I won’t say ‘why you shouldn’t collect vintage Rolex watches’, because this post just reflects my opinion on collecting vintage Rolex watches. I am a huge fan of Rolex watches and have my share of them. My collection also includes a vintage ref.1600 Rolex Date-Just dating 1969 featuring a beautiful pie-pan’ish dial. A few years a go (+/- 2003), if you had 2500 Euro to spend, you could either choose a slightly used GMT-Master (II) or a vintage ref.1675 GMT-Master in good condition. Including the original box, if you were lucky. In the same period, you could have your vintage Submariner for a few hundreds extra.
ref.1665 Rolex Sea-Dweller. Picture by OysterInfo.de.
Since then, Rolex forums, portals and fan sites have been popping up like mushrooms, and boosted the vintage Rolex market. Even vintage Rolex watches in bad (or even worse) condition do not stay with the seller for a long time. Prices went up like crazy. A vintage ref.1675 in a so-so condition would easily fetch 4000 Euro. A vintage red printed Submariner? 8000 Euro. A ref.1665 Sea-Dweller from the late 1970s? 15.000 Euro! And I left out the double red printing on the last one, add another 10.000 Euro for the Sea-Dwellers with the red lettering.
That’s how the market works I guess. And if you like vintage Rolex watches and have the money for it, buy now and don’t wait another 5 years. New Rolex watches also see their annual price increases, but not with the percentages of vintage ones.
The reason why I do not collect vintage Rolex watches is not that I don’t like them. I really do like the domed crystals, non-glossy dials and yellowed tritium hands and hour markers. The main reason is that I don’t think they are worth the extra money over a modern Rolex watch. Take Omega’s Speedmaster Professional for example, the vintage models with movement caliber 321 and the applied metal Omega logo from the 1960s is about as expensive as a brand new Speedmaster Professional model. Perhaps even a bit more expensive if the vintage watch is in very good condition. The vintage Speedmaster (pre-)Professional is crafted more nicely than the new ones, with the column wheel chronograph movement and the dial with the nice applied metal logo. Except for the bracelet, you could say that the old watch is even better in terms of used materials and movement. So get one while you can, before these watches get as hyped as the vintage Rolex models. Which I actually doubt that will happen, because Rolex is still the brand for the masses. Even if you aren’t a watch freak or adept and can spare some money, a vintage Rolex is the way to go.
Undoubted, a modern Rolex watch is better than a vintage Rolex watch, in terms of quality of used materials and because of the movement. As for beauty, it’s a different issue. As I wrote before, I like the vintage Rolex watches, but the hype made the fun go away. A number of people seem to buy them to be able to show off to other vintage collectors, not for their own pleasure. It also occurred to me that most of the current vintage buyers are mostly focused on the optical aspects of a Rolex and do not care for its condition of the mechanical movement. That’s like buying an old-timer with a perfect paint job without popping the hood.
Vintage Rolex watches in a good condition are expensive due to the demand, but asking (or paying!) crazy prices for watches in such a condition that the buyer should be lucky that it runs at all, is insane.
I would be only interested in buying a vintage Rolex watch when it was in superb condition. Optical as well as technical, otherwise it is just an old watch to me. However, instead of paying 15.000 Euro for a vintage ref. 1665 Rolex Sea-Dweller, it also brings me – for example – an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo ref.15200ST that is a few years old AND a brand new Rolex Sea-Dweller. Or, the summum of watch making, a Patek Philippe. In other words, if I would be in the market to spend 15.000 Euro on a wrist watch, it surely wouldn’t be a vintage Rolex.
March 11, 2008 at 3:46 pm |
Excellent article Robert-Jan and i couldn’t agree more. It’s like art… some ‘names’ become collectable and prices go skyhigh. Unfortunately this makes these watches unreachable for the true watch lover who admires a watch like this for ALL of it’s aspects, incluing what’s under the hood.
And i agree with you… if i had 15k€ to spent on watches… it wouldn’t be just one vintage Rolex 1665…. although i love mine
Cheers,
Frank
March 20, 2008 at 1:31 am |
[...] Euro for a vintage ref. 1665 Rolex Sea-Dweller, it also brings me for example … source: Why I dont collect vintage Rolex watches, [...]
April 27, 2008 at 2:05 am |
Have an old rolex probably from the thirties still runs, I have pictures, serial numbers, model number, if your interested send me your email and I’ll show you.
