I did not know.

[JohnGingerwood]

That older Rolex’s feel much less robust compared to the new ones. I’ve only had or handled newer models. My jeweler had an older, but in great condition Explorer 1 36 mm I wanted to check out. The bracelet felt like tin and the clasp felt like I could bend it in half. I’m glad Rolex stepped up their game. Just surprised.

[1lastone]

Originally Posted by JohnGingerwood

That older Rolex’s feel much less robust compared to the new ones. I’ve only had or handled newer models. My jeweler had an older, but in great condition Explorer 1 36 mm I wanted to check out. The bracelet felt like tin and the clasp felt like I could bend it in half. I’m glad Rolex stepped up their game. Just surprised.

Ok

[Etschell]

Originally Posted by JohnGingerwood

That older Rolex’s feel much less robust compared to the new ones. I’ve only had or handled newer models. My jeweler had an older, but in great condition Explorer 1 36 mm I wanted to check out. The bracelet felt like tin and the clasp felt like I could bend it in half. I’m glad Rolex stepped up their game. Just surprised.

indeed the modern watches are much better constructed in terms of bracelets and clasps.

[kieselguhr]

Smoke and mirrors. They were just as durable and robust, just not as hefty. Will say though, the modern iterations look much more aesthetically pleasing to me. I suppose that too would depend on if you prefer the vintage look or modern.

My father’s 16760 has hollow links and end links. He wore it along with other watches since the day he bought it. It’s still a solid watch to this day.

[e dantes]

Millions of those Rolex watches have held up extremely well. Heavier does not mean better.

[emersm]

Originally Posted by kieselguhr

Smoke and mirrors. They were just as durable and robust, just not as hefty. .

This ^^

[1665fan]

Movement has gotten worse I heard.....

[indianmachine]

When you think about all the other advances in technology since the 1950s and 1960s, it's actually amazing to me how little has changed between vintage and modern Rolex

[goodolejr]

Originally Posted by 1665fan

Movement has gotten worse I heard.....

Lulz.

[zion_rasta]

The oldest thing I own is a 43 yr. old 1680 Rolex. The new Sub hasn’t lasted more than 10 years...

[HiBoost]

My 1974 GMT definitely feels lighter and looser, but it doesn't feel cheap or lacking in quality. It's actually more comfortable to wear than my 2020 Sub.

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[ltmgeller]

I started with 5 digit models and have had a few 4 digit ones. I love the evolution the lines have made and appreciate them at any level, both old and new.

[vesnyder]

Just got my original Rolex that I purchased in 1994 back from service that my son wears now. Still in great shape but light compared to my new GMT.

[NachoNeal]

I totally prefer the look and feel of my five digit sub.

[Old Expat Beast]

The old ones last for decades and are lighter and more comfortable than the current bracelets.

[SuinBruin]

The older ones are upscale tool watches, the modern ones are genuine luxury items. The added heft isn't functional, but it helps the luxury market buyer believe it's a better watch. It's the same thing that Beats did with their headphones... just make it heavier and people think it's higher quality.

[Andad]

Both old and new have their good and bad points.

[AF_Rob]

I’ve owned vintage and modern pieces. It is a totally different experience.

Depends on ones definition of better. The bracelets are better, IMO. However, I don’t question the quality of the previous models. Their track record is pretty dependable.

When it comes to comfort, it’s hard to beat 60’s-70’s DJ.

Each generation has its high marks.


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[77T]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

The old ones last for decades and are lighter and more comfortable than the current bracelets.

Absolutely agree. The 4 digit models tell that story as they are still alive and working. The 5 digit ones have many decades ahead now that more owners know to care for them with routine service.

I’ve had the 6-digit models and agree they are less comfortable.


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[JohnGingerwood]

Interesting thoughts. I can definitely understand the appeal of the older models, just a totally different feel.

[SeaDweller50]

The 5 digits were good value for money back in the day but certainly not now.

[dtwer]

I like the bracelets and clasps of the new 6 digit models; they feel hefty and solid. Definitely a huge leap in quality over the prior generations.

[JohnGingerwood]

Originally Posted by SeaDweller50

The 5 digits were good value for money back in the day but certainly not now.

I think that’s what else surprised me. This explorer was like $6500. Just seemed too high.

[GBD]

The newer models are thicker and heavier, and have much tighter tolerances. But the older models earned their reputation for robustness and reliability. Nothing inferior about them at all, imo.

[Chadridv]

Originally Posted by kieselguhr

Smoke and mirrors. They were just as durable and robust, just not as hefty. Will say though, the modern iterations look much more aesthetically pleasing to me. I suppose that too would depend on if you prefer the vintage look or modern.

My father’s 16760 has hollow links and end links. He wore it along with other watches since the day he bought it. It’s still a solid watch to this day.

I’m not saying the the older references aren’t tough watches that can last forever, but you’re nuts if you think, let’s say the 126610 or 116610 glidelock clasp is smoke and mirrors compared to this old tin can clasps.

There’s a night and day difference in build quality and design.

You ever have an issue with a tin can rolex clasp!? I had one that wasn’t closing properly. Brought it to RSC. The guy just bent it back and forth by hand till it closed properly haha. Seriously.

[shaunylw]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

The old ones last for decades and are lighter and more comfortable than the current bracelets.

I tend to agree. They don’t look as premium but the comfort and weight was amazing.


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[Chadridv]

Originally Posted by GBD

The newer models are thicker and heavier, and have much tighter tolerances. But the older models earned their reputation for robustness and reliability. Nothing inferior about them at all, imo.

I share in your sentiment. But the bracelets and clasps were inferior. Perhaps you could argue that you preferred a lighter bracelet, so fine, one subjective point, but overall there was a huge improvement.

The other observation I’ve made is that the 5 digits and pre 5 digit crowns, feel super dainty compared to the newer watches. I admit there could be a false sense of security there simply due to the size difference but it’s just an observation.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Chadridv

You ever have an issue with a tin can rolex clasp!? I had one that wasn’t closing properly. Brought it to RSC. The guy just bent it back and forth by hand till it closed properly haha. Seriously.

And it'll be good for a few more years. An easy fix. What's not to like?

Rolex manuals even used to explain how to do it. There's an instructional thread on it somewhere on TRF that I can't find now, but here one on WUS: https://www.watchuseek.com/threads/s...-help.3165434/

[Chewbacca]

OP isn’t really wrong. New ones are heavier and chunkier but that doesn’t mean better.

Thing is, 4 and 5d age more uniformly.

From links to clasp to bezel inserts to crowns and rotating bezels.

Newer ones snap more as opposed to bend and crack more as opposed to chip and ding.

I also prefer the more intimate relationship with older ones. I can wrench them and change up some old parts etc... can’t do that now.

It’s hard to explain but those who have both should know what I’m getting at.

I for one like an aged watch.

[Chadridv]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

And it'll be good for a few more years. An easy fix. What's not to like?

Rolex manuals even used to explain how to do it. There's an instructional thread on it somewhere on TRF that I can't find now, but here one on WUS: https://www.watchuseek.com/threads/s...-help.3165434/

Haha I do like a quick fix, but would prefer a ‘not broken to begin with’. I’m gonna check out that thread