Newbie to Rolex. Advice appreciated

NT931 · Jan 2, 2016

Great summary from Nobel prize!

For a pictorial history of the GMT that'll complement that summary, see this from Fratello, and for a drier technical account (with lots of details, but fewer photos) see this site.

Like Nobel Prize, I too have a 16710, but a Coke. It was my first Rolex as well, sold to me by a fellow collector who had just bought a Nautilus, and who let me have his Rolex for a very reasonable price to help out a newbie collector. I bump into him from time to time within our watch circles - great guy.

Happy searching!

dougiedude · Jan 2, 2016

Like you, Jim, I've never had a hankering for Rolex, and I still have trouble liking the 'look' of many, but some of the 'no-date' vintage ones really grab me, like this Air-King that sold on hqmilton:

Mercedes hands have always been a bit of a 'turn-off' for me, but my threshold seems to be changing; especially when i stare at this 'spidery' 5513 (also on hqm):

http://www.hqmilton.com/watches/1983-rolex-submariner-5513-spider-dial1

Aussie Jim · Jan 2, 2016

NT931
Great summary from Nobel prize!

For a pictorial history of the GMT that'll complement that summary, see this from Fratello, and for a drier technical account (with lots of details, but fewer photos) see this site.

Like Nobel Prize, I too have a 16710, but a Coke. It was my first Rolex as well, sold to me by a fellow collector who had just bought a Nautilus, and who let me have his Rolex for a very reasonable price to help out a newbie collector. I bump into him from time to time within our watch circles - great guy.

Happy searching!

A pair of fantastic links. Thank you. I can feel my trigger finger twitching.....

Aussie Jim · Jan 2, 2016

dougiedude
Like you, Jim, I've never had a hankering for Rolex, and I still have trouble liking the 'look' of many, but some of the 'no-date' vintage ones really grab me, like this Air-King that sold on hqmilton:

Mercedes hands have always been a bit of a 'turn-off' for me, but my threshold seems to be changing; especially when i stare at this 'spidery' 5513 (also on hqm):

http://www.hqmilton.com/watches/1983-rolex-submariner-5513-spider-dial1

I love the way how tastes change and mature with this hobby. I have only been at it one year, but almost feel like I know stuff now.

Nobel Prize · Jan 2, 2016

Aussie Jim
I love the way how tastes change and mature with this hobby. I have only been at it one year, but almost feel like I know stuff now.

And you probably do. That's the point of a hobby, you never know everything so there's always something to learn. But there's always someone behind you too so even before you know "a lot " you can contribute.

That's (again) what I love of this forum over every other. It's not about conversations that fan boy dogmatic fights

Canuck · Jan 2, 2016

Then there is the GMT Master II. Many advantages over the GMT.

Aussie Jim · Jan 2, 2016

Canuck

Then there is the GMT Master II. Many advantages over the GMT.

what do you see those advantages to be?

It is newer, so mechanism maybe more robust. Sapphire xtal, newer bracelet. Sharper with the white gold marker surrounds. what have I left out? I do rather like the Coke look

Nobel Prize · Jan 2, 2016

And a good upgrade on anti shock and antimagnetic if you get a parachsom spring mode. Actually even if you don't.

But some may like to get the version without the white gold markers and tritium lume.... Then you remain on master territory. In that sense you either spend good money on a 1675 or go for the last " vintage" GMT the 16750, where you get he vintage looks woth a much more durable and practical movement. Although the 16750 are climbing in price fast.

VersusTime · Jan 9, 2016

As say , originality is the key ! gl

P.Wood · Jan 23, 2016

They are all nice watches!!!

This is a 16750 / transitional

Aussie Jim · May 21, 2016

Ok, so here is what I ended up doing. Decided tool watches are more me. Couldn't decide between these two. Had a nice income tax refund and so bought both.

1980 16750 with matt dial, in fantastic condition. Never been polished. Has a bracelet as well but just testing it out on some other things. (and the red dot is just a reflection)

1984 16750 with white gold markers. 8m serial number. Unfortunately has the second hand replaced but otherwise pretty intact. I really like the ghost bezel.

Thanks to the advice and guidance and particularly Nobel Prize. I think I did ok on these, and am feeling much more confident about not making mistakes. Will leave the Explorer for another time

WatchVaultNYC · May 21, 2016

I've recently caught the bug as well and were looking into these - Explorer 1016 and GMT Master 1675. Are these good deals for $6K each?

omitohud · May 21, 2016

Aussie Jim
Ok, so here is what I ended up doing. Decided tool watches are more me. Couldn't decide between these two. Had a nice income tax refund and so bought both.

