First question

[filsgreen]

Evening all, I need some advice please. Should I buy a 70s Rolex, or spend more money on a newer model? This will be my first expensive watch purchase, my budget is £4000.

[Allinthegame]

Depends what 70s model you’re considering , depends what newer model you’re considering . Can buy a few decent Rolex for £4000. Explorer , Explorer 2 , DJ36 , oyster , Air king , the new air king

[derekhayden]

If this was my first expensive watch purchase I would save more and get a newer model.
You have to ask yourself, do you want/like the 70's Rolex because you just want a Rolex and that's all you can afford, or are you into the vintage Rolex.
If you want a vintage Rolex then of course go for it.

[Rick_Nashville]

Vintage watches are beautiful and can provide lots of enjoyment, but unless otherwise specified, they will likely need a competent servicing if not immediately, then soon. This will be a minimum of $US1100. There is nothing wrong with keeping a vintage watch 'road worthy'.

[JMBrown32]

I would recommend going with a newer model for your first purchase. If I were you I'd save a little bit more and consider an early 2000s Explorer II (ref. 16570), which can be had for around USD$5,500, or a 2016+ Explorer (ref. 214270), which can be had for around $6,000).

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by Rick_Nashville

Vintage watches are beautiful and can provide lots of enjoyment, but unless otherwise specified, they will likely need a competent servicing if not immediately, then soon. This will be a minimum of $US1100. There is nothing wrong with keeping a vintage watch 'road worthy'.

Really?

Buy from a seller you trust who will tell you honestly whether the watch has been serviced in the recent past and who will offer a warranty.

I personally prefer to buy my vintage pieces locally and I'm fortunate to have a seller who honest, forthright, and stands behind his products.

[Joeguy]

I’m no Rolex ologist, but I’d recommend doing the AD route and a newer model. That can be an experience in itself.

I’ve never bought from a gray. That might be swell also. I bought my first one at an AD and my 2nd at a pawn shop. The AD route was the most satisfying of the two.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Rick_Nashville]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

Really?

Buy from a seller you trust who will tell you honestly whether the watch has been serviced in the recent past and who will offer a warranty.

I personally prefer to buy my vintage pieces locally and I'm fortunate to have a seller who honest, forthright, and stands behind his products.

Hi Grady, I've purchased 3 vintage pieces between 2008 & 2012. A 1680, a 1665, and a 1675. Two were purchased from trusted sellers here (the 1675 from Alex Collector in SF, and the 1665 from Michael Morgan in LA). The 1680 was purchased in person from Tourneau in NYC.

All three are fantastic pieces, all three performed great, but eventually, I chose to have all three serviced by an in-house Rolex-trained tech at my USA Rolex AD.

Imho, unless you are buying directly from the original and sole owner, it's an extremely rare thing to know the service history of a vintage piece at purchase time no matter how well you've vetted the seller.

Obviously, your mileage may vary, lol.

Kind regards, -Rick.

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by Rick_Nashville

Hi Grady, I've purchased 3 vintage pieces between 2008 & 2012. A 1680, a 1665, and a 1675. Two were purchased from trusted sellers here (the 1675 from Alex Collector in SF, and the 1665 from Michael Morgan in LA). The 1680 was purchased in person from Tourneau in NYC.

All three are fantastic pieces, all three performed great, but eventually, I chose to have all three serviced by an in-house Rolex-trained tech at my USA Rolex AD.

Imho, unless you are buying directly from the original and sole owner, it's an extremely rare thing to know the service history of a vintage piece at purchase time no matter how well you've vetted the seller.

Obviously, your mileage may vary, lol.

Kind regards, -Rick.

You're right in most cases.

In the case of my own seller he knows if he has had a watch serviced prior to sale, but otherwise, he doesn't know, either.

Also, after the sale, if things are not as they should be with the watch, he'll have it serviced under his own warranty.

He's a good man to know and to do business with.

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

[Kevmar timepieces]

can never go wrong with a oyster perpetual, not an expensive piece and you can get one that's not as old for around that price. even a nice date just.

[blacksun]

Go with a newer model ... Especially if it will be your first Rolex...

[Jonesy2099]

Makes sense to buy new over 70s...why did you pick the 70s!? A newer Rolex is superior to one from the 70s from a technological perspective. Plus the designs haven’t changed drastically since that time either!

[azs.77]

As a first time buyer, I’d buy a new one. Lots of options in the £4K range as mentioned above.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[2001jesper]

Buy new and go grey for a discounted price on an BNIB. Hope you find the right one

[417WIS]

I agree with many here to buy a new one as your first. The Oyster Perpetual fits your budget and is an awesome modern watch.

[sparty]

If it's your first bite the bullet and get a newer model.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[bigfatpauli]

Buy the one you like more.

[abozz]

I would buy a Rolex 114300 second hand or new.

[konniekat]

I understand what it's like to have a budget. And I agree with the post above me. 2nd hand was the way to go for me and my budget. 4000 is acceptable. I've seen ads on the classified section here for 4000 and less. I would suggest you pick a model you like and try to find it in recent years 90s at the least. The difficulty factor in finding the model may vary depending what you decide. Furthermore, If there is something that captures your attention and it's in the 70s... Just be sure to ask for service history. (and some receipts would help) if I were you; find one that's been serviced. If it's not serviced recently be prepare to put up more money to have it serviced at a local Rolex service center or other professional you trust to evaluate it. Servicing whatever timepiece you choose - no matter what year - will be returned to you like new.

[brandrea]

I’d go new and AD for my first. Save up a little more if needed.

[417WIS]

Don't forget you get a five year warranty on a new watch.

[RyanJ]

Go buy yourself one of the oyster perpetual models or the Explorer. Those are two of the most iconic watches that Rolex makes.

I personally do not think a vintage is a good first watch. I absolutely love vintage but would never recommend it to a first-time buyer, especially one with a budget that would allow a new purchase.

[David5807]

Buy a new Rolex and have the whole experience that comes with it.

[MTdweller]

I would go modern entry-level SS pieces like the Oyster Perpetual, Explorer, or Air-King. Older pieces have a lot of charm but modern pieces have had a lot of improvements over the years.

[1665fan]

If you go vintage which I believe would give more satisfaction than any new piece do your homework first. Stick with original dial hands and insert watches

[filsgreen]

Sorry for late reply guys, thanks a lot for your advice. I'm lucky living in Liverpool as Miltons are on my door step. Haywoode Milton appears to be a well respected expert on Rolex. I do feel confident about buying a used Rolex from Miltons, I'm erring on the side of Airking or Datejust.

We also have two AD's, Goldsmiths and David Robinson. I like the idea of buying new, but you get a bit more for you money if you go the used route. I think you may be right that I should save up a little bit more. Anyway I'll carry on reading the forum and try and educate myself.

[rarestwatch4u]

17013 Oysterquartz Datejust with box/paper !
Great investments nice watch .

[218225]

For my first I would go with a new one
- there have been a lot of improvements in 40years
- you have your name on the card
- it is your first, enjoy it!

Going vintage or pre owned is however not “cheaper” since prices have risen with the “SS model shortage”.

Getting a 70’s watch as a first?
- Risk of over polishing
- service history unclear
- bracelet probably in need of a tuneup from MY or a replacement.
A new one can set you back 1000€-1200€
- maintenance cost can be double for a vintage model. €700 for a new model, €1100 and up for a vintage.


Verzonden vanaf mijn iPhone met Tapatalk Pro

[filsgreen]

Thanks for your advice, guys.

[subtona]

I would find something modern.
Vintage pieces can be problematic related to service and history.