I do the nightstand orientation trick to keep it that way. I enjoy looking at it when no one is around! Get vintage and enjoy
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13 January 2019, 07:31 AM | #17 |
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13 January 2019, 08:39 AM | #18 |
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i wear a birth year sub and its personally the perfect daily. slides under the radar and is simple and beautiful
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15 January 2019, 04:02 AM | #19 |
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With vintage it depends on what you want, if you want to collect for a profit or to keep. If the later is true buy what you like and makes you happy.
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