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Wesley Crusher · 2 January 2015, 06:40 AM

Hi all,

First and foremost, I want to wish you all a very happy new year! May 2015 bring you all happiness, health and prosperity!

In December of 2013, I purchased my first Rolex. I spent a few months researching different models and decided on a 114060. I still remember the first time I put it on my wrist. It was amazing and I thought that there was no better Rolex. To this day, I still believe that the 114060 is the best modern Rolex. In my opinion, it really embodies everything that Rolex represents.

As I spent more time on TRF, my knowledge of Rolex (and watches in general) grew exponentially. I still think of myself as a real novice, but I have learned a thing or two. Over the past few months, one thing that I wanted to learn more about is vintage Rolex. Though I haven't posted much in the vintage section, I always lurked. I drooled over all of your wonderful pictures and the stories that come along with your vintage watches. I'm sure that many of you know that I have been fairly vocal in favor of modern watches over vintage. In some ways, I still feel the same way. From a technical standpoint, of course a modern Rolex is more advanced than an older model. They are built to a different standard. Having said that, I asked myself, "Is there more to a watch than the specs?" The answer to this question will be different for everybody, but for me, the answer was yes!

For the last few months, I have been thinking where I envision my watch collection going in 2015. I thought about added a 216570 to my 114060 and having the ultimate "modern tool duo", but the idea of going vintage was always in the back of my mind. But where do I start, I thought? A vintage watch is completely different than a modern watch. Has the dial been relumed? Have the hands been replaced? Is the case too polished? There are a ton of things that one must consider to determine if a watch is worth buying. Thanks to the great people here, I believe I learned enough to 1) Determine exactly what I want, 2) Know what to look out for, and 3) Figure out, more or less, how much I should pay.

When deciding on which vintage watch I wanted to start with, I really didn’t have to think twice. The 1675 was the obvious answer. I don’t know what, but it has a certain charm to it that I cannot help but love. There are many other vintage Rolex watches that I love, but I knew that I wanted to start with a 1675.

Without further ado, I present to you all, my Rolex 1675.

When I saw this watch, it was love at first sight. The combination of the wonderfully faded, fat-font insert, matching dial and hands (with great patina, to boot) and case made this watch, in my eyes, a real winner.

I always try to go into things with low expectations to avoid disappointment, but I must admit, I was so excited about this watch. When I finally had it in my hands, I was (and am) over the moon. Totally. Over. The. Moon. This is everything that I hoped it would be. Putting it on my wrist for the first time, I felt like I was reunited with an old friend. Keep in mind, until this watch, I had never even seen a vintage Rolex in person.

Coming straight from a 114060, there were some obvious differences. The bracelet is light and rattles a bit, the movement is non-hacking, the watch looks smaller, etc…, but I don’t care. Am I in the honeymoon phase? Yes. Having said that, I could not be happier with my decision.

I want to thank all of you for helping to make this possible. Some of you helped me evaluate watches and gave me your opinions. Others helped me simply by posting pictures and stories of their wonderful watches. Finally, I would like to thank John aka Springer for selling me this wonderful watch. John is a really knowledgable guy and a real asset to the community. Thanks, John!

I am really happy to be able to share this with you guys. I am looking forward to being able to contribute to the vintage section in 2015 and maybe post another incoming or two. :)

Wes

brandrea · 2 January 2015, 06:47 AM

Big congrats!! I love your GMT. So much character and looks amazing

Great post and explanation as to why you decided to go for a vintage piece! I too made the move to vintage just this past month

rusty427 · 2 January 2015, 06:52 AM

Congratulations!
That is a fine looking piece, everything is in perfect harmony.
I find I wear my 5513 more than any of my other watches, in fact it's all I wear.
Vintage for me is the watch I should have bought 30 years ago.
Nice one Wes, enjoy.
Rusty

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Floorguy · 2 January 2015, 06:59 AM

Congrats Wes! A man after my own heart. This year I am planing to also search for my pepsi. Either a 1675 or 16750, I just want to find something as close to all original as possible. I do know that Springer and Greekbumb know their stuff, and will hopefully deal with them myself. Anyway, a huge congrats on such a "BEAUTIFUL" example! Wrar it in good health buddy!!

jdmi32 · 2 January 2015, 07:14 AM

Congrats Wes! That is about as good as it gets. I had no doubt that you were going to get a winner but seeing it now I have to admit it has surpassed my expectations.

