Vintage and modern watches

[southtexas]

Originally Posted by springer

You learn something new everyday. Thanks for the enlightenment. I guess it's time to get rid of all my vintage collection. I'll start with this polished example.

This polished example should probably get tossed as well. Where should I send it?







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[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by springer

You learn something new everyday. Thanks for the enlightenment. I guess it's time to get rid of all my vintage collection. I'll start with this polished example.

Gah!! That’s hideous, John! Please destroy that savagely butchered piece before someone gets hurt.

[Franks07]

Looking to add my deplorable polished 5513 to the “soulless” trash heap...



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[sillo]

Send them to me. I live within walking distance of Mount Doom so I can dispose of them properly.

[dhknola]

I find this question interesting today bc like many collectors here, the vintage world was a significantly different place 5-10 years ago, where one could get "used watches" for a fraction of what the new ones were at the AD. Now, the used ones cost more than the new ones and you can't even really get a new one*.
Even w the rise in prices, real vintage heads just love the old nuances of old references. New watches are great, but just do not have the same soul as the old ones to me.
*You can, it's just a huge and lengthy pain in the ass.

[James Taylor]

When Rolex/Tudor sold watches 50 and 60 years ago, they promised their clients that they would keep the watches they sold looking and working like new over the period of their lives with regular servicing.
There is certainly no shame in having a polished watch with service dial and service hands, as this is Rolex fulfilling their promise.
Although it harms the value, I refer to the above as an "honest watch".
However, adding metal to lugs, putting in fake dials and hands is inexcusable

[BigBlue1]

When I first started researching Rolexes, I originally wanted a brand new BLNR, then went to a 1803 Day-Date President, then to Vintage GMT.
It took me 6 months to come to my ultimate decision which was a

At one point I owned 6549, but it needed serious work.

Dumped it.
I love the GMT because of its history and unlimited inserts. I feel great every time I wear it. Enjoy.

[Filipão]

Vintage and polished. Please don't ban me.

[exador]

It's no different to vintage cars.

Some like these:



And others like these:

[1665fan]

I still like and have both.......from 5513 to 116520, why chose??

[motoikkyu]

I think great design is great design and the past has no monopoly on greatness. When a great design comes along, it commands a certain respect. The classic oyster does it for me, so often imitated that it has become an industry standard. I have a 6075 that looks amazing, but today I wore a 1601 Wide Boy that makes me smile every time I look at it. Yet, the new DateJust 41 has a wonderful presence, some amazing colors, why shouldn't someone fall in love with it?

[rumjungl]

Nothing like the warmth of aged radium/tritium markers/hands. The new materials in modern watches will never duplicate that.

[James Taylor]

very true rumjungl

[TheGRman]

For me, I enjoy the extra bit of uniqueness that vintage watches add to my attire. I do not dress in vintage clothing, but I do wear a suit and tie daily or a sport coat. It's a slight satisfaction in knowing that I'm wearing a watch that not everyone has or might not have access to. I do have new watches, but they have a vintage style design.

[KarlFr]

Like mentioned before, to me the history, warmth of the acrylic crystal and the matte patina dials just make me pick up those watches. Occasionally I buy the new released ceramic models for curiosity but sell them just as quick, just a matter of taste.

[Fredrik]

I used to be vintage only but last year I bought a 116610 because I like having a warranty and I basically never take off my watch. I have since sold all but one of my vintage watches, last year was great for that. I now have these two, they are not that different.

[1665fan]

Nice duo...

[Avav1]

the new ones look amazing, shiny, and precise, but the old ones seem to be able to tell a story.
I actually bought a new 14060, but am selling it to get another older sub, maybe a 16610...

[Chope Man]

As for myself, I am not fond of the 6 digit watches from Rolex that do not respect the classical proportions.

In the contrary, I find that models such as Explorer II 42mm, new See Dweller and Sky Dweller are beautiful, as they respect those proportions, the way the thinner lugs are attached to the bracelet.

To say it differently: I do not like beefy lugs. But I recognize that new bracelets are better (for clasp, solid end links, way they are built with ceramic in the links, sometimes hidden clasp (like the Super Jubilee I just found)).

As for polished center links: OK for PM models only. I am then quite against them on SS, although it bothers me less than the large lugs.

Do not like the ceramic either, exception being made to blue and red GMT and the new "root beer".

So I'd rather say that I generally prefer 4 and 5 digits (but sometimes think of adding an Explorer II 42mm, rather with black dial because it is my preference, not considering that white ones are more sought after).

After having had acrylic glasses (the only remaining one being my 31mm YG Datejust with President bracelet), I went to a GMT Master 16700 with sapphire and found it less prone to scratches and then easier to wear.

I remember the many polishing sessions I had with my 5513... Using polish past as those used for model kits.

Because of all this, and also because I like to have watches in great condition, I privileged 5 digit thereafter (a day-date 18038 which I had to sold after 3 years, a Tudor 79270, a 16618 Submariner, splendid and full set). All with sapphire.

Quite similar look to the one of 4 digits, generally easier to find in good condition, for a lesser price and easier to live with.

Now, if I had more money (or decide to care less about sports cars or other things), I would not be against the idea of having again 4 digits, like a GMT 1675, an Explorer 1655, a Submariner 1680 (preferably red). I would then more consider myself as a collectionner.

Today, I'm just a great fan of watches who admires the 4 digits and very few 6 digits.

Someone between real vintage and modern?