FIRST TIME Rolex Owner Needs Help

[jsookdeo]

Hi Everyone!

I am joining the Rolex family and made my first purchase of a DateJust 1999 16220 model watch for $3,800. I also received another offer for a DateJust late 90's 16014 model watch for $4,200.

From my research, the 16014 has plexi-glass with white gold bezel while the 16220 model is engine turned SS bezel with sapphire glass.

Do you think I should return the 16220 that I just purchased for the 16014 for $400 more? Is it worth it? Please share your expertise!

Thank you,
-Jonathan

[Colin10101]

Which do you prefer?

[beshannon]

Welcome.

"Worth it" is a totally subject term. As already asked, which do you prefer?

[jsookdeo]

Should have chosen my words more carefully. In regards to which I prefer, they look the same but the 16014 bezel looks a lot more sleek and less industrial looking. Here is what threw me off, another 16014 model year 1985 was on sale for $3,700 which is about the same price that the 16220 model year 1999 cost me.

So does the 16014 hold more value than the 16220 since almost 15 years later and the price is about the same?

The only reason that I got the 16220 was really because of the sapphire glass and because it was a newer year - but is that a good reason? I mean if none of that is a good enough reason, then I’ll just get the 1985 model instead of spending $400 more for the late 90s model. Does year play a big role?

Which would you have gotten?

[jsookdeo]

I just don’t want to drop thousands on a watch without doing proper homework and then someone who knows all about Rolex tell me that I should have gotten the 16014 model either year 1985 or late 90s instead of the 1999 16220 model due to reasons that I was not aware of.

[adg31]

I prefer the engine turned bezel over the WG version but that's personal preference. From a day to day perspective the scratch resistance of a sapphire glass has always been a plus point for me as well. However, it's not my choice on his occasion so be sure to post some pictures when you have decided!


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[cptdean]

I had a 16220 years ago and regret selling it...that engine-turned bezel was a beauty. I don't know as much as most others here, but I personally prefer the newer 3135 movement in the 16220 over the 3035 in the 16014, and I like the clarity of sapphire. As for value, I'd say they're two of about a babillion Datejusts that have been manufactured, and there's probably no way of saying which will be objectively more valuable in time. As others have said, stick with the one you like the most and wear it happily.

[SLS]

The acrylic crystal watches are definitely more fragile than their sapphire counterparts. They crack and scratch much more easily and will need to be replaced more often to keep their water resistance. That said, the acrylic crystals do have a softer look about them. Go with the watch you like the most, IMHO the sapphire model is the better of the two.

[Rocketman39]

Just shoot from the hip and get the one that grabs you ! Don't nit pick and beat yourself up over this. As each year passes Rolex makes improvements.You can never keep up. I gave myself a Hulk for Christmas. It's a beautiful Time piece, but when I look at my 5513 there is no comparison. You can not have a Time piece look back at you for over fifty years and not love it. In the end the decision must be made by you and you alone! You will make the right choice and years from now you will know you made the right one.


It ain't easy being me

[jsookdeo]

You guys are all awesome!! I feel so much better about my purchase. I am going to stick with the 16220 model and will post pictures when I receive it. Cheers!!

[cptdean]

Originally Posted by jsookdeo

You guys are all awesome!! I feel so much better about my purchase. I am going to stick with the 16220 model and will post pictures when I receive it. Cheers!!

Great! I'm looking forward to missing mine all over again!