Also very nice of you to share your journey with us.

crowncollection · 2 January 2015, 07:39 AM

Nice watch congrats

GeoGio Greece · 2 January 2015, 07:52 AM

Nice watch, congrats. What year is it ?

Wesley Crusher · 2 January 2015, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brandrea

Big congrats!! I love your GMT. So much character and looks amazing

Great post and explanation as to why you decided to go for a vintage piece! I too made the move to vintage just this past month

Thanks a lot! Congrats on your vintage watch, too. It's an interesting transition from new to old, but like I said, I couldn't be happier.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rusty427

Congratulations!
That is a fine looking piece, everything is in perfect harmony.
I find I wear my 5513 more than any of my other watches, in fact it's all I wear.
Vintage for me is the watch I should have bought 30 years ago.
Nice one Wes, enjoy.
Rusty

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Thanks, Rusty! I'd love to add a 5512 or 5513 to my 1675.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Floorguy

Congrats Wes! A man after my own heart. This year I am planing to also search for my pepsi. Either a 1675 or 16750, I just want to find something as close to all original as possible. I do know that Springer and Greekbumb know their stuff, and will hopefully deal with them myself. Anyway, a huge congrats on such a "BEAUTIFUL" example! Wrar it in good health buddy!!

Thanks a lot, buddy! I was also thinking of a 16750. I think the 16750 is great in that it has the looks of a vintage watch, but with some very practical improvements (quick set date, for example). I don't think you can go wrong with either.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdmi32

Congrats Wes! That is about as good as it gets. I had no doubt that you were going to get a winner but seeing it now I have to admit it has surpassed my expectations.

Also very nice of you to share your journey with us.

Thanks! The watch looks even better in person than in pictures. The dial is a nice shade of brown that is tough to capture in pictures.

I'm looking forward to making many memories with this watch.

Quote:

Originally Posted by crowncollection

Nice watch congrats

Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeoGio Greece

Nice watch, congrats. What year is it ?

Thanks! It is from 1968.

Floorguy · 2 January 2015, 08:25 AM

Wow Wes, that is the exact year I'll be looking for in a 1675 !! I knew there was something special about that piece that just spoke to me!!

Spoonage · 2 January 2015, 08:29 AM

Congrats. Looks good and it's a great choice. I'm hoping to join the ranks this year.

nsumner · 2 January 2015, 08:29 AM

Huge congrats Wes, with an official welcome to the "vintage side".

Great choice with the GMT and a great example. John always has nothing but top notch watches. You did well

Mine says hello

Vincent65 · 2 January 2015, 08:45 AM

Looks like you got a great one, and it didn't take too long. You did well, congrats and enjoy.

Robbyvm · 2 January 2015, 08:57 AM

Happy new year to you Wes !
Great way to start this year, be careful because once bitten by the Vintage Rolex bug there is no escape possible...!

Brushpup · 2 January 2015, 09:19 AM

Wow, major congrats. Great choice going this way too. You can always find a 216570 later, and this is SO much nicer for now. I want a 68 birthyear myself.

What a nice intro to vintage! Enjoy it with great health and prosperity in the new year.

navydoc · 2 January 2015, 09:36 AM

Congrats! Looks to be in great condition.

Makau · 2 January 2015, 11:05 AM

Man....that is an awesome GMT. I love the faded bezel.

My story is very similar to yours Wes. I have been lurking in TRF for awhile now and bought a few modern rolexes from trusted sellers here but was always scared of vintage. I felt I was such a novice of vintage that I could get taken advantage of. But your story has helped me consider it. Maybe 2015 will be the year of my foray into vintage. Thanks and Cheers!!

QueueCumber · 2 January 2015, 11:37 AM

Congrats!

Abandon all hope, ye who enter here.... LOL!

linesiders · 2 January 2015, 12:32 PM

Spectacular insert! Make a great watch a superb watch!

Quote:

Originally Posted by QueueCumber

Abandon all hope, ye who enter here.... LOL!

Man speaks with big medicine!

toneafficianado · 2 January 2015, 12:40 PM

Sheer beauty in a vintage Rolex. Congrats

jmiicustomz · 2 January 2015, 12:57 PM

Awesome congrats!!

cwilson13 · 2 January 2015, 01:11 PM

Well done!
Congrats.

