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Old 28 November 2010, 06:40 AM   #1
tfduff723
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Definition of a Vintage Rolex

I am sure this has been answered a zillion times here on TRF but what is the generally accepted definition of a vintage Rolex?

Thanks in advance.
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Old 28 November 2010, 07:19 AM   #2
Clay
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More or less:

4 digit model number
Acrylic crystal
Matt Dial (Or Gilt/Gloss dial)
15XX movement...
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Old 28 November 2010, 07:23 AM   #3
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I have seen two criteria often quoted here.

The first is four digit model numbers, the second is plastic/plexi crystals.

I have an older OP date from the 1980's with a plexi crystal. It is a five digit model, 15010. I have owned it since new and would not consider it vintage. On the other hand, there are sports models from the 1980's that are considered vintage, but I suggest they are coveted because of their rarity, not their age.

I also have my Dad's and previous to that my Grandfather's 6150 Explorer. I consider it vintage. It is both a four digit model number and a plexi crystal.

In my own mind, I probably consider vintage anything earlier than the mid 1970's, or perhaps anything prior to the 3035 series of movements.

Robert



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Old 28 November 2010, 09:50 AM   #4
tfduff723
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Thanks guys - that helps. Also, nice watches!

Clay: What year would a 1665 SD be from?
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Old 28 November 2010, 10:25 AM   #5
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Originally Posted by tfduff723 View Post
Thanks guys - that helps. Also, nice watches!

Clay: What year would a 1665 SD be from?
As with anything Rolex there is no definitive answer....

But I would say the Double Reds were from about 1968 to early 1977...

The great Whites were from Late 1977 to the very early 80's....

Give or take....
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Old 28 November 2010, 11:10 AM   #6
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As with anything Rolex there is no definitive answer....

But I would say the Double Reds were from about 1968 to early 1977...

The great Whites were from Late 1977 to the very early 80's....

Give or take....
Very nice - thanks! My vintage ignorance is showing & I have a lot to learn.
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Old 28 November 2010, 12:01 PM   #7
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Very nice - thanks! My vintage ignorance is showing & I have a lot to learn.
Hey, we all had to learn....No worries.....I'm learning every day....
Here's my 5.3 mil 1665 from late 1977...One of the very early white dial 1665's...


Cheers
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Old 28 November 2010, 12:15 PM   #8
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what is the generally accepted definition of a vintage Rolex?

Whatever the criteria is, this probably meets it.
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Old 28 November 2010, 01:07 PM   #9
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Whatever the criteria is, this probably meets it.
Your bracelet is missing Al, that's got to really affect the value
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Old 29 November 2010, 12:50 AM   #10
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Mentioned it once before, when the youngest of the original owners has grey hair, its vintage.
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