Vintage Rolex Just Not Fun Anymore

[JP.]

It's the same with classic cars.

Porsche 911, Mercedes Pagoda, Jaguar E-Type, etc.

The prices have doubled in 10 years.

Now in very short time there has been even bigger price increase. Are these signs of future inflation, huh?

[alllexandru]

Start wisely
Buy one to cherish and take care of it.
Once prices are going to cool down repeat.
I don’t think that buying more makes you better especially vintage.
Prices are insane now but for a vintage lover (with savings or large pockets) it doesn’t matter if he is into that.
Some Rolex models looks much better then compared with current line.

[ADINVA]

I totally agree that prices have gone insane. In fact, prices are ridiculously insane for vintage pieces as well as modern sport versions. Modern sport versions literally cant be acquired at retail price too.

[dhknola]

I enjoy this question and discussion and find myself neatly straddling the fence as I am still always looking for the next 'diamond in the rough', and luckily no longer pine for any particular reference as I once did.
As the OP noted, prices have gotten a bit past the fun range and in to the more 'investment' arena (or I am just not well heeled enough to consider current prices 'fun') either way, it makes pulling the trigger on another shiny object a bit tougher. Compound that with the shady nonsense that has pervaded all facets of the vintage world (with prices come high nonsense), it just makes getting a cherry piece very expensive.
While this can still be fun, it is just very tough to enjoy like 'the old days' when 'used Rolex' were a cheaper foray in to the Rolex world than their new brethren at the AD's, my how things done changed.

[Dan S]

Given the time and energy that it takes for to find (and vet) a fairly priced vintage Rolex in acceptable condition these days, I expect that I will probably not be buying or selling more than one or two a year for the foreseeable future. So what I am finding to be an enjoyable way to scratch my "collecting itch" is to dabble in the collecting of other brands that are easily affordable (and available) but still interesting, high-quality, and of historical interest.

For example, here are three watches I bought earlier this year, each basically for pocket change (relative to Rolex). I know this type of thing isn't for everyone, but I find it fun. I still get the thrill-of-the-hunt, and the excitement of finding something old and well-preserved. Granted, I have eclectic taste in watches and I'm really not terribly brand-loyal or an "investor".

[L.K Johnson]

Originally Posted by Dan S

Given the time and energy that it takes for to find (and vet) a fairly priced vintage Rolex in acceptable condition these days, I expect that I will probably not be buying or selling more than one or two a year for the foreseeable future. So what I am finding to be an enjoyable way to scratch my "collecting itch" is to dabble in the collecting of other brands that are easily affordable (and available) but still interesting, high-quality, and of historical interest.

For example, here are three watches I bought earlier this year, each basically for pocket change. I know this type of thing isn't for everyone, but I find it fun. I still get the thrill-of-the-hunt, and the excitement of finding something old and well-preserved. Granted, I have eclectic taste in watches and I'm really not terribly brand-loyal or an "investor".

I have also started to buy other lower priced Swiss vintage pieces which I find is quite amusing. Vintage Omega, Vulcan, Zodiac, Enicar etc. have really nice finish on many models…

[Paulie 50]

Originally Posted by L.K Johnson

I have also started to buy other lower priced Swiss vintage pieces which I find is quite amusing. Vintage Omega, Vulcan, Zodiac, Enicar etc. have really nice finish on many models…

Three very nice watches, particularly the world timer.

[FrenchBigCrown]

Originally Posted by Paulie 50

Three very nice watches, particularly the world timer.

I think they are Dan S's watches dude... not LKJ's.

[rushca01]

Even the “new vintage” is getting hard to find nice examples at decent prices. The SEL holes cases are my favorite references (16610, 16570, 16710, 16600 etc..). I’d like to get a nice 16570 and to me condition trumps boxes/papers.

[Paulie 50]

Originally Posted by FrenchBigCrown

I think they are Dan S's watches dude... not LKJ's.

Yes I know, just me without my specs. but comments still apply.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Dan S

...
For example, here are three watches I bought earlier this year...

That creamy Zodiac

[Old Expat Beast]

That Seiko World Time is great. Is it 1964 with Olympic torch caseback? Jack Nicholson wore one in The Passenger (1975) and I've been on the hunt for a nice one for ages.

[cajunron]

Originally Posted by Lol-x

Price rises are never a good thing for anything one may wish to collect.

