Help with entry into the Rolex world

[jbogs]

Hello guys, I am looking for an entry into getting a decent timepiece as an investment and also a style element. I'd like to get a solid vintage piece in the $2000 range. I am looking for suggestions to lead me in the right direction.

First, let me note that: Yes, I know the budget not a lot for the Rolex world, but I am not looking for a new piece. Something simple with some kind of investment grade with a good style element to it. Something that I won't be embarrassed to hand down to my grandchildren, etc. I'm

You can criticize or say how this won't work and I respect your opinion. But I will pretty much only pay attention to the positive remarks. I know there are some decent pieces out there for a solid price. This thread is to help lead me in the right direction. Any tips, links, etc would be much appreciated.

Thanks again for reading.

[kilyung]

Welcome to the forum. I would however recommend that you keep an open mind rather than "only pay attention to the positive remarks." You'll get a lot more from this forum if you learn the good and the bad.

First let me just say what everyone else will say, watches are not an investment. Having said that you should look at an old 6694 or 1500. Those tend to sell in the price range you're looking at.

[joe100]

For $2000 you're options are this: A 34mm stainless AirKing, OysterDate, Date, etc. maybe a 16xx series DateJust on a leather strap. My advice? Use watchrecon.com to search the sales section by price. You'll turn up something. Patience is key.

I don't know what you mean by investment grade but all watches make bad investments. Buy it because you like it. With that said, no rolex is embarrassing to pass down.

[indigo993]

Try the ref 1603 -- those would be slightly over your price range. The 1601 with a white gold bezel is generally $2500+, depending on condition.

[pacific17]

Airking, 1601/1603..

[jbogs]

Thanks for the replies everyone. What I mean by investment grade is pretty much close to what I said about handing it down to my grandchildren, etc. Something that you wouldn't buy at Walmart and chuck it when it breaks in a month. That sort of thing. But I appreciate the ideas, will help with my search.

[jbogs]

I seem to have a taste for the blue dial but I also like the other models. Hard to bash any of these watches when they are all pretty nice.


Yes I am a noob.

[jbogs]

Here are some links to some pieces that interest me. These are for my own reference so I don't have to keep them up on my tab, but also as reference for some of the more experienced folks on here who knows legitimacy and prices:


http://www.chrono24.com/en/rolex/dat...num=0&tab=pics

http://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-vin...date-6694.html

http://www.demesy.com/p/55688.html

http://www.bobswatches.com/models/rolex-1603

http://www.chrono24.com/en/rolex/rol...usedOrNew=used


And for reference, an Omega Seamaster: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Omega-Seamas...item3f3c85796f

[kilyung]

Relax, take your time to learn what you like/dislike, hunt for the right deal, and seal the deal. The search is almost as enjoyable as the actual watch.

[hdrazor251]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Relax, take your time to learn what you like/dislike, hunt for the right deal, and seal the deal. The search is almost as enjoyable as the actual watch.

This is the best advice you can get.

[Archduke]

My advice would be to look for a style of watch you like and then save a bit more for it if you can, rather than buying a watch you don't particularly care for just because it says Rolex on the dial and comes in at a certain price.

Have you thought about a pre-owned Tudor which might give you a few more options?

[omitohud]

U have some good advices here. Rolex in that price range usually r not investment grade unless if u r really lucky. That said rolex is one of the few things in life that retains it's value. Good luck.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Relax, take your time to learn what you like/dislike, hunt for the right deal, and seal the deal. The search is almost as enjoyable as the actual watch.

Originally Posted by hdrazor251

This is the best advice you can get.

^This.
dP

[LAFlyer]

IN 1987, I bought a 70s-era model 1500 (SS case and band, blue dial) I paid a mere $600. As an investment, you might say I did OK. BUT I bought it because I LIKED it.

I have enjoyed owning the watch and wore it 24x7 for 27 years.

I recently replaced it with a 70s-era Day-Date 1803 on a leather band. Again, I bought it because I liked it.

I'll pass them to my sons. Who knows if they will be glad to get them???

[josephvman]

A service at the RSC can easily cost 50% of the value of a $2,000 watch. A Roth IRA makes more sense, but buy the Rolex because it's an investment in happiness.

[Nycturbovr6]

Originally Posted by josephvman

A service at the RSC can easily cost 50% of the value of a $2,000 watch. A Roth IRA makes more sense, but buy the Rolex because it's an investment in happiness.

[jack81]

Welcome to the forum, this forum actually have some of the nicest guy on the planet that will help you out with most questions about rolex world. They have amazing knowledge about the history and the brand and they dont mind actually taking the time to share and explaine it to you. I for one am a regular visitor to this site on daily basis. I enjoy reading this great forum and have learnt quite a lot about rolex world. And of course there are many nice wrist shot posted here. Enjoy your stay and if you have questions, just ask away

[Lgear080]

Why no Tudor? You'll get wayyyyyy more bang for $2k

[joe100]

Some realistic advice here for you;

Bob's, chrono24, and especially ebay can net you some nice watches, HOWEVER, finding ORIGINAL pieces at solid prices aren't for the inexperienced. My advice is to find the model you want, let one of our wonderful trusted dealers know what you're after and wait. Rolex isn't an instant gratification experience and with patience comes reward.

Instead of throwing darts at the wall, you should first educate yourself on the model you decide upon. Search the sales section, search the whole forum. Find hundreds of examples, so you can pick them out of a lineup. That way you'll become your own expert.

There are thousands of members here. Ask an opinion question like "what should I get?" And you'll get thousand of opinions. Decide what you want and report back and we can help a little more.

[jbogs]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Relax, take your time to learn what you like/dislike, hunt for the right deal, and seal the deal. The search is almost as enjoyable as the actual watch.

I really like this post. As far as other major purchases I've made in life, this is totally true.

[jbogs]

Originally Posted by joe100

Some realistic advice here for you;

Bob's, chrono24, and especially ebay can net you some nice watches, HOWEVER, finding ORIGINAL pieces at solid prices aren't for the inexperienced. My advice is to find the model you want, let one of our wonderful trusted dealers know what you're after and wait. Rolex isn't an instant gratification experience and with patience comes reward.

Instead of throwing darts at the wall, you should first educate yourself on the model you decide upon. Search the sales section, search the whole forum. Find hundreds of examples, so you can pick them out of a lineup. That way you'll become your own expert.

There are thousands of members here. Ask an opinion question like "what should I get?" And you'll get thousand of opinions. Decide what you want and report back and we can help a little more.

I appreciate this and I definitely would like the help that the dealers could offer. I am pretty patient and this isn't a "do it tomorrow" type thing. Its no rush to me just something I'd like to do in a reasonable amount of time <1 year.

I am not too picky about the models but the links I posted earlier are what is in my price range and what I like.

Otherwise I'd just get a new Tissot or something of that nature.