When is a Rolex considered "vintage"?

[BisonHead]

I have the same watch bought 1995, I would say classic rather than vintage.

I also include my 76 DJ in that also. My Fathers 56 Precision, not too sure it might be vintage.

[sillo]

Originally Posted by Swearengen

In my book 3 of the following 4 make vintage: plexi, lug holes, tritium and matt dial

So glossy 5513 or 16750 isn’t vintage?

[Swearengen]

Originally Posted by sillo38

So glossy 5513 or 16750 isn’t vintage?

Hard call; I wouldn't say a glossy 16800 is vintage either. But others might

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[Robtayham]

I’d say vintage is a combination of 1. visible external differences; 2. internal differences; and 3. made prior to 1979.

[sillo]

Originally Posted by Robtayham

3. made prior to 1979.

So a 1016 produced in 1978 is vintage, but the identical watch produced in 1979 isn't?

[Ssunnylee24]

a game of DUMB DUMB

[oysterquartz17000]

Originally Posted by Ssunnylee24

a game of DUMB DUMB

Well you just joined in...

[77T]

Is this debate still raging?

So there’s a market-driven use of the word where it’s loosely bandied about to froth the market and up the price to bozo’s buying anything and everything in sight with the word Rolex on the dial.

Then there’s the aficionado’s use of the word in a reverent hushed voice oft heard in the dark recesses of the old club. It’s whispered by eccentrics ensconced in their deeply cushioned club chairs whilst admiring the latest watch auction catalogs.

In between these two extremes, coursing the lanes of the interwebs, reside the plodding pedestrians and the antsy race walkers who incessantly attack each others’ right-of-way to define, debate and redefine a simple amorphous word.

O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo? Well, we all know where that ends...



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[GGGMT]

This dialogue, old as it is, never gets old because all these great younger folks are showing up! Keep up the Rolex enthusiasm great young people!


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[oysterquartz17000]

Originally Posted by GGGMT

This dialogue, old as it is, never gets old because all these great younger folks are showing up! Keep up the Rolex enthusiasm great young people!


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Best response I have read on this subject!

[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by oysterquartz17000

Best response I have read on this subject!

Thank you sir! Good evening to all!


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[116710er]

As a mere pedestrian watch owner, I consider 4-digits to be "true" vintage. From there to the last of the Aluminum inserts, I consider them to be "modern" vintage. As for the matte dial/sapphire crystal references (16660 & 16800) I think of them as "transitional" vintage models. Right, wrong, I don't care, all I know is that it makes sense to me.

[StanGMT]

Now, as an 'older' forum member, I'm confused! Does all this mean that my 1675 GMT Master, which I bought new in 1967 and which I've worn daily this past 52 years, is vintage? Or is it just me that's vintage?

The GMT certainly still performs better than I do!

Stan.

[037]

Originally Posted by StanGMT

Or is it just me that's vintage?

That depends if you're polished or not.

[StanGMT]

Originally Posted by 037

That depends if you're polished or not.

[Robtayham]

Originally Posted by sillo38

So a 1016 produced in 1978 is vintage, but the identical watch produced in 1979 isn't?

Good point. It’s not a hard and fast rule. I do think it’s more than just the age of the watch. That being said, I think it’s within that time frame, give or take a few years depending on the reference.