Rolexes are lifetime timepieces!

[Bisquitlips]

I am weary of people questioning the superior construction of Rolex timepieces.

If you have a Rolex dated from the early 1950's, you have a timepiece that will outlast your lifetime by at least a factor of 4. That means 230 years from now someone will be wearing and enjoying your watch. It will be keeping COSC time specs as you are being eaten by worms in your grave.

They are built like no other timepiece. Enjoy them and do not discount your watch because they are a mere 10 years old.

[robsteve]

Here is my 6150 Explorer from 1953. It was bought new by my grandfather and when he died in 1954, my then 18 year old Dad wore it daily until he died about nine years ago. I have been wearing it off and on for the past nine years.

[CoopJr]

Originally Posted by robsteve

Here is my 6150 Explorer from 1953. It was bought new by my grandfather and when he died in 1954, my then 18 year old Dad wore it daily until he died about nine years ago. I have been wearing it off and on for the past nine years.

Great story!!

[Dr. Robert]

yes they are....built to last.
47 years old

37 years old

36 years old

and the baby...7 years old...

[HL65]

Sweet collection Dr. Bob---Love that Explorer!

[kyle L]

Yep, I think watches are meant to last a long time. I hope to pass down my Explorer one day. Actually, this Seamaster is from 1954, which makes it about 56 years old! I don't think the watch has been serviced since it came out of the factory, there are no scratches whatsoever in the movement and there are no caseback engravings from watchmakers. All I can see is that a little dirt got in the movement, so it'll have to get a service soon. I'm happy to say that the Seamaster is still running strongly at +5 seconds a day. You should see how many dings and scratches this one has, but I love it.

[Denizen]

Rolexes are well made but are hardly exclusive in that dept. there are a number of other brands that are equally as well made (or better) and who offer impressive support even after the watch is out of production (unlike Rolex who have stated in print that they will only guarantee servicing/parts for 30 yrs after the model has been discontinued).

yes, Rolex have been known to service pieces more than 30 yrs after production but they don't guarantee it.

VC, Omega, IWC are some other brands who are imo, better committed re:servicing than Rolex.

Originally Posted by Bisquitlips

I am weary of people questioning the superior construction of Rolex timepieces.

If you have a Rolex dated from the early 1950's, you have a timepiece that will outlast your lifetime by at least a factor of 4. That means 230 years from now someone will be wearing and enjoying your watch. It will be keeping COSC time specs as you are being eaten by worms in your grave.

They are built like no other timepiece. Enjoy them and do not discount your watch because they are a mere 10 years old.

[Christiaan]

1967 Breitling navitimer. My grandfathers, given to my Mum and she gave it to me about a decade ago...keeps perfect time...

[karmatp]

I agree completly Richard. Nothing wrong with a little age when it comes to a fine timepiece.

[WJGESQ]

That was pretty dramatic intro for a new thread.

[Latrodectus]

What ya say The older the better
SURE

[Bisquitlips]

Originally Posted by Latrodectus

What ya say The older the better
SURE

Yes. Something like that!

[dyphototeacher]

I love this watch. (BREITLING above) It looks quite large for 1967. What size is it?

PS - Like the Frank Lloyd Wright quote - he sure loved the luxuries in life!

[bewithabob]

you have hit the nail on the head. this is primarily why I bought my first DATEJUST when I was 26.

[Christiaan]

Originally Posted by dyphototeacher

I love this watch. (BREITLING above) It looks quite large for 1967. What size is it?

PS - Like the Frank Lloyd Wright quote - he sure loved the luxuries in life!

42mm....and thanks, I love the watch as well

[Kapture1]

My DJ is 7 years older than me.... Three years after my dad graduated high school... Will be a really cool story when my son is wearing it after I pass on.

[Alcan]

Originally Posted by Bisquitlips

do not discount your watch because they are a mere 10 years old.

We feel fairly confident in counting this member of our current collection, the only known and verified 1908 W&D still running, as probably the oldest Rolex connected watch still in existence. This one is 102 years old, and thanks to Bob Ridley's magic its been given a new lease on life. Nancy regularly wears it to work as a pendant on a chain, and it keeps pretty good time.

As long as there are guys like Bob around, we can still indulge ourselves in vintage timepeices.

[mmmmp]

Quick story here....

