Rolex Collection Evaluation: Vintage Refinements
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Rolex Collection Evaluation: Vintage Refinements

By Baron - Mr Red · Nov 23, 2016 · 66 replies
Baron - Mr Red
WPS member · Rolex forum
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Baron - Mr Red shares his thoughtful journey of refining his Rolex collection over three years, driven by concerns over radioactive emissions, the rise of sophisticated counterfeits, and the increasingly commercial nature of the vintage market. His post details the six iconic vintage Rolex references he chose to retain, offering a candid look into the challenges and personal motivations behind a significant collection overhaul.

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The last three years have been a period of transition for my watch collection. Three years ago, I took the decision to reduce the size of my collection of vintage Rolex and increase the size of other manufacturers in my collection. Three factors drove that decision. First, i investigated in some detail, the risks of owning watches with high radioactive emissions. I published those risks on this forum. The risks are, in my view, considerable. Hence, any radium watch in my collection (Rolex or otherwise) was to be sold. Second, the capacity of the ability of unscrupulous dealers to provide counterfeit vintage Rolex has risen enormously (along with the price of vintage Rolex, it would seem). I was told by a couple of friends who are also very good dealers that they are no longer confident of evaluating a genuine vintage rarity from one that has been "manufactured" to look like a vintage rarity. The conmen have become so good that their watches are beating the experts. That makes me feel very uncomfortable. Thirdly, as the price of vintage Rolex has risen exponentially, so too has an unhealthy "capitalist spirit" that typically accompanies such price moves. Put another way..... dealing in vintage Rolex has become an unpleasant business. Dealing with other collectors always remains my preferred route to either buy or sell, but inevitably, the broad dealer/collector base gets involved and its never particularly pleasant. Numerous law suits fly around as unscrupulous dealers get taken to court for abusing their position of trust. I don't need to name names.....they are all readily available to see on the internet.

So....my decision three years ago was to reduce the size of my vintage collection.

The question I faced was which watches to keep and which to sell? (As well as which watches to buy in their place!)

These six now represent the core of my vintage collection. Right or wrong, these are the ones I decided to keep for various reasons.














A 6239 PN Daytona, a Mk2 Patent pending DRSD, a 1675 Panda GMT, a 1019 Milgauss, a 16660 Sea-Dweller and a 1655 straighthand Explorer II.

These six cover the bases.....but they also carry with them a lot of great memories.

I will add too that in most cases, I get a tremendous thrill from wearing them. When a watch can call me from the safebox so much that I need to travel into London to get it, then the watch has a good future with me.

About the Rolex Milgauss Ref. 1019

The Rolex Milgauss reference 1019 is a specific iteration within the Milgauss model line. This reference is distinguished by its particular configuration and production period.

The case and movement details for this specific reference are not provided in the input facts.

This reference appeals to collectors interested in the Milgauss series. Its position within the broader Milgauss lineup is defined by its reference number and specific characteristics.

Specifications

Caliber
1580
Case
Stainless Steel
Diameter
38mm
Dial
Black, Silver
Water Resist.
100m
Crystal
Acrylic

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
MA
mahesh
Nov 23, 2016
Lovely collection Baron...

I\'m not sure if you decide to sell them bcos you look for new or only bcos of the 3 points you\'ve stated. At any point, external situation is not in our control - so if you like your watches, jus hold on to them... they\'re wonderful ! If you\'re worried about the bubble, I would first let go the Daytona - IMHO the biggest bubble in Vintage rolex today ;-) Personally I like the Explorer, Milgauss & the GMT in your collection ! Best, mahesh.,

BA
Baron - Mr Red
Nov 23, 2016
Thanks Mahesh....

...not sure why you think there is an ulterior motive.... .....i was being genuine in giving the reasons for the rationalisation process. Without any doubt, the radium issue led me to sell any watch i had with radium on its dial. I think those that know me also know that was a big factor. But the other two factors were also important. I am a hedge fund manager....bubbles come and go. I pay attention to them for asset markets......but not for watches. It does shock me to see the price of PNs. I a

MA
mahesh
Nov 23, 2016
Surely not...

not doubting your intent, my thoughts are only if you\'re worried about the bubble. I just see a wonderful collection & the effort/time behind - just felt it is worth holding to Best, mahesh.,

BA
Baron - Mr Red
Nov 23, 2016
no.....the bubble...if there is one....had no bearing on my decision....

.....if it had, and i was influenced by it...then plausibly yes, the PN would be a candidate for selling. But the PN carries some great memories for me.....so is effectively on a no-sell list.

AR
Ares501 - Mr Green
Nov 23, 2016
Knowing your collection"before" and "after"

it looks like you had more radioactivity than Chernobyl Some excellent points as always dear Joe but I was sure you will not part with that exclamation Sub...that one was a killer Yours D

BA
Baron - Mr Red
Nov 23, 2016
it also carried high radiation...too high for me...it went [nt]

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