May 28, 2008 at 9:40 pm |
Hello. I have just acquired my grandfather’s gold oyster perpetual Rolex. I love it, and am BY NO MEANS any sort of watch expert, but as you all look like you might be! It was bought by my grandmother for him in the early 60s (my mom remembers the purchase of it new from a reputable Jewelry store back then.) The watch doesn’t seem to have any markings on the back of it. It is gold (my mom is a jeweler and tested it) -so maybe they have been worn down, but I’m not sure. Is this normal with an older watch like that? Is there anything else I should look for?
Thanks! Aimee
May 29, 2008 at 7:06 am |
@Aimee:
There are only a few Rolex watches with markings on the caseback. The Oyster Perpetuals of the 1960s do not have any marking on the caseback. You might find the serialnumber between the lugs of the case. However, you have to remove the strap or bracelet for this first. Have this done by a watchmaker for you.
The only Rolex with markings on the caseback is the Rolex Sea-Dweller sports watch in stainless steel.
Best regards,
Robert-Jan
September 27, 2008 at 10:55 pm |
Stumbled across a ladies cocktail Rolex, probably made around 1936 if I’m understanding the serial # lookup correctly. I really know very little about watches although I love them, particularly vintage. Guy wants $1000 for it. Serial # 83856 14k. I guess it’s real although I’ve noticed ladies Rolex’s tend to be 18k that I’ve seen just browsing the internet. If anyone could help me out. Is this a fair price, bargain, or just plain silly?
September 27, 2008 at 11:21 pm |
Mike Bubick I’d like to see the watch you are referring to. If you tell me you found it pinned behind some window curtains it’s a small world. Your watch is the one I’m curious about.
December 22, 2008 at 2:11 am |
I came across your blog while researching Rolexes. I know nothing about watches but am looking to buy an older Rolex from the 60s-70s period. One watch caught my attention today at a store – it’s a 1970′s stainless steel oyster precision with date. The salesman came down from $2,600 to $2,000 f after I pressed him a little, but I am still wondering if I am overpaying. One of the things that drew me to the watch was the dial but also the black leather band, which I find to be much more elegant and classy than the metal rolex band. I’m not a big fan of the Rolex band. However, I’ve noticed how much those bands sell for online – as much as $800 -and it occurred to me that this is where the retailers make their margin. Perhaps they buy the watch in full but then sell the band separately from the dial and wait for a person like me to buy the rolex with a much less expensive leather band because I like the way it looks. Am I on to something here?
January 23, 2010 at 4:07 am |
Watches always adds personality. Luxury watches can be acquired at great prices if you know where to look. Look for a wide range of Rolex Watches at substantial discounts and you won’t be disappointed.
February 16, 2010 at 3:37 pm |
This was a pretty good read. I’m happy:glad I found this. Railroad pocket watches
March 9, 2010 at 3:36 pm |
I am trying to research the year of manufacture of my 1600 Datejust. The bracelet is the 62510H. I think its a 1974 but was hoping you could confirm.
It was my Fathers watch and besides the sentimental value, I think its one of the most beutiful timepieces I have ever known.
I have the serial number if that makes a difference.
August 1, 2010 at 10:13 pm |
Hi
Yes, interesting article and comments. I recently purchased a S/S 70s Rolex Oyster precision for about $700US which I thought was quite reasonable. The watch is in beautiful condition although the riveted bracelet appears to be a replacement and as I’m not a fan of metal bands I swapped it for a black leather strap. I assume Rolex bracelets have the Rolex logo on them and mine doesn’t.
One of the things I enjoy about the older Rolex watches (apart from the price) is that they are often quite plain looking and in fact most people wouldn’t have any clue at all that the watch is actually a Rolex. In other words you can enjoy the watch for what it is (a beautifully fabricated and finished little machine) without appearing to be too either too flashy or brand conscious.
September 8, 2010 at 5:35 pm |
I spent number of years and money trying to put a vintage collection together. Frankly it’s impossible given the number of watches in various shape. I tried to sell them and finally wound up with a couple of dealers I know. So for the past several years I wore my Oysterquartz, 17000 and the 1701400. It was only in the past two weeks did I purchase a Rolex Oyster perpetual. No date nothing fancy but the new dials they have been experiencing are quite different. Mine is black with an orange circle in the middle. I am satisfied with my purchased. My Oyster quartz are there if I want a change.
October 28, 2010 at 9:59 pm |
Not all diamond jewelry stores are the same so check reviews first before buying on a jewelry store.
February 16, 2011 at 3:56 pm |
Great stuff,
Thanks for sharing.
August 9, 2011 at 8:07 am |
Vintage Rolex is a very delicate matter and one should only buy from respected dealers, the Chinese have found out that forging vintage Rolex is a new way to make lots of money so the vintage market is flooded with fake vintage rolex watches, sold as genuine vintage watches, so be careful! I must say, vintage looks better than new, but you should be careful regarding authenticity and quality, it can also become a money pit.
