Birth year rolex

Birth year Submariner generally seem to be the most popular, I have a GMT (not birth year) that I really love. I personally would like to get myself a Birth year Daytona, but that would be extremely expensive. A Datejust is certainly a good choice, but I think an Air-King is an underrated model.

Completely agreed

Being honest I’m getting familiar with the values. The explorer ii seems a good match for what I’m looking for, but not as iconic as the sub.

I’m still not so much into the Rolex world yet, but you made definitely the point.

Point taken 😀.

And beautiful watch! can you also share the sub you got?

DJ.
1986 is a good year because it is a 5 digit ref with quick set. Also, You can find one with brushed oyster bracelet (one of the best watch bracelets ever made). Don't go for jubilee bracelet. They are comfortable but they don't last very well, it ll come with a lot of stretch unless it was restored or replaced.

So, I would look for a DJ, smooth bezel or fluted, oyster bracelet. This is one of the best Rolex ever made.

But, unfortunately these have gone up in price. It is not worth paying over 4k for one of these since you can get a new OP39 for 5.3k brand new.

Good luck hunting. Think about your options and what makes more sense financially.

Both DJ and Sub are iconic pieces for a first (and even only) Rolex.

But i would choose DJ because you want a date function.

The truly iconic Sub for me is the classic no date.

I also ticked this box (rolex BY) recently. Plus more (mickey mouse). Also my first vintage rolex. And first manual wind rolex.

Good luck with your hunt.

Gents,

I have been to some vintage shops here in Milan to clarify a bit my ideas.

I found out that the DJ36 is the best for my tastes and wrist. The sub can still fit, but I prefer the proportions of the 36.

I also checked some prices and for a good one 36 with box/papers I need to pay 5k euro... and , considering that for 1.3k euro more, I get a new one with my name on the papers, I’m quite doubtful (steel, oyster bracelet, date).

On one side, I would buy myself a new one with my name on the papers.
On the other side, I have my year birth and a vintage piece.

As many commented, the year-birth thing after a while looses (a bit) it’s meaning. It’s important to have a good watch, and I agree with that. So maybe I’ll give it some more days of reflection... because, at this stage, to me it makes more sense to buy a new one.

I tried also the new models (36 mm), both steel/oyster and white gold/jubilee. As other pointed out, the oyster fits very comfy and apparently is very long lasting.

does any of you purchased a new one with these characteristic?

I tried this

thanks Dan for the tip.

I also checked a bit on chrono24. Yeah, I know that this website has many times inflated prices, but I found similar price points for BP


https://www.chrono24.com/rolex/date...1986---automatik---36mm---aaw--id12560257.htm

Thanks for the inputs Dan, much appreciated !

hey same birth year and wrist size brother. I would say go for a 16750. I have a 16760 and its a bit big on my wrist, but amazing watch.

Gents,

After some research I came back.
Apologies for asking some naive questions previously (I could have done more research on my own).

So, as mentioned, after some researches I came back. I tried some different models and had time to reflect about them.

Considering the budget, my small wrist and my preferences I decided to drop the birth year model and to focus on new watches.
I narrowed down to the following models:

O perpetual 34



Date 34 mm (here in WG, as they did not have the SS which I would buy)


Datejust 36 mm (here the SS version with jubilee as the did not have the version with oyster bracelet which is the one I would buy):




Now, my impressions.

I love the OP for the brushed steel.
Also this dial, gives to the watch a sporty look (at least to me), which I like.
I prefer this bracelet over the polished bracelet of the date/datejust.

I love the datejust/date for the date function.
Probably the date 34mm fits better my wrist for my preferences (I’m not a big fan of these oversized watches that now are so popular, specially on my small wrist 6.2”). But again it does not have some functions that the DJ36 has, like the adjustable buckle/clasp you can regulate on your own of some mm.
Also, I read that the movement 3235 (DJ), is better compared to the 3135 (date) for power reserve 70vs48 hours, and for resistance to shocks.

As there they are all on my budget, I’m now reflecting on what I prefer more. If more sporty look of OP or a bit more classy DJ/Date.
The watch would be a daily wearer which should look nice with a suit, but also To go at the beach (my aim is to never take it out 😀, this is why the DJ and it’s better resistance to shocks would come handy).

I tried the blue dial, as I find it very elegant and versatile. Probably I will also try the black dial (although for the OP is not available with the 369 numbers that recall the Explorer I, which I love).

Any recommendations out of these 3 models from owners/connoisseurs?

Thanks and have a great weekend!
Alberto

Here is mine 1986 16030.