A friend of mine earns mucho-dinero and always admired my Rolex. He shopped around, and decided to buy a Girard-Peragaux. (See pic) Anyway, this thing cost him a lot of money, it sang to him and he really loves it.
However, within 2 years, it had some sort of malfunction and needed to be serviced. He sent it to Geneva and waited 4 *months* for it's return. Upon taking delivery, the moonphase was now not functioning. (The original problem had nothing to do with the MPhase indicator.) Back to Europe again, and that was 3 months ago. The watch was never abused, it was babied if anything but worn everyday. (He works a desk job.)

Now, to each his own, but I find that ridiculous. I've never been 'hard' on my watches, but they do get banged, jostled, etc. As much as I admire VC or Pateks, IWC - whatever - his situation is completely, 100% unacceptable. To have it failue in so short a time is bad enough, but the long waiting time for repair, only to have it returned with a different problem is crazy. Maybe he got a 'lemon' but for that type of bread they should have given him a brand new piece. Oh yeah, all of the Int'l shipping costs / etc were out of his pocket. He's already spent more tha 500 bucks on getting it to and from Europe...

For all of Rolex's little 'rules', there is NO WAY they would treat a customer like that.

So, we're buying much more than a watch here folks. I have been, and *always* will wear a Rolex.

P.S. Dr. Robert....you're killing me with that DJ on leather strap!!!! (Robert sent me a couple of great shots after I mentioned how much I liked that vintage DJ - one is my current wallpaper)

Anyway, something to think about.
Mark

[dmc]

Originally Posted by Alcan

We feel fairly confident in counting this member of our current collection, the only known and verified 1908 W&D still running, as probably the oldest Rolex connected watch still in existence. This one is 102 years old, and thanks to Bob Ridley's magic its been given a new lease on life. Nancy regularly wears it to work as a pendant on a chain, and it keeps pretty good time.

As long as there are guys like Bob around, we can still indulge ourselves in vintage timepeices.

Wow Al, that's an incredible pocket watch.

Have you ever had it appraised?

[Bullyterrier]

Originally Posted by Denizen

Rolexes are well made but are hardly exclusive in that dept. there are a number of other brands that are equally as well made (or better)

I have a 113 year old Elgin pocket watch. It was my Great Grandfathers watch who had moved to the States from the UK to go gold mining.

[Singslinger]

My 23 year old GMT II keeps almost-perfect time - though after 3 servicings.

A friend who bought a S/S Sub at the same time I got my GMT has never serviced his watch and yet it still runs like a charm. Go figure.

[Kokyuryoku]

I have a 1601 from 1966 and it runs great

Originally Posted by Christiaan

1967 Breitling navitimer. My grandfathers, given to my Mum and she gave it to me about a decade ago...keeps perfect time...

This is one of the best looking Breitlings I have ever seen Total class.

[Cru Jones]

At the risk of being flamed, I don't really understand the fascination with a watch lasting generations..... In the end, with regular servicing replacing used parts, isn't it really only the case that will be original on a watch 100-200 years from now? Sure, maybe there will be some original parts in the movement, but not enough to keep the watch running....

To me, I enjoy the extraordinary quality and history of the brand and the excellent service, but I don't buy Rolexes to acquire a museum piece, I have them to enjoy now.

[Lamone]

This baby is 39yrs old. As for as I remember it was never serviced.

[Denver Dick]

Yep, after 23 years of everyday wear, I wanted a new watch. So, off to the RSC in PA my 16013 went. After a full servicing, new dial, all three hands and Jubilee bracelet (and about $3,000 later) I have a new TT DJ. It should now last me more than another 23 years because it's now in rotation with a few new Omegas.

How it looked when it got back early last November . . .





And how it looked yesterday . . .

[DRAWTOOL]

This old girl has been ticking along since about 1950.

[bewithabob]

That Breitling is gorgeous!

[sam.]

Originally Posted by Bullyterrier

I have a 113 year old Elgin pocket watch. It was my Great Grandfathers watch who had moved to the States from the UK to go gold mining.

thats amazing to have something like that in your family,i have my granfathers 60 year old rolex,but yours is almost double that age,great heirloom!

[Skullring]

This one is a young pup. Only 25 years old.

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by robsteve

Here is my 6150 Explorer from 1953. It was bought new by my grandfather and when he died in 1954, my then 18 year old Dad wore it daily until he died about nine years ago. I have been wearing it off and on for the past nine years.

Very touching story, mate.................and what a beautiful classic!! I hope you continue to wear it in good health.

JJ