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Recent shift in taste: from modern to vintage Rolex, recognisable ?
Dear fellow WIS,
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.
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
Recent shift in taste: from modern to vintage Rolex, recognisable ?
Dear fellow WIS, 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 someth...
Rolex, perhaps Vintage, certainly interesting
Thanks for the interesting lead-in post. I've had a few Rolexes along the path of my watch journey. Here is my favorite, and currently my only Rolex. The seller's pictures,, from June 2005. These images intrigued me, as they seemed unlike a "normal" Rolex...
Thanks for your extensive reply and the awesome wrist shots ! Loving the "gas meter dial", never seen that particular model before.
I concur on your comment regarding the legibility of the Daytona dial, I own the same black dial model and also struggle with this. Nevertheless, the Daytona was one of the first "grail" pieces I acquired to celebrate a major professional milestone plus I...
For me, I was never a huge Rolex fan to begin with but when I saw this one, circa 2005ish, glossy dial, 16600 Sea Dweller, I had to have it.
I bought it used in around 2008. As for vintage, I don't do patina, and the fact that it's almost impossible to tell if a watch has been "Franked" I'd be afraid to buy one. That being said I do love some of the vintage designs. I guess I wish that Rolex w...
I’m the opposite here.
I had a couple of five digit references, but the clasp and bracelet always subconsciously bothered me, with total understanding that “at the time”, it was top quality. Once they change to the new clasps and tank like bracelets I never looked back. I loooo...
Thanks a lot !
And I do agree that current Rolex references are amazing watches, the dial, case and movement are flawless (maybe a bit "too perfect" - ?)
Funny you mention rattly bracelets.
I sold of my first Rolex, 14060, because of the folded end links. I’ve sold off Sinn EZM1s for the same fault. After a decade and a half of writing off Rolex, I tried again with a SeaDweller 43, and I’m content with the vault nature of current Rolex build...
I have gone through more than I care to admit…
over the last 25 years. I am down to a 5513 right now. It has the eagle beak crown guards, but, matte dial, likely replaced long ago as supposedly they were issued in the early 60s with gilt dials…my jeweler is very, very knowledgeable about all things Ro...
Thank you Greg !
I can really relate to your "stirring the soul" comment. A Zenith Daytona would be an amazing option, I like the positioning of the sub-dials better than on "my" 116520 reference. In hindsight, I should have purchased that one instead. Could you share a p...
Many thanks Yacomino, she is indeed a beaut.
Also loves how she flies under the radar compared to the YG Sub (which is also awesome btw).
I have both a 5 and 6 digit Submariner LV and both are amazing 🤩
Certainly the bracelet and clasp are huge improvements on the 126610 and the ceramic bezel is quite alluring to my eye. The 16610 wears well as it’s a bit lighter and being only 20 years old and was originally bought new by my next door neighbour it’s com...
Are those the Kermit and the Starbucks, or the Kermit and the Hulk ?
I love the Kermit, a very special transitional model imho. Consider it to be neovintage, but perhaps incorrectly. The newer references are awesome, too, my friend owns the Starbucks and it sure it a looker. Quick wristshot of my Kermit: ...
Like you I love my modern Sub and the vintage 1680
But vintage has the charm and it also reflects knowledge and taste as opposed to just picking something from the current catalogue. ...
Spot on !
Both amazing watches, but LOVE that single red 1680 and its gorgeous patina. Thanks for posting !