If you were to start your vintage collection again

[DocMorpheus]

As someone who is testing the vintage waters I would like to know from the experience crowd:

If you had to start again what would be the piece to start considering the current market and pieces available now?






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[linesiders]

Start Earlier ; )

[jban5]

At this point I wouldn't start by focusing on any particular maker or model. I would think about what style of watch is the most appealing to me and mention to people whenever the chance comes along that you have an interest in vintage watches even if they need repair.

Learn how to survey the condition of watches and what it takes to have them repaired.

You could come out with a more interesting collection in the long run and not pay as much as you would if you only look for certain models that have the track record of being "investments."

[Beelzy]

A nice all original 5513. Getting as rare as hen's teeth now, without paying a large sum for it.

[mag]

If I would start again now ... i would hunt a nice Rolex Submariner Ref. 16800
with a matte dial or a Rolex Explorer II from 1985 - to the nineties, they are "cheap" and underrated. This watches are not "vintage" in the eyes of collectors right now - but soon :-) Buy what you like and enjoy your collection

greetings from germany
MaG

[springer]

If I were starting today, I might add a vintage GMT or Sub to start my collection or possibly one of each. Then, I would begin putting away some classics - like the GMT II 16710 and Sub 16610 or 16610LV and possibly a few other models. They will only go up in value and are fairly affordable today.

[theflywrist]

Granted I did not start that long ago (2.5 years ago), prices have really really gone out of hand right now.
I think with current prices I would probably get a nice 1675, and probably a really nice example of a late 5513 with WG surrounds, and a 16800 matte dial. That would actually make a fantastic trio! :D

[CRM114]

It depends on if you plan or wearing them normally because you enjoy vintage designs or put them away for showcasing and value retention.

Maintaining originality, especially the hands and dial, is where the real vintage value retention (or increase) is at. As the years go by, for many models the original tritium plots and hands inevitably deteriorate, and these are things that Rolex itself won't repair because they are in the business of restoring the full water resistance and integrity of the watch movement for wearing and issue a new warranty for that work. If the dial plots or hands are flaking or corroded etc, Rolex will only replace, and this replacement of hands and/or dial before they will do a movement service will negatively impact the collector value. Replacement of internal parts or crystal and crown have no or little affect on value, but dial and hands certainly do.

So just be aware that if you are getting into vintage models, if originality (and value retention) is your thing, that in order to maintain them as original, water/humidity resistant, and in good working order your best bet is to commit to an independent watchmaker service that specializes-in and is concerned as much with maintaining it's originality as you are because Rolex isn't. The benefit of being able to have Rolex service it is they issue a new warranty/service papers which serve as spot check and guarantee of authenticity for you and anyone else that the watch in it's entirety is real Rolex. Not that the best 3rd party, independent vintage specialists aren't as good as Rolex authenticating, they absolutely are, but if you're ever re-selling many don't know-of or appreciate their skill but will trust an official Rolex seal of approval.

A simple example. Generally, 1675s and 16750 GMTs are mostly in the realm of being serviced by independent watchmakers, whereas 16710s and 16700s that are creeping into the vintage category for some are, by and large, still Rolex serviceable without requiring hands or dial replacement.

Again, there's a difference between Rolex advising that a dial or hands should be replaced while it's in for a movement and WR service and Rolex refusing to do a movement/WR service unless the original dial and/or hands are replaced.

If you don't plan on wearing it at all and instead just chuck in a safe never to be serviced because you plan on selling it in the future at some point, disregard all of the above. Just buy the best, original condition/original parts example with original papers and other extras you can find.

[DocMorpheus]

Although I understand the idea of locking these pieces in a safe, this is not what I am looking for. I really want to be able to wear and enjoy these watches. I value those moments when you glance at your watch and not even see what time it is because you get lost looking at the watch itself. I have several modern pieces and like them a lot, but the warmth of the vintage pieces is becoming increasingly more appealing.

[petehk]

Originally Posted by DocMorpheus

Although I understand the idea of locking these pieces in a safe, this is not what I am looking for. I really want to be able to wear and enjoy these watches. I value those moments when you glance at your watch and not even see what time it is because you get lost looking at the watch itself. I have several modern pieces and like them a lot, but the warmth of the vintage pieces is becoming increasingly more appealing.

