Vintage and modern watches

[James Taylor]

Upon joining this form, I noticed that there is quite a difference between collectors...
Some people prefer the newer Rolex models and others prefer the vintage or collectible watches, like myself. although i do have a few newer ones.

I would like to discuss the reasons for peoples passion about old and new and discover what reasons most have for choosing to buy old or new watches, perhaps also give collectors reasons to collect an older or newer series or brand of watch which they would not have previously considered.

[Chester01]

Originally Posted by James Taylor

Upon joining this form, I noticed that there is quite a difference between collectors...
Some people prefer the newer Rolex models and others prefer the vintage or collectible watches, like myself. although i do have a few newer ones.

I would like to discuss the reasons for peoples passion about old and new and discover what reasons most have for choosing to buy old or new watches, perhaps also give collectors reasons to collect an older or newer series or brand of watch which they would not have previously considered.

Welcome! I can only speak for myself, but I love the look of vintage but actually use my watches as tools and need them to be robust and not delicate. Vintage watches can be challenging to source parts for as well. The beauty is that if you collect long enough your new watches become vintage as is starting to happen for my 20 year old 16610.

[R!$]

if you just joined the hobby and wear the new style watches then you will prefer the bulky feel

if you have been a fan for at least 10 years then you will appreciate the classic details

[Zuger]

Certain vintage models have better fit on smaller wrists. The modern super cases may be too big for some people, myself included.

[James Taylor]

The main reason im such a fan of older watches, 5513s, 5508s ... etc. is because they are so hard to find and have such a great history behind them.
I love the age and character of the worn watches as well, and they are much harder to find than a new rolex which you can order and just have to wait for.

[dbfagan]

I think a lot of it has to do with personal taste or what we lusted after as kids. My first “nice” watch was an Omega Speedmaster, mainly because of the ads I saw as a youngster. It was a tritium model from the early 90’s so the dial faded and the hands turned a bit yellow. While owning this I ended up buying a few Rolex(s), mainly 5 digit models with the gloss dials and WG surrounds. After a while of owning both the light bulb went off-wouldn’t it be awesome to have a Rolex with a matte dial and yellowish markers? It has been all down hill from there. I ended up replacing all of my 5 digit Rolex(s) with 4 digit Rolex(s). It took a while but many thanks to the vintage experts on this site, I think I did OK.

David

[sillo]

I settled on 5-digits because those are the ones I liked the most that I could afford at the beginning of my collecting. They also fit me the best and have the nice blend of modern and vintage features that I love. Tritium lume, lug holes, folded end links, aluminum bezel inserts, and chamfers with quickset dates and sapphire crystals. They also have plenty of variations throughout their history which keeps collecting interesting.

[dbfagan]

Originally Posted by sillo38

I settled on 5-digits because those are the ones I liked the most that I could afford at the beginning of my collecting. They also fit me the best and have the nice blend of modern and vintage features that I love. Tritium lume, lug holes, folded end links, aluminum bezel inserts, and chamfers with quickset dates and sapphire crystals. They also have plenty of variations throughout their history which keeps collecting interesting.

Could not agree more about the older 5 digit models. The Pepsi 16710 with tritium and lug holes is iconic. Unfortunately, I had to trade mine to get my 1016☹️

[GradyPhilpott]

If I like a watch, trust the seller, and can afford it, I buy it.

[Kingface66]

For me, it's the watches with dial designs that were created by, drafted by, and even painted by hand. It's a design art that, sadly, has gone the way of computer software, where every watch that comes off the production line looks like a watch designed with a computer. To me, modern Rolexes have no soul whatsoever. They inspire nothing, and I can't see how they capture the imagination of anyone. And that same mid-century, classic aesthetic goes for SO many things that appeal to me: Guitars; Automobiles; Aircraft; Furniture....

[Sublovin]

I like both!

[sillo]

Originally Posted by dbfagan

Unfortunately, I had to trade mine to get my 1016

I actually sold my 1016 and ended up using the funds to buy my 16700.

[CalSRQ1]

Both but for me...the newer watches have more bling. White gold surrounds and PCLs. If you want that look = modern. More simple/tool watch look= vintage. Yes I know the DSSD is the ultimate tool watch- but it’s pretty blingy nonetheless. Love em all though.

[Netminder1]

I think variety is the only true aphrodesiac.

Ooops, wrong forum! I thought this was Cheating Spouses Anonymous forum .

Only kidding I love both. to me, variety in vintage and modern, and all sizes from Big Pilots to Rolex 1601s.

[MCO1]

I came into Rolex in the 5 digit era so have a soft spot for them, and I guess the early ones could be termed vintage though they are still quite serviceable. I find the 4 digits lovely to look at but not so sure I have the patience to own one, kind of like vintage cars.

The modern ones I wear and enjoy for their robustness and durability.

[Etschell]

I'm not a fan of vintage. They are cool but I prefer modern watches. When I'm old they will be vintage.

