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My First Luxury / Vintage-ish watch - What should I buy?

Cenzo
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If you are going to spend that much money on a watch, find a watch that stirs something in you.

I always knew when the day came for me to spend alot of money on a watch it would be a Speedmaster Professional. I'm in my 50s. My earliest childhood memory was the Apollo 11 moon landing. I was not quite 4. I don't remember anything about the landing, but I do remember my parents had their friends over to watch the landing. And remember asking my Dad if I could walk outside with him and look at to moon to see if I could see the Astronauts. Fast forward to when I was 10, I saw Jim Lovell's Apollo 8 Speedmaster on display at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. Ever since that day I had the Speedmaster bug. Well it took awhile, but when my wife asked what I wanted for our 25th Wedding Anniversary I knew it was time for the Speedmaster.

Lurked on the forum for about 8 months. Learned alot (thanks everyone!). Decided to go with Kringkily for the purchase (he's the best!) and have worn it everyday since and love it. I hope you find your watch and love it as much.
 
sjg22
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I would buy from a really reputable dealer, or this forum’s sale section.

You’re diving in the deep end as others have said, and many of us have paid the so called “noob tax” by buying something very flawed at the outset as we just didn’t know better. Best to buy the seller at this stage of your collecting - it’s worth slightly overpaying rather than underpaying and getting burned on something that’s a “good deal”.

Can’t disagree with a 5513 - but I’ll throw out a 1675 GMT, 1016 Explorer (depending on wrist size and aesthetic) and, significantly below your budget which may not be a bad thing, a really top notch 1601 Datejust, as perfect and exceptionally timeless options.

If you don’t like Rolex, I’d then say a 321 Speedmaster, big triangle Seamaster.... the zenith is a good call but doesn’t strike me as a first vintage watch.
Edited:
 
VetPsychWars
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A Rolex, especially one where parts are no longer available, is not "starting slow", guys.

Just sayin'

Tom
 
kkt
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If you're not sure what you want, try reading the WRUW (What Are You Wearing) thread for a few weeks and see if anything gets your attention.
 
Rumar89
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Ashi85 Ashi85
Thanks for the spirited discussion. This "pumpkin" lume piece is coming from a local shop that's been around for 30 years. At $15K without papers, not sure if it's worth the price point, especially if there's any market skepticism, warranted or not. The pumpkin is a 1680 Sub from '78-'79. Looking online, most other period examples on the web do not look like it. Moreover, nothing looks this even in color or texture. There's usually some gradient. Who knows though, if lay out in the sun everyday the same way, i'd coat evenly. 😀

I am also located Portland. If that is the local shop I’m thinking of, I wouldn’t buy from them to be honest.
 
Ashi85
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Thanks for everyone's suggestions. I'd give myself the same advice the smart people said - start slow and cheap - but frankly, I rarely start slow and am fortunate enough to have a budget for meaningful semi-vintage collectibles. I pulled the trigger...double tap actually.

The Submariner didn't speak to me on my wrist but the Pepsi GMT sang loudly. I went for a birth year 1985 GMT 16750 gloss dial.

Speedmaster is sophisticated and versatile and when I think of a watch, I think of a speedy moon. I was set on a -69 but the fine people of OF walked me back. I also realized I wanted a pretty moonwatch vs. a vintage moonwatch. I went with a more cost-effective and beautiful Moonwatch 1450022.

Pics to come!
Edited:
 
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