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Old 9 December 2017, 05:12 AM   #1
jpwv
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Best Models from 1978

Hi, all.

This is probably too general of a question, but I am interested in purchasing a timepiece from my year of birth, 1978, in the future. I would like to keep it under 3k. Any thoughts on what would be a desirable get from 1978? I am drawn to sport watches, but a more formal watch may be better for this occasion as I currently own a Sub and plan to get a panerai or big pilot for my 40th next year.

Thank you in advance for any thoughts you can offer.
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Old 9 December 2017, 05:17 AM   #2
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Can't think of any Rolex model from 78 under 3k that would be "desirable".
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Old 9 December 2017, 05:19 AM   #3
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Under $3k will be tough. Maybe....
Air King
Datejust
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Old 9 December 2017, 05:21 AM   #4
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Under 10k? Would have to be further in the future though. haha
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Old 9 December 2017, 05:31 AM   #5
offrdmania
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In the under $3k range you may be able to find one of these. Some in better condition than others, with and without bracelets.

Model 6426 Precision, No Date, Manual Wind
Model 6694 Precision, Date, Manual wind
Model 1002 No Date, Automatic
Model 1500 Date, Automatic
Model 1601 Datejust, Automatic
Model 5500 AirKing, Automatic
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Old 9 December 2017, 07:21 AM   #6
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A 1600 Datejust with oyster bracelet is on the sporty side of the dressy Rolexes. In -78 I believe you could also have a 16000.
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Old 9 December 2017, 07:25 AM   #7
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As a few have stated, check into the DateJust. Many dials to chose from as well. Good luck on your hunt!
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Old 9 December 2017, 09:58 AM   #8
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Go to the HQ Milton website and type "1978" in to the search box. You will get some really great ideas on what's out there.



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Old 9 December 2017, 10:15 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by offrdmania View Post
In the under $3k range you may be able to find one of these. Some in better condition than others, with and without bracelets.

Model 6426 Precision, No Date, Manual Wind
Model 6694 Precision, Date, Manual wind
Model 1002 No Date, Automatic
Model 1500 Date, Automatic
Model 1601 Datejust, Automatic
Model 5500 AirKing, Automatic
X2. This pretty much sums up the options with a $3,000 budget.
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Old 9 December 2017, 10:30 AM   #10
douglasf13
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It may take a bit to find a good one from exactly 1978, but, for between $3K-$4K, you should eventually be able to find my favorite Rolex watch from any era. A DateJust 1600:

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Old 9 December 2017, 12:26 PM   #11
brand_c
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Quote:
Originally Posted by offrdmania View Post
In the under $3k range you may be able to find one of these. Some in better condition than others, with and without bracelets.

Model 6426 Precision, No Date, Manual Wind
Model 6694 Precision, Date, Manual wind
Model 1002 No Date, Automatic
Model 1500 Date, Automatic
Model 1601 Datejust, Automatic
Model 5500 AirKing, Automatic

x2 5500 AirKing, a good condition one can be had for approx 2500 or so. Very underrated everyday watch
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Old 9 December 2017, 12:51 PM   #12
vintagewatch
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Best of Rolex 1978

These three watches (Submariner, Sea Dweller, and Explorer II) are from 1978, 5.3 to 5.4 million serial numbers. Unfortunately as stated in earlier posts $3000 will be insufficient to purchase them.
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File Type: jpg 1978-1655.jpg (54.9 KB, 324 views)
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Old 9 December 2017, 12:52 PM   #13
douglasf13
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x2 5500 AirKing, a good condition one can be had for approx 2500 or so. Very underrated everyday watch
Yep. For example: https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=572644
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Old 9 December 2017, 01:22 PM   #14
05carbondrz
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Originally Posted by vintagewatch View Post
These three watches (Submariner, Sea Dweller, and Explorer II) are from 1978, 5.3 to 5.4 million serial numbers. Unfortunately as stated in earlier posts $3000 will be insufficient to purchase them.
Yeah....13K will be insufficient too....
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Old 9 December 2017, 02:42 PM   #15
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You can find a nice Oysterquartz for around that price.

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Old 9 December 2017, 04:42 PM   #16
brand_c
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I bought a 5500 recently only to realize later on that its the 17 jewel version instead of the regular 26 in the caliber 1520....wondering if I should be worried or not since I read that it wore down faster....
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Old 10 December 2017, 09:22 AM   #17
semi-ambivalent
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Originally Posted by jpwv View Post
Hi, all.

This is probably too general of a question, but I am interested in purchasing a timepiece from my year of birth, 1978, in the future. I would like to keep it under 3k. Any thoughts on what would be a desirable get from 1978? I am drawn to sport watches, but a more formal watch may be better for this occasion as I currently own a Sub and plan to get a panerai or big pilot for my 40th next year.

Thank you in advance for any thoughts you can offer.
I've seen lots of samples of my watch; 16030, for $3500 give or take. They all had the high beat movement so were at least, what, 1977? Under $3k? It'll take a bit of work, luck and some patience.
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Old 12 December 2017, 03:27 AM   #18
jpwv
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I appreciate all the replies. It just dawned on me that the best model from 1978 for me to have would be the Sub 5513 or 1680 since my first “real” watch was a sub. I will probably pass that one to my son and replace with one of the aforementioned. No use spending cash on something unless it really means something. The non-sports would just be owning for the year.
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