Besançon
1978
Rolex is… Rolex
I bought the watch in the picture new in 1984. I used it for years, every day, I used to spear fish with it, fish with it, hunt, trek, you name it. Finally, around 1996 or thereabouts I decided to retire it with honors. I sent it to Rolex NY for its first and only service and to this day the watch looks like new and functions flawlessly. As a watch, as a functioning watch, that DayJust has been a much better watch than any Patek Philippe I’ve had.
I’ve been intrigued by the Grand Seiko. I’ve gone to see them. But I see nothing special about them. They have “exotic” Japanese terms for their polishing and so on; but they might as well give them names in Sanskrit. I mean, I’ve been at Dufour’s atelier and I appreciate great finishing and respect work done to perfection. But I’d buy a plain Rolex over any Grand Seiko anytime. Now, that’s my opinion and you know what they say about opinions. 👍
Now I am pondering…
A Rolex Datejust from 2000, 36 mm, blue dial, jubilee bracelet, from a reputable vintage/pre-owned watch dealer in Copenhagen. I stumbled onto the watch today. Need to take a closer look tomorrow. This or the new Grand Seiko — one but not both — or none! ...
Rolex — but, not very knowledgeable about vintage watches…
I know — buy the seller — so, I will go back tomorrow and ask more questions — I will either stay there and close the deal or move onto the Grand Seiko — 10 minutes away on foot — depending on how the conversation goes.
Oooohĥh wow.....
I like it! With box and papers I will take this datejust in a heartbeat.
Being the owner of a "neo-vintage",
DateJust my heart says the DateJust. But I never have had a Grand Seiko I could be tempted to go that route. It's a mental thing for me but I still can't separate today's modern, and Grand Seikos from the inexpensive quartz Seikos from the 70's. We've had...
Having recently purchased my first GS, I can attest there is a lot to like! Hence, my interest in, perhaps, a model with a spring drive…
…as per the limited version that has grabbed my attention here.
Points to consider
Vintage DJ is matt finish, "quite", and old money style.. GS is Zaratsu polished, much shiny and looks more like a modern DJ , DJ is noticeably thinner than GS Water resistance - is it important to you? Even though vintage Rolex with fresh seals keeps the...
Thanks for all of the well articulated considerations—water resistance is not an issue for me — I hadn’t considered the plexi crystal and that gives me slight pause…
But I am very careful with my watches and I trust that won’t be an issue!
For me, Rolex win. There is something about neo vintage datejust that screams timeless robust watch thay can be a perfect one watch to have.
GS may have better finishing etc, but not the versatility of the Rolex.
here is my '97 Date
just an idea on what possibility one can do with them. hope it is helpful with your decision 😊 ...
Thanks everyone…
A bit of backstory—I have been coveting a DJ with blue dial, fluted bezel, and jubilee bracelet for a while. Jay and I spoke about this over coffee in NYC just last month. When I saw this watch in a storefront it stopped me in my tracks. I went inside and...
I have been thinking of a CPO Rolex as well
I like the idea of the old tropical root beer gmt. My problem is I know nothing about Rolex and know small things can make a big difference. Also not sure what their preowned cert means, is it perfect or original, or has it just been serviced only ?
Rolex is… Rolex
I bought the watch in the picture new in 1984. I used it for years, every day, I used to spear fish with it, fish with it, hunt, trek, you name it. Finally, around 1996 or thereabouts I decided to retire it with honors. I sent it to Rolex NY for its first...
