The Rolex Forums   The Rolex Watch

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX


Go Back   Rolex Forums - Rolex Watch Forum > Rolex & Tudor Watch Topics > Vintage Rolex Discussion

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 24 July 2021, 01:28 AM   #1
Eddyrelik
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: California
Posts: 8
Advise Finding Late Fathers’ Watch (Datejust 16013)

Hi all. New to the world of Rolex, hoping to get some help and advise on finding my late fathers’ watch for a respectable price for best quality. It was his first Rolex he bought with his fiirst success, wore it for 30+ years. Through ups and downs, always had it. Even had to use as collateral for loan once for another business but he did get it back. Lot of history. Later gifted it to me when In my mid 20s, and sadly somehow I lost it. Never forgave myself. He passed away 4 years ago and I always said when I am able to I will find his watch and fill the gap I have felt ever since.

After much digging, I have determined his watch was a Datejust 16013, he got it around 1980-1981, Steel and Gold, with Silver dial.

I found it on bobs watches. Tried to post the link but says I can’t until I have more posts. It’s listed at $5,495.


But I don’t know much about this site or if this is reputable, a good price, overpriced? or should I keep looking elsewhere? I saw one sold on the forums here 6 months ago or so for $2k less.

Also I’m not sure if there are other options/features that I should be checking other than the ones I listed above.

Greatly appreciate any knowledge, recommendations and advice on this search. Thanks
Eddyrelik is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 24 July 2021, 02:36 AM   #2
Dan S
2024 Pledge Member
 
Dan S's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Colorado, USA
Posts: 5,837
Bob's is a reputable seller. Professional dealer prices are higher than private sale prices, but the pros and cons are obvious. You may not feel comfortable wiring $4k to a stranger. Value/quality depends on a lot of subtleties which you may or may not want to worry about if you're not intending to be a collector.
__________________
@oldwatchdan on IG
Dan S is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 24 July 2021, 09:33 AM   #3
zapokee
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Japan
Posts: 4,342
Do you mean you want to find the actual watch that your father wore (based on serial number) or you want to find an identical one?

And how on earth do you manage to somehow lose your dad's Rolex??
zapokee is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 24 July 2021, 02:24 PM   #4
Eddyrelik
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: California
Posts: 8
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dan S View Post
Bob's is a reputable seller. Professional dealer prices are higher than private sale prices, but the pros and cons are obvious. You may not feel comfortable wiring $4k to a stranger. Value/quality depends on a lot of subtleties which you may or may not want to worry about if you're not intending to be a collector.
I plan to use it and keep it. Not just collect it in a drawer. So best condition would be good to have best place to start and have it last long.
Eddyrelik is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 24 July 2021, 02:26 PM   #5
Eddyrelik
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: California
Posts: 8
Quote:
Originally Posted by zapokee View Post
Do you mean you want to find the actual watch that your father wore (based on serial number) or you want to find an identical one?

And how on earth do you manage to somehow lose your dad's Rolex??
No way to know what the original serial number was. Plan to replace it with the same model.

I know, all I can say is I was too young to appreciate it. I wore it all the time and went out a lot…. travelled a lot. Wish I knew where and how I lost it but never found it.
Eddyrelik is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 24 July 2021, 06:52 PM   #6
77T
2024 Pledge Member
 
77T's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Real Name: PaulG
Location: Georgia
Posts: 40,565
Advise Finding Late Fathers’ Watch (Datejust 16013)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Eddyrelik View Post
No way to know what the original serial number was. Plan to replace it with the same model.

I know, all I can say is I was too young to appreciate it. I wore it all the time and went out a lot…. travelled a lot. Wish I knew where and how I lost it but never found it.

I understand the feeling of losing something with strong emotional ties. That’s happened to me too.

I recently found an old piece that I lost track of - guess where?

It was inside a zipped compartment of a suitcase - right where I had put it almost 8 years ago for safekeeping.

So don’t give up - hopefully your Dad’s actual watch might be in some forgotten belonging of yours.

As to your question about Bob’s listing…
They are a high-volume dealer priced at the high-end of the market, in a highly inflated Rolex resale marketplace. It is a seller’s paradise.

I don’t buy from Bob’s because of better alternatives like the trusted sellers here on TRF. That’s more about negotiating a reasonable final price.

Good luck in your quest and welcome to the forum. If you want to PM me the Bob’s link I’ll be glad to post it into this thread for you.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
__________________


Does anyone really know what time it is?
77T is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 24 July 2021, 09:58 PM   #7
zapokee
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Japan
Posts: 4,342
Quote:
Originally Posted by 77T View Post
I recently found an old piece that I lost track of - guess where?

It was inside a zipped compartment of a suitcase - right where I had put it almost 8 years ago for safekeeping.
I'd thought that about the OP's situation too. It must be somewhere - you don't just lose stuff like that. Hope it turns up.

