Unloved datejust

[LSM]

Hi everyone,

I am on the lookout for a relatively inexpensive vintage Rolex and I like the model Datejust very much. I have stumbled across this at an auction with an estimate of 575-775$. There is only this one image. Would it be crazy of me to bid on it? There's not much point in buying a watch in this condition only to end up paying more for it when it has been repaired and restored than if I just bought one in good condition to begin with.

[Mick P]

Mr LSM

Two points for you to consider.

1. You buy a watch that you like, not what other people like. This watch will serve you well until the day you meet your maker, so do what is right for you and not what the herd think. The watch will be serviced and in perfect condition.

2. Watches go in and out of fashion. I have a watch that once was difficult to give away, now it is a highly prized collectible. It may go out of fashion again and if it does, I shall not care a fig. I like the watch and that is why I bought it.

If it ticks the boxes, go for it and enjoy it.

Regards

Mick

[BlackBay1]

Originally Posted by Mick P

Mr LSM

Two points for you to consider.

1. You buy a watch that you like, not what other people like. This watch will serve you well until the day you meet your maker, so do what is right for you and not what the herd think. The watch will be serviced and in perfect condition.

2. Watches go in and out of fashion. I have a watch that once was difficult to give away, now it is a highly prized collectible. It may go out of fashion again and if it does, I shall not care a fig. I like the watch and that is why I bought it.

If it ticks the boxes, go for it and enjoy it.

Regards

Mick

Great post, great advice Mick

[joe100]

The damage to the dial was caused by inferior blue paint used by rolex. It reacted with the tritium and flaked off. It's more on a DJ but it did happen as you can see. If you do indeed get it below $1000, even with a new dial and a service you'll still be ahead

I'd keep the Tiffany dial though. With this know. Rolex fault in the paint, I'd venture to guess that's a real Tiffany

[up2nogood]

For that money, I'd do it. Phillip Ridley just put up a before and after of another watch, ideas?

[HERITAGE82]

The feet are broken on that dial so that'll need to be addressed. Regardless if you get it for $1000 or less it'll be worth restoring and you have an amazing time peice for a good price.

[LSM]

Thank you all very much for your help. Much appreciated.
Sorry Mick if my description of the watch was a bit rude. It is due to a combination of ignorance and the fact that English is not my mother tongue I guess.
I was concerned that the look of the dial was an indication of potentially more serious problems with the mechanics. My plan is to use it for everyday use rather than as part of a collection so it's likely to get some scratches quickly anyway.
I would gladly pay 1000$ for the watch if I it is likely to be okay on the inside but I would hate to pay the same for a watch that turns out to be useless. As the latter is not the case I will have no hesitation bidding on the auction.

Thanks again!
Lars

[Old Expat Beast]

As you are new to Rolex, I would encourage you to avoid this one. The date wheel position suggests there may be problems inside, so you're looking at a potentially expensive service, and there is only one photo. The dial is a mess, too. Like Joe says, that is to be expected for this vintage blue, but that doesn't make it desirable, Tiffany or not. I would pass.

[crowncollection]

A lot of mucking around needed. For me I would enjoy it, for some it's a hassle. If it went cheap I would allow for a used dial 450. If you wait around you may get cheaper on eBay. The dial appears rotated, broken likely that would misalign the date. Also winding the watch backwards to 10 past ten can rotate a datewheel partially, there is risk it needs a full service immediately too. If you get it for cheap enough under 800 I would enjoy restoring it. That's just me though
You can probably just buy one nice for the same money too in the end.


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[Old Expat Beast]

Good point, dial has shifted, not the date wheel itself. Still a no for me.

[LSM]

Thank you both. Your help is very much appreciated!

[J!m]

I personally would not hesitate but I'm not afraid to dig into it and fix it up.

Even if the movement needs service (and I assume it does) that alone is ~$800.00. The case is ~$300.00 or so and the bracelet a few hundred. If you look at it as parts value anything at or below a grand is a steal.

But, I understand if you are not comfortable and that should be all you need to walk away...

[swish77]

If you're in the market for a vintage DJ, there are much better examples out there. That dial is shot, and you'd most likely end up having to do a major service that could approach $1,000. You could find a hassle-free vintage DJ out there for less. Good luck in your search.

[reno1910]

I come across these on occasion and often wonder what the total rehab would cost.

My inexperience scares me off.

New bracelet, new dial, and who knows what under the hood... pushing and additional $2k?

I also see a lot of problem free DJ for $3200 at my repair shop and that is before haggling.

+/- Cost could be worth the education if it becomes your daily watch.

[harry in montreal]

Are you all serious? The parts on that thing alone are worth twice the low end estimTe. Even rough running the movement is worth $500 and the band 350. I would buy it in a second. I would spend $350 at a local watchmaker and love it for what it is. The tiffany dial could be fake but I woukd still enjoy it. You can get decent dials for this watch for $300 easy. Harry

[TimeToGo]

For that price, it is a no brainer as some as have already chimed in..

...and Welcome to the Forum!

[LSM]

Thank you all for your very valuable input. Regarding the price estimate that estimate is often low for this particular auction house (probably in order to lure potential bidders in) and I will still have to add a 25% premium as well. Quite a lot of information to consider.

Thank you all very much - much appreciated!

[avirom]

im no expert - but i like the watch, esp the tiffany dial.

so if the price is ok for you i would take it, have it serviced and make it a keeper.

[harry in montreal]

Realistically, I would be very surprised if you came away with the watch for less than 1500. Several people here will offer to buy it from you for 1000.

[Chef_hacker]

I would pay $1500 love the dial. I don't think it would go for less.


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