Tudor66 · 2 January 2015, 01:16 PM

Nice faded insert on a 1675....!!

Wesley Crusher · 2 January 2015, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Floorguy

Wow Wes, that is the exact year I'll be looking for in a 1675 !! I knew there was something special about that piece that just spoke to me!!

Haha. Right on!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spoonage

Congrats. Looks good and it's a great choice. I'm hoping to join the ranks this year.

Thanks and good luck! You won't regret it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by nsumner

Huge congrats Wes, with an official welcome to the "vintage side".

Great choice with the GMT and a great example. John always has nothing but top notch watches. You did well

Mine says hello

Thanks! I love your radial dial!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vincent65

Looks like you got a great one, and it didn't take too long. You did well, congrats and enjoy.

Thanks, Karl. I think so, too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robbyvm

Happy new year to you Wes !
Great way to start this year, be careful because once bitten by the Vintage Rolex bug there is no escape possible...!

That's what they say! RIP to my bank account.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brushpup

Wow, major congrats. Great choice going this way too. You can always find a 216570 later, and this is SO much nicer for now. I want a 68 birthyear myself.

What a nice intro to vintage! Enjoy it with great health and prosperity in the new year.

Thank you for the kind words!

Quote:

Originally Posted by navydoc

Congrats! Looks to be in great condition.

Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Makau

Man....that is an awesome GMT. I love the faded bezel.

My story is very similar to yours Wes. I have been lurking in TRF for awhile now and bought a few modern rolexes from trusted sellers here but was always scared of vintage. I felt I was such a novice of vintage that I could get taken advantage of. But your story has helped me consider it. Maybe 2015 will be the year of my foray into vintage. Thanks and Cheers!!

It is scary at first, but you just have to do your research. Stick around and read, read, read. You'll be surprised how much you will learn in a short time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by QueueCumber

Congrats!

Abandon all hope, ye who enter here.... LOL!

Thanks, Q. Resistance is futile, right?

Quote:

Originally Posted by linesiders

Spectacular insert! Make a great watch a superb watch!

Many thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by toneafficianado

Sheer beauty in a vintage Rolex. Congrats

Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmiicustomz

Awesome congrats!!

Thank you!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tudor66

Nice faded insert on a 1675....!!

I agree! Thanks!

goog53 · 2 January 2015, 02:05 PM

Great Patina and an Amazing Insert! Springer is as good as they get. Wear in Good Health Brother

QueueCumber · 2 January 2015, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

Thanks, Q. Resistance is futile, right?

cajuntiger · 2 January 2015, 02:51 PM

very nice example of a classic. Congrats!

subx · 2 January 2015, 11:27 PM

great 1675 ! nice one, enjoy it !

Dr.Smellody · 2 January 2015, 11:50 PM

Awesome watch. Great vintage and modern collection started!

nycpassat · 2 January 2015, 11:52 PM

Congrats on your first vintage Rolex and an excellent specimen from John

humphriespaul · 3 January 2015, 12:26 AM

That is lovely - very many congrats! enjoy!