August 9, 2011 at 10:15 pm |
A little more hot air on a hot day in the desert of New Mexico, 104F. I just received, with in the past couple of weeks, my OysterQuartz ref 17014. That’s the OQ with the 18 k WG bezel. I had sent it to Dallas service center. True to their word it took four weeks. If I didn’t know better I’d be hard pressed to tell it from new. The total cost was $750.00 USD. My Rolex watchmaker could only adjust around the edges. Moral of this story, if you have an OQ and you and or your local watchmaker agree, ship it off to Rolex service. Don’t schlock around.
October 26, 2011 at 9:59 pm |
I have a 1970′s Rolex Submariner w/ red “Submariner” I no longer have the box or papers. It was purchased in Switzerland. I have had it serviced regularly and after the last service 4 years ago, I learned that Rolex no longer supports this watch and replacement parts are not so easy to find. I stopped wearing it and bought a Breitling Navitimer. It keeps better time and has a mineral crystal which stands up to my abuse. Can anyone tell me approx. what my Rolex is worth?
Brian
November 30, 2011 at 5:13 am |
I am also a huge fan of Rolex watches. The things you have mentioned about Rolex are very true.
January 6, 2012 at 6:52 pm |
I have recently purchased a Rolex 1970s ladies 14K yellow gold watch. The seller told me that it is quite common that ladies watches do not carry serial numbers. (There is Rolex markings in the inside of the case cover and the inside of the watch) As this is my first purchase of vintage ladies watch, I wonder if this is the case. I would really appreciate if anyone could tell me more info on this matter.
Thanks
Carrie
January 8, 2012 at 12:20 am |
I have also recently inherited a Rolex Orchid circa 1970s ladies cocktail 14K yellow bracelet Strap with diamond(26) bezel & 18K gold watch. There is Rolex markings in the inside of the case cover and some numbers at 12 oclock 2661 and at 3 o/clock 129. In addtion there are the hallmarks for 18K. The clasp is also marked for 14K. I would really appreciate if anyone could give me more info this watch and tell me whait it is worth.
Thanks
Debbie
February 24, 2012 at 3:07 pm |
When I was around 5 year old,I remember I heard for the first time the name rolex,granpa and dad came to the States(we are from El Salvador)and among the things they purchased was a rolex,stainless steel bracelet,granpa used a lot for diving ,it really wasn’t the most expensive(dad says that the price was between 800-900 dls),when the old man passed away we kept the watch,is in very nice working condition(the insert has some dents)i wear it almost everyday,I did some research and found out that the price has gone very far(from 20grands and up),it is a reference 1665,with double red writing serial in the 5******,I don’t wanna sell it,as I said t really works nice,I probably have to adjust the time every other day(it will lose a couple of seconds everyday)but no big deal,funny thing is that people look at it either thinking it is a fake or maybe that “ohh but it’s too old”,without realizing the current value….by the way I also own a premoon omega speedmaster (circa 1968) manual and it works fine,I currently live in long island ny,so I’ve found a couple of vintage lovers offering me some money for them,but like I said I don’t want to sell them,specially the rolex,….cheers
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April 16, 2012 at 2:17 am |
We are all in love with Rolex watches…….and the modern ones keep getting better and better. the new Sky Dweller is sure to become a big hit…..and you will be lucky to get one…even at $40k. The bracelets have gotten noticeiably better with the solid links and stronger clasp. But once you buy your first true vintage Rolex, you are done. You could bump into 5 guys all wearing the same Rolex Submariner 16610 while at a high school basketball game. But how many will have a vintage Rolex 1680? You would be lucky if even one at the gane knew what it was. It is special. Like buying an old bottle of wine or an old painting. we sell new Rolex watches at http://www.bobswatches.com, and while we love them, it is the old collectibale ones that we have come to appreciate. happy hunting.
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May 25, 2012 at 3:44 pm |
One of the expensive collections that you can have is a vintage Rolex in your cabinet box. I know some places where you can find good-quality Rolex watches, and they sell Rolex in different designs and are all authentic.
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October 10, 2012 at 11:48 pm |
I have my piecemaster oyster perpetual datejust and is pretty good since 1974 (1600 model), all original parts. Bracelet Oyster 78360 ending 558
December 13, 2012 at 7:27 pm |
dear Paulo
i am interest for your rolex 1600 tell me the pries .dan
April 18, 2013 at 10:26 am |
I am also a giant fan of Rolex watches. Nice post
April 18, 2013 at 10:29 am |
Wonderful Post, i think this is good blog for me to read more about watches
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