I think you've caught the vintage bug! Like me you probably won't recover. Modern pieces are great but nothing beats the look of old - lemony lume, matt, gilt and patina dials
I started out with a 5513, then 1016, then 1655, then 1675.....my current favourites are daytonas but prices are
I agree 16800 matt is a great starter piece. With abit more budget, good deals can still be found on 1680(white), 5513 and 1016.
Also, better start through a reputable dealer rather than venturing online - can easily slip up unless you really know your stuff.
Happy hunting!

[mountainjogger]

Sub no date, sub date or gmt, depending on which you like. Buying something you don't like is a poor way to start a collection.

As to which reference, the one where you can afford a good condition all original watch with box and papers from a reputable seller.

[roh123]

I’d buy an early 70’s matte 5513. Has a ton of charm with a nicely beveled case and a classic no-date design. Still very undervalued compared to same era red subs and much harder to find in perfect conditions. Still affordable with good future value.

[Dino2000]

Originally Posted by DocMorpheus

Although I understand the idea of locking these pieces in a safe, this is not what I am looking for. I really want to be able to wear and enjoy these watches. I value those moments when you glance at your watch and not even see what time it is because you get lost looking at the watch itself. I have several modern pieces and like them a lot, but the warmth of the vintage pieces is becoming increasingly more appealing.

If you are accustomed to use your modern watches in a daily basis and being no worried about a too careful use of them, I would recommend you a late nineties example, complete with all the original stuff (papers, box, services proof) that, as other member told before me, have been serviced but retains its original dial and hands.

I would purchase the best available Steel GMT or Submariner, that still come with both Tritium dial and lug holes that will be the marks of the last classics.

Look for the most reputed dealer in your área and come to see the piece in your hands, there's nothing like that. Good luck and enjoy the hunt!

[whofeelitknowsit]

My first vintage was a 1675. If I had to do it again, I would make the same decision. 5513 is a close second, though.

[gt0279a]

Probably a birth year watch...5513 or 1680

Problem is I keep getting older and the prices keep going up.

[exador]

Originally Posted by gt0279a

Probably a birth year watch...5513 or 1680

Problem is I keep getting older and the prices keep going up.

Yep. '62 is out of my price range now

[gman5515]

Originally Posted by CRM114

It depends on if you plan or wearing them normally because you enjoy vintage designs or put them away for showcasing and value retention.

Maintaining originality, especially the hands and dial, is where the real vintage value retention (or increase) is at. As the years go by, for many models the original tritium plots and hands inevitably deteriorate, and these are things that Rolex itself won't repair because they are in the business of restoring the full water resistance and integrity of the watch movement for wearing and issue a new warranty for that work. If the dial plots or hands are flaking or corroded etc, Rolex will only replace, and this replacement of hands and/or dial before they will do a movement service will negatively impact the collector value. Replacement of internal parts or crystal and crown have no or little affect on value, but dial and hands certainly do.

So just be aware that if you are getting into vintage models, if originality (and value retention) is your thing, that in order to maintain them as original, water/humidity resistant, and in good working order your best bet is to commit to an independent watchmaker service that specializes-in and is concerned as much with maintaining it's originality as you are because Rolex isn't. The benefit of being able to have Rolex service it is they issue a new warranty/service papers which serve as spot check and guarantee of authenticity for you and anyone else that the watch in it's entirety is real Rolex. Not that the best 3rd party, independent vintage specialists aren't as good as Rolex authenticating, they absolutely are, but if you're ever re-selling many don't know-of or appreciate their skill but will trust an official Rolex seal of approval.

A simple example. Generally, 1675s and 16750 GMTs are mostly in the realm of being serviced by independent watchmakers, whereas 16710s and 16700s that are creeping into the vintage category for some are, by and large, still Rolex serviceable without requiring hands or dial replacement.

Again, there's a difference between Rolex advising that a dial or hands should be replaced while it's in for a movement and WR service and Rolex refusing to do a movement/WR service unless the original dial and/or hands are replaced.

If you don't plan on wearing it at all and instead just chuck in a safe never to be serviced because you plan on selling it in the future at some point, disregard all of the above. Just buy the best, original condition/original parts example with original papers and other extras you can find.

Very sound advice

My first vintage was the Tudor Submariner 7016 black Snowflake, and I'm glad I started out with that after a collection of moderns... The 7016 got me hooked onto vintage, and have already amassed 8 Rolex and Tudor vintages, which if u ask the original question, which would i get if i could start all over, it would still be a Tudor Submariner Snowflake, but a blue instead.

[albaserver]

Originally Posted by linesiders

Start Earlier ; )

I agree at all.

Now the prices are too high, years ago everything was so different :)