[cajuntiger]

Originally Posted by Kingface66

For me, it's the watches with dial designs that were created by, drafted by, and even painted by hand. It's a design art that, sadly, has gone the way of computer software, where every watch that comes off the production line looks like a watch designed with a computer. To me, modern Rolexes have no soul whatsoever. They inspire nothing, and I can't see how they capture the imagination of anyone. And that same mid-century, classic aesthetic goes for SO many things that appeal to me: Guitars; Automobiles; Aircraft; Furniture....

This pretty much sums up my feelings. I don't own any new watches for this very reason...all vintage. And as Kingfish66 says, this extends to my other passions Cameras, furniture, lighters, cars, etc.

[1665fan]

It’s great to have all types, nothing beats a near perfect red sub or DRSD, and not much beats a nice patrizzi Daytona. And the new 500 and and a 5513 maxi dial or a nice 1655......must have a little of both or I prefer a lot of both!!!!

[Mansell92]

Originally Posted by cajuntiger

This pretty much sums up my feelings. I don't own any new watches for this very reason...all vintage. And as Kingfish66 says, this extends to my other passions Cameras, furniture, lighters, cars, etc.

[Dr.Smellody]

I have both but have refined my collection. At one time I had 50 watches.... then 30 lower to mid Swiss... then 20 Rolex and Tudor.... now I am down to these six and two additional tudors.

[michael23]

Originally Posted by Kingface66

For me, it's the watches with dial designs that were created by, drafted by, and even painted by hand. It's a design art that, sadly, has gone the way of computer software, where every watch that comes off the production line looks like a watch designed with a computer. To me, modern Rolexes have no soul whatsoever. They inspire nothing, and I can't see how they capture the imagination of anyone. And that same mid-century, classic aesthetic goes for SO many things that appeal to me: Guitars; Automobiles; Aircraft; Furniture....

Well said. Agree 100%

[SubMarine]

It's important to obtain unpolished pieces in original condition. Watches from the past that have been polished (butchered) have no more "soul" than modern computer-designed pieces.

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by SubMarine

It's important to obtain unpolished pieces in original condition. Watches from the past that have been polished (butchered) have no more "soul" than modern computer-designed pieces.

Damn, I didn’t realize this watch of mine had been butchered. Probably should get rid of it.



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[gt0279a]

I like both.

It’s also similar to cars. Great to have modern materials, safety features, bluetooth, etc in a new car but nothing like the feel and simplicity of a vintage one.

[ILuvSubs]

I actually own both.

I probably prefer the looks of the vintage, because of their uniqueness and character. It's nice to know that a vintage tool watch was more likely used in the manner it was designed for, than a modern tool watch.

That said, I also like modern because it has functioning lume and it's nice to know you have all the latest technology (e.g., ceramic bezel, glidelock, parachrom hairspring, etc.).

[SubMarine]

Originally Posted by ILuvSubs

I actually own both.

I probably prefer the looks of the vintage, because of their uniqueness and character. It's nice to know that a vintage tool watch was more likely used in the manner it was designed for, than a modern tool watch.

That said, I also like modern because it has functioning lume and it's nice to know you have all the latest technology (e.g., ceramic bezel, glidelock, parachrom hairspring, etc.).

Aesthetics and design always win over engineering.

[springer]

Originally Posted by SubMarine

It's important to obtain unpolished pieces in original condition. Watches from the past that have been polished (butchered) have no more "soul" than modern computer-designed pieces.

You learn something new everyday. Thanks for the enlightenment. I guess it's time to get rid of all my vintage collection. I'll start with this polished example.

[mgsooner]

I am kind of caught in no man’s land because I prefer the vintage look but want the conveniences that come with modern. Durability, reliability, superior bracelet, etc.

[James Taylor]

Although newer Rolex models seem like they will last longer because of the fact that they can be serviced with new rolex parts, Gulit-free, Rolex models from earlier periods last very long and can run hassle-free throughout your lifetime if taken care of.
Also, a bit of variety doesn't hurt, mix some new in with the old or vice-versa.

Originally Posted by mgsooner

I am kind of caught in no man’s land because I prefer the vintage look but want the conveniences that come with modern. Durability, reliability, superior bracelet, etc.

[lhanddds]

Originally Posted by Kingface66

For me, it's the watches with dial designs that were created by, drafted by, and even painted by hand. It's a design art that, sadly, has gone the way of computer software, where every watch that comes off the production line looks like a watch designed with a computer. To me, modern Rolexes have no soul whatsoever. They inspire nothing, and I can't see how they capture the imagination of anyone. And that same mid-century, classic aesthetic goes for SO many things that appeal to me: Guitars; Automobiles; Aircraft; Furniture....

This is a great answer. I really don't like the design of the newer Rolex watches (Big lugs, PCLs, etc). I was really anticipating the new Daytona and the new Pepsi but I was really disappointed with the result, for a number of reasons. I also enjoy that they also each have their own look due to their aging process. When we post pics here, I enjoy looking at the different look of each watch. On the modern forum, you might as well post a stock pic. They all look the same.