But one just has to be more selective in their purchases. Higher prices do make it more challenging to buy watches that are no longer made. As long as you have 1 nice vintage watch that you can appreciate wearing, it may be that you just have to vicariously enjoy watches that others are able to share with photos and discussion. Appreciation is not all about 'owning' its also about sharing your collectables and experiences with others and they with you.

You are such a wise man!

[mechachia]

Maybe I shouldn't mention it, lest this change, but if you go further into the past, there are still pieces available for prices that are... well... still insane for a watch, but bearable. I've picked up some stuff from the 30's-60's for $2k and under. You do have to be okay with a smaller watch than what's fashionable these days, though.

[Tavli3]

For me vintage is a multi faceted passion. I like doing the research and the learning aspect. I like trying to find undervalued pieces and I simply just love the vintage patina look on a nicely preserved watch.

As far as value being one of my criteria which I know to many here is anathema I have it as a criteria because I find that part of the fun in collecting anything is the challenge in seeing something others don’t and being right about it. And although no watch I will ever sell will change my life one bit, I like to be right. So its not the money it’s the challenge and then the satisfaction of seeing your research your time hunting turn out they way you hoped. As if putting in long hours of practice in your golf passion to be a scratch golfer and then actually reaching that milestone. Will it change your life in any way, no, but very satisfying.

The challenge today is greater than when I first started collecting just 3 short years ago. Now big money has attracted big scams and a few big names have fallen to the dark side of vintage land in the past year. Exposed mainly by the experts of this forum and at VRF. And I’m sure more will fall in the not so distant future, the lure of huge profits is too strong for some.
Plus there are keen eyes watching that I find amazing how they can take one look and know exactly what is right and more importantly everything that is wrong with a watch.

If you’re into vintage read every post of those who you deem most knowledgeable and take what they teach you about all the little tells about each variation of dials, inserts, hands and etc. Then go on Chrono24 and practice identifying dials, inserts and hands. It’s not easy even with the experts guide in your hand. I find myself saying to myself is that an Mk1, MK1.5 or is that a 3 all to often. Then Study the prices of full original pieces that you identify, then you’ll be able to spot a bargain when you see one.

Case in point I was looking and studying for a 16570 white dial with nice even patina on dial and hands which are labeled as Chicchi de Maise. Many had nice patina dials but had bright white hands that had no appeal to me. I looked in vain for one at a reasonable price to. Then one day I brought a friend of my wife to a local watch dealer who wanted a Cartier for herself. While looking through the showcases lo and behold there’s the exact 16570 I have been searching for sitting right there. A little negotiating, helped by the fact our friend was purchasing a Cartier and I got my watch at 50% off what I see and feel as the market price.

I love the look and it’s one of my favorites now. I think it’s under appreciated and these will be in much higher demand some day. Will I be right I have no idea, if am am great, much joy to me, if I’m wrong, still much joy to me cause I think it’s just an absolutely beautiful looking watch.


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[springer]

Originally Posted by JP.

It's the same with classic cars.

Porsche 911, Mercedes Pagoda, Jaguar E-Type, etc.

The prices have doubled in 10 years.

Now in very short time there has been even bigger price increase. Are these signs of future inflation, huh?

Right on JP. And, how about those ultra collectible Shelbys from the American icon Carroll Shelby. They've doubled and tripled the past decade or so.

Cars are still fun for me as well as vintage watches. While prices for vintage watches continue to escalate, not many collectibles that I know of have seen a reduction in price lately.

jP

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

That Seiko World Time is great. Is it 1964 with Olympic torch caseback? Jack Nicholson wore one in The Passenger (1975) and I've been on the hunt for a nice one for ages.

Exactly right, Adam, you know your vintage Seiko obviously.

[MrChamfers]

Originally Posted by springer

Right on JP. And, how about those ultra collectible Shelbys from the American icon Carroll Shelby. They've doubled and tripled the past decade or so.

Cars are still fun for me as well as vintage watches. While prices for vintage watches continue to escalate, not many collectibles that I know of have seen a reduction in price lately.

jP

Asking prices are crazy now, but there's a lot of unsold listings sitting for months.
It would be strange for vintage prices to drop, but not to go flat.

When the cost of a 40 year old sub is close to a new Rolex, it makes sense that buyers will eventually say no to vintage.

I suppose the rare pieces can always command insane prices, especially in bidding wars.

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by MrChamfers

When the cost of a 40 year old sub is close to a new Rolex, it makes sense that buyers will eventually say no to vintage.