2 January 2015, 06:40 AM	#1
Wesley Crusher "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Real Name: Wes Location: Holosuite Posts: 6,345	Incoming! My first vintage Rolex!! Hi all, First and foremost, I want to wish you all a very happy new year! May 2015 bring you all happiness, health and prosperity! In December of 2013, I purchased my first Rolex. I spent a few months researching different models and decided on a 114060. I still remember the first time I put it on my wrist. It was amazing and I thought that there was no better Rolex. To this day, I still believe that the 114060 is the best modern Rolex. In my opinion, it really embodies everything that Rolex represents. As I spent more time on TRF, my knowledge of Rolex (and watches in general) grew exponentially. I still think of myself as a real novice, but I have learned a thing or two. Over the past few months, one thing that I wanted to learn more about is vintage Rolex. Though I haven't posted much in the vintage section, I always lurked. I drooled over all of your wonderful pictures and the stories that come along with your vintage watches. I'm sure that many of you know that I have been fairly vocal in favor of modern watches over vintage. In some ways, I still feel the same way. From a technical standpoint, of course a modern Rolex is more advanced than an older model. They are built to a different standard. Having said that, I asked myself, "Is there more to a watch than the specs?" The answer to this question will be different for everybody, but for me, the answer was yes! For the last few months, I have been thinking where I envision my watch collection going in 2015. I thought about added a 216570 to my 114060 and having the ultimate "modern tool duo", but the idea of going vintage was always in the back of my mind. But where do I start, I thought? A vintage watch is completely different than a modern watch. Has the dial been relumed? Have the hands been replaced? Is the case too polished? There are a ton of things that one must consider to determine if a watch is worth buying. Thanks to the great people here, I believe I learned enough to 1) Determine exactly what I want, 2) Know what to look out for, and 3) Figure out, more or less, how much I should pay. When deciding on which vintage watch I wanted to start with, I really didn’t have to think twice. The 1675 was the obvious answer. I don’t know what, but it has a certain charm to it that I cannot help but love. There are many other vintage Rolex watches that I love, but I knew that I wanted to start with a 1675. Without further ado, I present to you all, my Rolex 1675. When I saw this watch, it was love at first sight. The combination of the wonderfully faded, fat-font insert, matching dial and hands (with great patina, to boot) and case made this watch, in my eyes, a real winner. I always try to go into things with low expectations to avoid disappointment, but I must admit, I was so excited about this watch. When I finally had it in my hands, I was (and am) over the moon. Totally. Over. The. Moon. This is everything that I hoped it would be. Putting it on my wrist for the first time, I felt like I was reunited with an old friend. Keep in mind, until this watch, I had never even seen a vintage Rolex in person. Coming straight from a 114060, there were some obvious differences. The bracelet is light and rattles a bit, the movement is non-hacking, the watch looks smaller, etc…, but I don’t care. Am I in the honeymoon phase? Yes. Having said that, I could not be happier with my decision. I want to thank all of you for helping to make this possible. Some of you helped me evaluate watches and gave me your opinions. Others helped me simply by posting pictures and stories of their wonderful watches. Finally, I would like to thank John aka Springer for selling me this wonderful watch. John is a really knowledgable guy and a real asset to the community. Thanks, John! I am really happy to be able to share this with you guys. I am looking forward to being able to contribute to the vintage section in 2015 and maybe post another incoming or two. :) Wes

2 January 2015, 06:59 AM	#4
Floorguy 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Real Name: Rob Location: Parrish fl. Watch: Tt datejust 16233 Posts: 20,947	Congrats Wes! A man after my own heart. This year I am planing to also search for my pepsi. Either a 1675 or 16750, I just want to find something as close to all original as possible. I do know that Springer and Greekbumb know their stuff, and will hopefully deal with them myself. Anyway, a huge congrats on such a "BEAUTIFUL" example! Wrar it in good health buddy!! __________________ Rolex Omega Tag Heuer

2 January 2015, 07:39 AM	#6
crowncollection "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Real Name: David Location: australia Posts: 20,165	Nice watch congrats __________________ watches many

2 January 2015, 07:52 AM	#7
GeoGio Greece "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: George Location: Athens, Greece Watch: es --> A lot ! Posts: 2,327	Nice watch, congrats. What year is it ? __________________ Rolex owner since 1971. 5513 and 16700 the loved ones. DJ WG Jubilee 16170 for wife - U series Oyster Perpetual WG 177234 for daughter V-series

2 January 2015, 08:25 AM	#9
Floorguy 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Real Name: Rob Location: Parrish fl. Watch: Tt datejust 16233 Posts: 20,947	Wow Wes, that is the exact year I'll be looking for in a 1675 !! I knew there was something special about that piece that just spoke to me!! __________________ Rolex Omega Tag Heuer

2 January 2015, 06:47 AM	#2
brandrea 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Real Name: Brian (TBone) Location: canada Watch: es make me smile Posts: 74,279	Big congrats!! I love your GMT. So much character and looks amazing Great post and explanation as to why you decided to go for a vintage piece! I too made the move to vintage just this past month

2 January 2015, 06:52 AM	#3
rusty427 "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Australia Posts: 204	Congratulations! That is a fine looking piece, everything is in perfect harmony. I find I wear my 5513 more than any of my other watches, in fact it's all I wear. Vintage for me is the watch I should have bought 30 years ago. Nice one Wes, enjoy. Rusty Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

2 January 2015, 07:14 AM	#5
jdmi32 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Real Name: Ky Location: Bay Area, CA Watch: 16570 Posts: 2,362	Congrats Wes! That is about as good as it gets. I had no doubt that you were going to get a winner but seeing it now I have to admit it has surpassed my expectations. Also very nice of you to share your journey with us.

