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Old 12 January 2019, 01:59 AM   #1
Occipital Lobe
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Icon7 Any sense in buying vintage?

Hi Guys,
I´m contemplating buying a 1969 Datejust (yes - there´s a birthyear thing involved), but I wonder if it is sensible to buy such an old watch.
I want it to be in daily use, and am a bit cautious because of the wear, almost 50 years of use will cause. What is your experience with vintage watches?
All input is appreciated.
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Old 12 January 2019, 02:48 AM   #2
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I like vintage watches, but I don't understand the birthyear thing...

Many Rolex watches look similar today as they did back in 1969, and a good service on a sound example will yield a watch as good as it was 50 years ago. Finding new parts for the older movement series may be a challenge.
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Old 12 January 2019, 02:55 AM   #3
Richard Carver
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Here's my 1968 1603, worn daily.





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Old 12 January 2019, 02:57 AM   #4
jdmi32
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My DateJust is from right around 1969. It made total sense to me when I purchased it and it still makes sense now.

These watches are old but with proper care will still outlive us and I have no doubt that they will still perform fantastically after I pass them on to my sons.
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Old 12 January 2019, 03:02 AM   #5
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better a watch from '69 than a car

rolex can keep these things going forever

i love vintage, something about them
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Old 12 January 2019, 07:14 AM   #6
Occipital Lobe
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Icon7

Quote:
Originally Posted by timedate View Post
better a watch from '69 than a car

rolex can keep these things going forever

i love vintage, something about them
I must admit that I´d love a ´69 Chevelle or Boss Mustang, but a Datejust is a bit more in my range.
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Old 12 January 2019, 07:19 AM   #7
Occipital Lobe
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tools View Post
I like vintage watches, but I don't understand the birthyear thing...

Many Rolex watches look similar today as they did back in 1969, and a good service on a sound example will yield a watch as good as it was 50 years ago. Finding new parts for the older movement series may be a challenge.
Thanks for your reply, but I think there are a couple of differences. The old ones are cheaper, and the newer Datejusts have a more prominent bezel, which seems more "flashy" in my eyes. I really don´t appreciate the bling factor, and prefer the vintage Datejusts.
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Old 12 January 2019, 08:40 AM   #8
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although i like the cyclops it looks good without,

i take it this must have been an option at one point in rolex history, judging by the two dj's pictured here on this thread from '69
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Old 12 January 2019, 10:53 AM   #9
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Have no concern. These old Datejusts are sturdy workhorses despite technically being dress watches. Mine from the early '70s runs like a dream.
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Old 12 January 2019, 05:29 PM   #10
Torque Time
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My daily wear is a 1601 vita 1971 (yes - a birth year thing). You can see it as my avatar. I change to NATO straps in the summer to extend the life of the alligator strap. But no worries wearing everyday. My thoughts are, everything is replaceable if damage occurs.

My advice is simple..Buy and wear what you like!!!
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Old 12 January 2019, 06:41 PM   #11
Occipital Lobe
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Thanks for all your replies. That didn´t exactly put me off the idea.
I guess I´ll keep looking
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Old 12 January 2019, 08:16 PM   #12
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> I guess I´ll keep looking

Go for it These are very reliable movements. I also like this style from the 60s and 70s much more - than the modern style.

Greetings from Germany
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Old 12 January 2019, 11:29 PM   #13
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I'm wearing my 1967 5513 Sub today. After the LAWW spa treatment this watch is good for another fifty years, with a bit of maintenance along the way!

The steel these things are made of will outlast us, OP, don't worry about buying a 1xxx series watch like the DJ you're considering. 6xxx is a little trickier (the older series) but still people wear them. Finding a watchmaker will be more difficult, sure, but what with the internet those that are still in business will find plenty of work. There are people going into that line of work, still.

Anyway, vintage. Stick to Rolex from 1960 forward and you're golden. Good luck to you.
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Old 13 January 2019, 05:05 AM   #14
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I have a 1969 Day-date and it’s a tank. They will outlive us and our children. Buy without doubt.
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Old 13 January 2019, 06:41 AM   #15
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If your going to buy vintage get a sport model....
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Old 13 January 2019, 06:58 AM   #16
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My daily wear is a 1979 5500 AK. Keeps perfect time, but I do the nightstand orientation trick to keep it that way. I enjoy looking at it when no one is around! Get vintage and enjoy
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Old 13 January 2019, 07:31 AM   #17
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If your going to buy vintage get a sport model....

or a daydate and get some real value
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Old 13 January 2019, 08:39 AM   #18
bestkepttime
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i wear a birth year sub and its personally the perfect daily. slides under the radar and is simple and beautiful
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Old 15 January 2019, 04:02 AM   #19
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With vintage it depends on what you want, if you want to collect for a profit or to keep. If the later is true buy what you like and makes you happy.

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