Your premise suggests that a vintage enthusiast will put aside their passion for vintage and simply grab a new Rolex because it’s more affordable. I have never in my watch-buying history ever wanted a new Rolex. To me, there’s virtually nothing in common with a 40+ year-old Sub and a new one. They may as well be different brands.
They’re not interchangeable at all.

[MrChamfers]

Originally Posted by Kingface66

Your premise suggests that a vintage enthusiast will put aside their passion for vintage and simply grab a new Rolex because it’s more affordable. I have never in my watch-buying history ever wanted a new Rolex. To me, there’s virtually nothing in common with a 40+ year-old Sub and a new one. They may as well be different brands.
They’re not interchangeable at all.

It depends if all vintage enthusiasts are like you I guess.
Vintage price rises have slowed, for some reason.

I would buy a 126710 over any vintage gmt except a mint 1675 patinad, all original with a gilt dial.
But that's just me.

[Cozmopak]

Originally Posted by MrChamfers

It depends if all vintage enthusiasts are like you I guess.
Vintage price rises have slowed, for some reason.

I would buy a 126710 over any vintage gmt except a mint 1675 patinad, all original with a gilt dial.
But that's just me.

I agree with Chamfers. Vintage is a completely different beast. I have zero interest in contemporary Rolex models.

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by Cozmopak

I agree with Chamfers. Vintage is a completely different beast. I have zero interest in contemporary Rolex models.

That was my argument! Zero interest in new ones. Mr. Chamfers would take a new GMT. To each his own.

[tekno]

Originally Posted by MrChamfers

It depends if all vintage enthusiasts are like you I guess.
Vintage price rises have slowed, for some reason.

I would buy a 126710 over any vintage gmt except a mint 1675 patinad, all original with a gilt dial.
But that's just me.

I’m pretty sure we all are on that page. I wouldn’t own a new Rolex.

If the market collapsed most here would buy more watches. The prices will aways go back up. Some would be a little disappointed… I would rejoice and buy more.


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[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Dan S

Exactly right, Adam, you know your vintage Seiko obviously.

Very nice. Almost my birthyear and month

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Kingface66

To me, there’s virtually nothing in common with a 40+ year-old Sub and a new one. They may as well be different brands.
They’re not interchangeable at all.

Agree. My first was a modern Sub C 10 years ago before I got into vintage. I'm not even sure where the Sub C is now. Probably in a sock somewhere...

[tekno]

The five digit tritium models aren’t bad… that’s where my interest stop. I’m not dying to buy any of those, but they are actually what I would consider a Rolex.

Atleast everything prior to Rolex jumping on the big watch train. I tried to like the 2011 Explorer 42mm but I finally realized the things I liked about it were the vintage style elements, and I hated the bloated case/hands.


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[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by zapokee

Agree. My first was a modern Sub C 10 years ago before I got into vintage. I'm not even sure where the Sub C is now. Probably in a sock somewhere...

Ah, the ol’ sock watch!

Honestly, and this probably gets too esoteric, but once certain “things” (Rolexes, cars, guitars, etc., basically anything with an aesthetic component that’s as important as its functional component), started being designed, and fabricated using design software programs, the charm went with it. All examples of a given new Rolex model look exactly the same. Cookie-cutter at its worst. But, if you look at a Rolex catalogue from 50 years ago, and you can see how each case is hand-cut, one lug is slightly smaller than another. Actual expert craftsmen doing their work. No two exactly the same. Maybe that’s not important to a lot of people, but there’s a certain unique beauty in that process and result which remains. I just can’t get excited by a watch made by a programmed robot.

[JasonBetts]

Originally Posted by Dan S

Given the time and energy that it takes for to find (and vet) a fairly priced vintage Rolex in acceptable condition these days, I expect that I will probably not be buying or selling more than one or two a year for the foreseeable future. So what I am finding to be an enjoyable way to scratch my "collecting itch" is to dabble in the collecting of other brands that are easily affordable (and available) but still interesting, high-quality, and of historical interest.

I'm exactly in your position

Here's my latest



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[StoriesOnceTold]

While I don't have interest in the new models, I think the fact that vintage pieces are now reaching prices where pieces arent being enjoyed for their history anymore, but for the fact that the piece was purchased for a large sum of money, and not a lot of people can afford it and get it anymore.

[zapokee]

I dabbled with a couple of King Seikos a few years ago.

I loved looking at the angles and unique design language, but they never got any wrist time. I traded them for a lovely old 34 mm Tudor Small Rose. Which also never gets any wrist time...