Want to Buy a Rolex for My Son

[Secondchance]

My son is 31 years old this year and has always wanted a Rolex. I bought him a copper face TAG for his 30th birthday, but Id like to get him a Rolex this year. I really want to keep it at $3,000. or under, so vintage or older is a definite. Who or where is a reputable seller for used Rolex? I have looked at Crown and Caliber a few times, but the selection at this price point is small. What do you guys suggest?

[huncho]

vintage datejusts are probably the best bang for your buck but you might have to up your budget to ~4k...there are definitely options at around 3k but imo not very desirable

[77T]

Vintage is fine. But once you get it, I’d have an RSC service just to have that “like new” gift look.

Side benefit is you’ll know all is correct with the movement, etc.; that the watch hasn’t been reported in a theft; and a the 2-yr warranty to boot.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[yoniman]

If you're not in a hurry save for another year.
At 6K USD there should be something for him.

Cheers

[Pw92676]

Originally Posted by yoniman

If you're not in a hurry save for another year.
At 6K USD there should be something for him.

Cheers

Agree, I’d wait and go Explorer.

[FloridaGary]

Have you considered Omega? You would have more options and similar quality within your budget.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[mgsooner]

HQ Milton is a very reputable seller of vintage pieces.

https://www.hqmilton.com/?sort=lowest-price

If you can stretch the budget up to about 4000-4500 you get into 36mm Explorer territory, which would be a wonderful entry level Rolex for a man in his early 30s.

https://www.hqmilton.com/timepieces/...er-14270-A2124

[Solo118]

$3k and under, a bit tough. Mid $3k??

Maybe put in an offer?
https://forums.watchuseek.com/f29/fs...l-4976663.html

[txaggie9307]

Here’s a good example:

https://www.hqmilton.com/timepieces/...ack-dial-A2261

See if they can come down a bit. Jacek and his crew are good guys.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[TheKhosenOne]

They have a pretty good selection.

https://www.swisswatchexpo.com/


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Secondchance]

The feedback from everyone is much appreciated... Thank You!

[66Berret]

I say let him enjoy his cooper for another year then save up for something better next year

Sent from my Iphone using Tapatalk

[BDII]

Great idea for your son. I’m 30, and here is what I’ve found in my searching...

Plenty of Datejusts and Dates out there in that range and below. You may find a 16200 Datejust in the $3k-4K range. This one sold, but love this bracelet and dial combo... https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?m...2F303151623446

60’s Ref 1600’s are pretty cool too. I just sold one w/ the alpha hands.
https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=675901

Loved it, but decided I needed something more robust for my everyday and went with the Tudor black bay 58

[Etschell]

Originally Posted by Secondchance

My son is 31 years old this year and has always wanted a Rolex. I bought him a copper face TAG for his 30th birthday, but Id like to get him a Rolex this year. I really want to keep it at $3,000. or under, so vintage or older is a definite. Who or where is a reputable seller for used Rolex? I have looked at Crown and Caliber a few times, but the selection at this price point is small. What do you guys suggest?

Perhaps a Tudor instead.

[escobar144]

for 4.5k you can get him a minty OP39. I think that is a great bargain and a hell of a watch

[Lgear080]

I’d suck it up and buy a five digit explorer. He can enjoy it for the rest of his life.

[Bladeshot]

16570 Explorer II was my first, when I was 30. Both black or white dial is a classic piece. You’d have to up the budget, or go with a Datejust, as others have suggested. Even with Datejust, $4+ will be where you land. He’s a lucky kid to have someone seeking out such a wonderful gift. I’m sure he will treasure what ever you decide on.

[huba01]

Originally Posted by Lgear080

I’d suck it up and buy a five digit explorer. He can enjoy it for the rest of his life.

+1

[timepiecegentleman]

I may have a couple of options for you. I'm a dealer in Dallas. I have several Datejust 36mm in two-tone Ref # 16013. I can take a look tomorrow when I get to my store and see which one would be the better fit. If one will work, I can have it polished and looking brand new. Can also test it for time accuracy and have a full service performed if needed. Would offer a 1-year warranty on the movement with a service.

Anthony Farrer
469-463-4750

[joli160]

Originally Posted by 66Berret

I say let him enjoy his cooper for another year then save up for something better next year

Sent from my Iphone using Tapatalk

This, don't settle for mediocre

[cpefy3]

A birthyear Datejust might be a good starting point. Good Luck!!

