Rolex

With reference to the topic matter, please may I draw your attention to the following.

As of recently, my taste in watches seems to be shifting from modern to vintage and neovintage, especially when it comes to Rolex. It might have something to do with the fact that I recently turned 50 and am becoming a bit of a relic myself  Mind you, I am not knocking modern Rolex at all and recognise that their current watches are vastly superior to their vintage predecessors from a technical perspective, however there is something magical about the fact that these vintage pieces are all more or less "one-offs" with patina on the dial and indices and sometimes unique bezels reflecting the journey of the watch before you acquired it. I also like the fact that with vintage, you really have to do your homework to become in the know and to avoid buying a Frankenwatch, and that it's much less about who has the biggest wallet or the right AD connections to score a (often hyped up) reference which many others own too.

To illustrate I attach pictures of both my vintage Sub 1680 and my modern Sub 126619LB (Cookie Monster). The Cookie Monster is very well put together and the heft on the wrist certainly feels nice, but the 1680 just has a certain charm to it that is hard to resist, and is more and more becoming my daily driver. Same with my 16700, albeit to a lesser extent. Many years ago, I also owned a 1655 Steve McQueen (with straight second hands) which I stupidly sold off as I just didn't "get it" at the time and hated the rattly bracelet. Would love to own one again.

Did you experience a similar transition ? Really keen to hear your stories !

Thanks and best regards,

Pieter

The seller's pictures,, from June 2005. These images intrigued me, as they seemed unlike a "normal" Rolex. The slang term for this model was "gas meter dial".

I've had at least a half-dozen Rolexes of various sorts, most of which seem to have found new homes. Either I "converted" them into another watch, or sold them due to lack of interest or readability (see what I mean?). This Daytona was just to hard to see.

Others I have been custodian to for years, but eventually the owner came and asked for them back.

I've forgotten your original question... sorry.

So I'm perfectly happy to stick with this one, non maxi dial, no cyclops etc and let others play the Rolex AD game. 

Also what I'm finding, since there are about 10 watches I bought that I don't plan on selling and wear them in rotation, that they are BECOMING Neo-vintage on their own. How on earth did that happen...lol

I find the newer models too uncomfortable. I have big wrists, about 7.5 or so, but, I have had every iteration of modern subs and sea dwellers. It is weird, the 43mm Planet Ocean is comfortable as is the deep sea, but, the others, nope.  I have a bit of a prominent left wrist bone, and that is the issues. Raised engravings on the back hurt like hell.  Sapphire case backs are fine.  Panerai are comfortable, too.

As far as esthetics, I can’t get with the ceramic bezels.  Just not my cup of tea, except the deep sea for some reason.  In any event, I love vintage, my current is pressure tested, I have worn it in the water a few times, forgetting it is on my wrist without issue, but, try to avoid it. I don’t fear rain or dishwashing with it.  

In any event, I really love the vintage pieces.  Not sure what is coming next, I may grab a Panerai, or another older Rolex, I am limited because 40mm is my minimum size, or 39mm as some say the vintage subs are, but, anything smaller looks silly on me.  Big Pilot, Panerai and bigger Omegas look good.  I appreciate the newer models, but, nothing is stirring my soul at the moment.  I could be talked into a Zenith Movement Daytona with the bushed case, and I would brush out the center links.  Prices are silly, however.

Your two above look awesome!

Could you share a picture of your amazing 5513 ?