Comments on: Why I don’t collect vintage Rolex watches

By: Alex H

Alex H — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 02:11:24 +0000

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?

By: Christina R

Christina R — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 23:21:21 +0000

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.

By: Christina R

Christina R — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 22:55:08 +0000

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?

By: Robert-Jan Broer

Robert-Jan Broer — Thu, 29 May 2008 07:06:52 +0000

@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

By: Aimee

Aimee — Wed, 28 May 2008 21:40:09 +0000

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

By: Mike Bubick

Mike Bubick — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 02:05:20 +0000

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.

By: Franck Muller Master Banker Tourbillon Review — Famous Brand Watches

Franck Muller Master Banker Tourbillon Review — Famous Brand Watches — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 01:31:54 +0000

[...] Euro for a vintage ref. 1665 Rolex Sea-Dweller, it also brings me for example … source: Why I dont collect vintage Rolex watches, [...]

By: Frank

Frank — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 15:46:58 +0000

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