Good job you never disposed of that suitcase, 77T! Many of my stress dreams are about missing watches...
zapokee is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 24 July 2021, 10:40 PM   #8
Styles Bitchley
"TRF" Member
 
Styles Bitchley's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Canada
Watch: 1680
Posts: 1,396
I sympathize with your situation. I had given my mom some things to keep safe while I was out of the country for a decade or so and when I came back she’d forgotten all about it and had no idea what I was talking about (she’s getting older). What I was most upset about was my late father’s Memosail yachting chronograph that I always remember being on his wrist when sailboat racing in the 70s and 80s. Not a Rolex, but a nice watch with a lot of sentimental value. Three days ago, after literally 14 years of it not being in my possession and years after me giving up hope, it emerged from a random storage locker box my mom had forgotten about. These things happen, so don’t give up hope. But you can still grab a replacement in the mean time. If the real one turns up you can always sell it.

Styles Bitchley is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 24 July 2021, 11:22 PM   #9
Jackie Daytona
2024 Pledge Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2019
Real Name: Brian
Location: Nashville
Watch: 16750
Posts: 5,692
Bobs is a goodish seller. I’ve bought two watches from them. Always ask for a discount btw, they will always give you a few hundred off.

The only thing I would mention is like others have said they are a pretty high volume dealer. You loose a bit of that personal service. What bugs me is that the description of essentially every watch on their site is that they are all excellent, when they simply isn’t the truth. Secondary market Rolex watches are not all excellent, additionally it’s hard to discern defects from the pictures on their site in a light box, plus loosing that personal service you can ask for more detailed pics but they’ll never get back to you. They are high volume enough they have more important things to deal with in their eyes.
__________________
16750 | 6516(wife’s) | 126334 | 116400GV | SBGA413 | SRPE33 | 126610LV
Jackie Daytona is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 24 July 2021, 11:42 PM   #10
rmagoo57
2024 Pledge Member
 
rmagoo57's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2019
Real Name: Ron
Location: Detroitish
Watch: GMT II/Sub/Exp II
Posts: 2,292
I would also consider the ref. 16233 which replaced the 16013 in 1988. Looks nearly identical but has some notable improvements - sapphire crystal, newer 3135 movement and more.

One issue with these older DJ's on the jubilee is bracelet stretch so be mindful of that in your search. Lot's of these DJ's on the market so no need to rush your purchase. Happy hunting!
rmagoo57 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 25 July 2021, 08:04 AM   #11
tekno
2024 Pledge Member
 
tekno's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Texas
Watch: Tudor Snowflake
Posts: 1,034
I would skip bobs, they pushing units… which is fine I just think you can do better for the money.

There are other sellers that do a better job preserving the watch as it was found without over prepping the watch for sale on this forum and vrf.

That watch is common enough that you can find a nice example, even if it has a different color dial. Swap in the right dial.

My father left me a 16013… champagne dial. I swapped the dial out years ago regrettably. Good luck in your search.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
tekno is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 26 July 2021, 01:50 AM   #12
Oyster Perp
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 145
In my dealings with Bobs in the past I've always found them approachable and helpful. Yes., they are a commercial seller but there's plenty of them about a lot less approachable and trustworthy than Bobs. Having said that you want a 16013 from the relevant period. They are quite prevalent (I wont say common as there is no such thing as a common Rolex). Can you recall the dial ? as there are so many variations. Did it have any features you can recall ?. You could be between $4k-$5k (or upwards if you want something a little different) As has been mentioned already beware of 'stretch' on the jubilee bracelet as having it 'de-stretched' could set you back a further $400 (ish) but can be professionally done by several specialist. There are those on here that can be trusted to sell you what you want its worth a look.
Good Luck in your hunt. It wont be long.
Oyster Perp is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 July 2021, 02:41 PM   #13
Eddyrelik
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: California
Posts: 8
Quote:
Originally Posted by 77T View Post
I understand the feeling of losing something with strong emotional ties. That’s happened to me too.

I recently found an old piece that I lost track of - guess where?

It was inside a zipped compartment of a suitcase - right where I had put it almost 8 years ago for safekeeping.

So don’t give up - hopefully your Dad’s actual watch might be in some forgotten belonging of yours.

As to your question about Bob’s listing…
They are a high-volume dealer priced at the high-end of the market, in a highly inflated Rolex resale marketplace. It is a seller’s paradise.

I don’t buy from Bob’s because of better alternatives like the trusted sellers here on TRF. That’s more about negotiating a reasonable final price.

