New arrival. Restoring my faith in Rolex.

Feb 19, 2020,21:05 PM
 

I’ve long been an almost exclusively vintage Rolex collector, but I’ve been slowly selling off my collection in favor of other watches. I’m still a fan of vintage Rolex, but I still fundamentally think of Rolex as no frills tool watches. It’s a nice ‘problem’ to have, but the vintage market has gotten to the point that many of my formerly ‘daily rotation’ watches reached a value that I no longer thought of them as such. E.g when I bought my 5513 it was a great $5k daily wearer...fast forward 10 years, and it’s now a nearly $15k watch that I no longer feel comfortable just jumping in the pool, wearing skiing, taking on vacation etc. I collect watches because I love watches, I’m not trying to make money, so having a collection of high valued sports watches that I don’t want to wear for their intended purpose, has no appeal to me.

I’m not a big fan of the direction that Rolex are going, and all the ‘hot’ blingy ceramic GMTs and Daytona’s leave me cold, but there are still some traces left of what I love(d) about Rolex, and the OP range captures that for me. It’s so simple, pure, with no pretense. Nobody is going to stop me to ask how I was able to buy one.

So....I wanted a no frills every day watch. Not too pricey. Versatile. Modern Rolex heft and feeling of quality. Not trendy or ‘hot’. Classic size.

I think this checks all those boxes!





More posts: 5513Submariner

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Rolex

 
 By: jfinlay388 : February 20th, 2020-00:32
lovely watch,is it 36mm ?

I hear you regarding the tool watch, and also the “problem” of vintage becoming unwearable at a point due to value.

 
 By: Jay (Eire) : February 20th, 2020-04:23
While the modern Subs, GMTs and Daytona’s still appeal to me I do also see a very strong appeal in the OP for the reasons you mention. Sounds like you’ve got yourself a great daily partner, enjoy it.

I agree with you about Rolex.

 
 By: chippyfly : February 20th, 2020-05:19
Here is mine - a twin of yours; only mine is now 2 1/2 years old. Good size, great dial and so understated. I have had this watch on a dark blue alligator strap for a year and it's now back on its bracelet again. My rare, reference 1936 steel-cased 1930's...  

Love that 3-6-9 dial.

 
 By: Thomas_3 : February 20th, 2020-08:03
A simple watch, suitable for most anyone. I've decided that there are few complications I really "need". GMT function is useful for me, no need for a chronograph, moon phase, depth gauge or most other functions that don't come to mind as I type this. I'll... 

Agree on all points! Here’s my blue OP 36mm

 
 By: Ano Nuevo : February 20th, 2020-10:07
Happiness in simplicity. ...  

I feel exactly like you

 
 By: Boris : February 20th, 2020-17:00
My vintage (i.e. plexy) Rolex models spend all their time in the safe as they no longer fit my daily activities. My Explorer II 16570 is s much better fit for that, and although it's market value has been increasing, it's not at a silly level where I woul...