[Little machines]

Explorer great piece . Sporty and versatile but over budget maybe squeeze for your son. Still a wonderful gesture!

[georgekart]

Alright, so here's my thought process. A lot of people would want a birth year watch. If he is turning 31 this year, he was born in 1988, right? Well the DJ received the new 3135 movement for the first time in 1988. If I were you I'd search for 162xx DJs that came out in 1988 with new movement. You could even get a watch made and sold in 1988. It would work as a birth year watch for him, it'd be a vintage piece and yet it'd have the new 3135 movement that is still (although slightly modified) used in some brand new Rolex watches today, which means that it is going to have parts available for longer.

You would need to raise your budget up a bit though. But I would suggest waiting and saving up for his 32nd birthday if more money is out of question now, since if I were you I'd rather wait and gift something truly special, that would be both birth year piece, vintage piece, his first Rolex and something still daily usable since it has a reliable movement. Just my 2 cents.

[georgekart]

Just to add to what I said I found this example that seems to be made in 1988 according to serial number and listing at least. I'm not the person to ask about condition of the vintage watch (no experience) but looks OK to me. I'd look for something like this, even though it's in 4K USD range.

https://www.chrono24.com/rolex/datej...id10549682.htm

[m j b]

I would suggest that you determine which model(s) your son actually prefers, and then start looking here in the classifieds for something that meets all of your criteria. When you find one, search the "who's who" forum for feedback and history of the seller. If he or she has a good reputation, then you can proceed.

Not to say that you can't buy a watch from someone who has never sold here before, because hey, everyone has to start from zero, but you should just exercise more caution, both for payments and authenticity.

[Mohawkman450]

Come on dad ! It’s your boy ! A sub would be perfect! LoL ! That’s pretty cool to buy your boy a Rollie ! Your best in that range would be a date just

[Father and Son]

Without giving away your intentions--- why dont you try to find out which Rolex models he prefers...

Certainly I could be wrong but I would venture to guess he would not end up saying he longs for a vintage OP39 or an old DateJust.

Once you know what he wants do your homework and see what you can get it for and start saving. Even if it takes another year or two to have the funds and to find the right one-- the reward is that your son is going to get what *he* loves rather than what anyone here (or your presently limited budget) dictates.

2 cents. Let us know what you end up doing.

[madgoal1]

Originally Posted by georgekart

Alright, so here's my thought process. A lot of people would want a birth year watch. If he is turning 31 this year, he was born in 1988, right? Well the DJ received the new 3135 movement for the first time in 1988. If I were you I'd search for 162xx DJs that came out in 1988 with new movement. You could even get a watch made and sold in 1988. It would work as a birth year watch for him, it'd be a vintage piece and yet it'd have the new 3135 movement that is still (although slightly modified) used in some brand new Rolex watches today, which means that it is going to have parts available for longer.

You would need to raise your budget up a bit though. But I would suggest waiting and saving up for his 32nd birthday if more money is out of question now, since if I were you I'd rather wait and gift something truly special, that would be both birth year piece, vintage piece, his first Rolex and something still daily usable since it has a reliable movement. Just my 2 cents.

I personally like this idea. would love to have a birth year watch, but am rather specific on what i want, and it seems 16550 are going for stupid money. figures.

[georgekart]

Originally Posted by madgoal1

I personally like this idea. would love to have a birth year watch, but am rather specific on what i want, and it seems 16550 are going for stupid money. figures.

I feel you man. I am also very specific. I want my birth year VC 43031. There aren't many watches of that reference being sold, to add insult to injury, VC serial numbers aren't as well documented as Rolex and most of the watches don't have original papers.

[Secondchance]

Great input guys... I like the idea of the birth year.... I know he likes the DJ because he likes my current DJ & the one I had years back with the blue face... He was with me on our last trip to get my new DJ last weekend....got to see him browse.... so I know he definitely prefers the Jubilee band for sure... He like the Subs, but its not in the budget... So I'm thinking DJ will be a nice choice for him. He likes the champagne/gold or blue faces the most, but also white, like his moms DJ. July 8th is his birthday, so I have a little time left... I think my criteria is attainable for close to my budget... Going to check out the classifieds and take a closer look at some of the links provided above.
Thanks!