Good luck in your quest and welcome to the forum. If you want to PM me the Bob’s link I’ll be glad to post it into this thread for you.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Awesome story! I hope to have the same luck! Just DM’ed the bobs watch listing. I guess because it’s the only one I have found that is the EXACT timeframe, dial, etc that I’m emotionally thinking of pulling the trigger. But perhaps waiting for a better deal is the best idea?
Eddyrelik is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 July 2021, 02:43 PM   #14
Eddyrelik
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: California
Posts: 8
Quote:
Originally Posted by Styles Bitchley View Post
I sympathize with your situation. I had given my mom some things to keep safe while I was out of the country for a decade or so and when I came back she’d forgotten all about it and had no idea what I was talking about (she’s getting older). What I was most upset about was my late father’s Memosail yachting chronograph that I always remember being on his wrist when sailboat racing in the 70s and 80s. Not a Rolex, but a nice watch with a lot of sentimental value. Three days ago, after literally 14 years of it not being in my possession and years after me giving up hope, it emerged from a random storage locker box my mom had forgotten about. These things happen, so don’t give up hope. But you can still grab a replacement in the mean time. If the real one turns up you can always sell it.
Wow great to hear about these stories. Would be wonderful to happen! Glad you found it! Yes I would def keep the original if I find it. But would be nice to fill the gap.
Eddyrelik is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 July 2021, 02:45 PM   #15
Eddyrelik
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: California
Posts: 8
Quote:
Originally Posted by rmagoo57 View Post
I would also consider the ref. 16233 which replaced the 16013 in 1988. Looks nearly identical but has some notable improvements - sapphire crystal, newer 3135 movement and more.

One issue with these older DJ's on the jubilee is bracelet stretch so be mindful of that in your search. Lot's of these DJ's on the market so no need to rush your purchase. Happy hunting!
Yes I do recall the glass being full of scratches. Wonder if that’s like an upgradable part from the 16233 onto the 16013? I would like to have the closest thing.

Yeah I remember the jubilee being very loose/stretched too. Thanks for the tips and thoughts of patience!
Eddyrelik is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 July 2021, 02:48 PM   #16
Eddyrelik
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: California
Posts: 8
Quote:
Originally Posted by Oyster Perp View Post
In my dealings with Bobs in the past I've always found them approachable and helpful. Yes., they are a commercial seller but there's plenty of them about a lot less approachable and trustworthy than Bobs. Having said that you want a 16013 from the relevant period. They are quite prevalent (I wont say common as there is no such thing as a common Rolex). Can you recall the dial ? as there are so many variations. Did it have any features you can recall ?. You could be between $4k-$5k (or upwards if you want something a little different) As has been mentioned already beware of 'stretch' on the jubilee bracelet as having it 'de-stretched' could set you back a further $400 (ish) but can be professionally done by several specialist. There are those on here that can be trusted to sell you what you want its worth a look.
Good Luck in your hunt. It wont be long.
The dial was definitely Silver. Jubilee bracelet. Not sure what other options were available. He never modified it though. Hoping to have the link posted from another user above who offered so you can see the one Bobs has. It’s basically the exact model my father had. Similar year too. Thanks!
Eddyrelik is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 July 2021, 09:55 PM   #17
77T
2024 Pledge Member
 
77T's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Real Name: PaulG
Location: Georgia
Posts: 40,565
Quote:
Originally Posted by Eddyrelik View Post
Just DM’ed the bobs watch listing.
Here’s the link for those who wanted to see the watch the OP is considering.

https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-da...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

The bracelet has seen better days but I’ve had one of these US Market oval linked Jubilees on the same silver dialed TT DJ years ago. Very comfortable.

As for waiting, if there is no rush I feel it is possible prices could soften. But if you’re emotionally attached to the thought of doing it now, then you might follow your heart.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
__________________


Does anyone really know what time it is?
77T is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 27 July 2021, 02:20 AM   #18
Oyster Perp
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 145
Nice watch, if priced a little at the high end. Looks to be some stretch in that Champion bracelet.
Oyster Perp is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 July 2021, 07:03 AM   #19
Wahlberg
"TRF" Member
 
Wahlberg's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Paris
Posts: 3,527
Please pass on this one, way way too much stretch on that bracelet. It doesn't look good at all. Where is the fun in that. That's waiting for it to pop off your wrist again because it's almost done.

I've seen 80s/90s TT DJs with practically new bracelets, barely any stretch for 3-5k. Then again even the twotone DJ market changed a lot in the past year, but I'm positive you can find a better one for a similar price.
Wahlberg is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 July 2021, 02:09 PM   #20
tekno
2024 Pledge Member
 
tekno's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Texas
Watch: Tudor Snowflake
Posts: 1,034
Holy hell. No go


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
tekno is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 27 July 2021, 04:19 PM   #21
Eddyrelik
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: California
Posts: 8
Thanks all for advise! I’ll keep an eye out for one with a better bracelet
Eddyrelik is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Takuya Watches

Bobs Watches

My Watch LLC

OCWatches

DavidSW Watches

Coronet


*Banners Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.





Copyright ©2004-2024, The Rolex Forums. All Rights Reserved.

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Rolex is a registered trademark of ROLEX USA. The Rolex Forums is not affiliated with ROLEX USA in any way.