2 January 2015, 08:29 AM	#10
Spoonage 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: California Posts: 3,070	Congrats. Looks good and it's a great choice. I'm hoping to join the ranks this year.

2 January 2015, 08:45 AM	#12
Vincent65 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Switzerland Posts: 14,297	Looks like you got a great one, and it didn't take too long. You did well, congrats and enjoy.

2 January 2015, 08:57 AM	#13
Robbyvm "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Belgium Posts: 2,239	Happy new year to you Wes ! Great way to start this year, be careful because once bitten by the Vintage Rolex bug there is no escape possible...!

2 January 2015, 09:19 AM	#14
Brushpup "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Real Name: Patrick Location: Texas Watch: what I'm wearing Posts: 5,943	Wow, major congrats. Great choice going this way too. You can always find a 216570 later, and this is SO much nicer for now. I want a 68 birthyear myself. What a nice intro to vintage! Enjoy it with great health and prosperity in the new year. __________________ *TRFs "AFTER DARK" Bar & NightClub Patron-Founding Member* PClub # 10 74,592 The safest place for your watch is on your wrist.

2 January 2015, 09:36 AM	#15
navydoc "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Real Name: Tim Location: Bethesda Watch: 116610LV Posts: 195	Congrats! Looks to be in great condition. __________________ Breitling Colt GMT Breitling Chronomat Tudor Date-Day 116610LV Tudor Heritage Chrono Blue 16753

2 January 2015, 11:05 AM	#16
Makau "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Real Name: Lee Location: Tennessee Watch: Patek 5711 Posts: 98	Man....that is an awesome GMT. I love the faded bezel. My story is very similar to yours Wes. I have been lurking in TRF for awhile now and bought a few modern rolexes from trusted sellers here but was always scared of vintage. I felt I was such a novice of vintage that I could get taken advantage of. But your story has helped me consider it. Maybe 2015 will be the year of my foray into vintage. Thanks and Cheers!!

2 January 2015, 11:37 AM	#17
QueueCumber "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Real Name: Q Location: The Q Continuum Watch: ST:TNG Posts: 8,466	Congrats! Abandon all hope, ye who enter here.... LOL! __________________ Instagram: _queuecumber_

2 January 2015, 12:40 PM	#19
toneafficianado 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Real Name: Alan Location: Australia Posts: 2,201	Sheer beauty in a vintage Rolex. Congrats

2 January 2015, 12:57 PM	#20
jmiicustomz "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Real Name: John Location: North Carolina Watch: 1953 pre explorer Posts: 2,758	Awesome congrats!!

2 January 2015, 01:11 PM	#21
cwilson13 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 1,492	Well done! Congrats.

2 January 2015, 01:16 PM	#22
Tudor66 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Real Name: Al Location: California, USA Watch: GMT- Pepsi Posts: 3,462	Nice faded insert on a 1675....!! __________________ -NAWCC Member

2 January 2015, 02:05 PM	#24
goog53 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Real Name: Mike G Location: Ohio Watch: Rolex-Patek-AP Posts: 3,062	Great Patina and an Amazing Insert! Springer is as good as they get. Wear in Good Health Brother

2 January 2015, 02:51 PM	#26
cajuntiger "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Real Name: Who Dat Location: USA Watch: 5512 Posts: 1,124	very nice example of a classic. Congrats!

2 January 2015, 11:27 PM	#27
subx "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: usa Posts: 525	great 1675 ! nice one, enjoy it !

2 January 2015, 11:50 PM	#28
Dr.Smellody "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Salem, OR Posts: 5,231	Awesome watch. Great vintage and modern collection started!

2 January 2015, 11:52 PM	#29
nycpassat "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: NYC/NJ Posts: 1,107	Congrats on your first vintage Rolex and an excellent specimen from John

3 January 2015, 12:26 AM	#30
humphriespaul "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: London, UK Posts: 51	That is lovely - very many congrats! enjoy!

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