1980 16750 with matt dial, in fantastic condition. Never been polished. Has a bracelet as well but just testing it out on some other things. (and the red dot is just a reflection)

1984 16750 with white gold markers. 8m serial number. Unfortunately has the second hand replaced but otherwise pretty intact. I really like the ghost bezel.

Thanks to the advice and guidance and particularly Nobel Prize. I think I did ok on these, and am feeling much more confident about not making mistakes. Will leave the Explorer for another time

They r both quite similar except the insert which u can switch up quite easily. If u want variation sell the later gmt n get the explorer that u want. Find the black insert n u have 3 watches to wear IMO.

omitohud · May 21, 2016

WatchVaultNYC
I've recently caught the bug as well and were looking into these - Explorer 1016 and GMT Master 1675. Are these good deals for $6K each?

Don't know much about the explorer but that's a nice last variation of the matte gmt. I would jump on it at that price. If u pass please pm me. Thanks in advance.

Fost · May 21, 2016

Hands are service replacement...be careful...

omitohud · May 22, 2016

Fost
Hands are service replacement...be careful...

True, but hands r easily sourced. I don't mind as long as original Rolex parts. Cheers

Jking · Jun 7, 2016

cfw
For $6k I would rather look at a 16570 Expl2 polar for $4k plus get an Airking or OP with the balance. But thats just me 😀

Looking at your pics I have an opportunity to pick up an OP that looks almost exactly like the one in your pic..just serviced and with a new crystal....mid 80s. I need to get the exact reference but the guy is asking 2k. Im new to Rolex myself (would be my first) but would that be in the correct price range? (Btw it's being sold by a rare coin/gold dealer that also handles a decent amount of pre-owned Rolex out of his store).

Optimizer13 · Jun 7, 2016

Aussie Jim
Ok, so here is what I ended up doing. Decided tool watches are more me. Couldn't decide between these two. Had a nice income tax refund and so bought both.

1980 16750 with matt dial, in fantastic condition. Never been polished. Has a bracelet as well but just testing it out on some other things. (and the red dot is just a reflection)

1984 16750 with white gold markers. 8m serial number. Unfortunately has the second hand replaced but otherwise pretty intact. I really like the ghost bezel.

Thanks to the advice and guidance and particularly Nobel Prize. I think I did ok on these, and am feeling much more confident about not making mistakes. Will leave the Explorer for another time

That 16750 is really nice with that ghost bezel 😀

cfw · Jun 8, 2016

Jking
Looking at your pics I have an opportunity to pick up an OP that looks almost exactly like the one in your pic..just serviced and with a new crystal....mid 80s. I need to get the exact reference but the guy is asking 2k. Im new to Rolex myself (would be my first) but would that be in the correct price range? (Btw it's being sold by a rare coin/gold dealer that also handles a decent amount of pre-owned Rolex out of his store).

$2k sounds a bit rough. I bought a datejust for $1800.

Sent from my HUAWEI P7-L10 using Tapatalk

xanderdbs · Jun 9, 2016

Aussie Jim
For quite a while I couldn't really get Rolex. Maybe it is the really blingy ones dragging the whole brand down for me. I kind of associate them with rappers and Russian mobsters.

However time moves on and tastes change. I have been looking at a few types and think that an Explorer 1 and a GMT would be nice additions. I have budgetary constraints (!) and although I know I would really like the very old versions, this is not going to happen. About $6k US is the limit

The pick with the Explorers look to be the 36mm. I wont be able to afford a 1670 in any sort of condition, so I am guessing it will be a 14270 or similar. Is there a particular era/model that is "better" more desirable? Are the tritium ones the go? Tricks or traps that others have discovered? Is the movement worth having or am I just buying a label?

With the GMT I would love an older one, but realistically it looks a 16750 ish may be possibe. There seem to be very few that are completely original with most looking like they have new bezels/hands and even dials. What is the collective view here? Go with a "refurb" one or go a bit newer and more original. Again the tritium looks much nicer to my eye.

Is my budget reasonable for these? or should I just be less greedy and spend all the cash on one?

Hi Im new here on the omega forum but word of advice try to get as original as possible even if it means spending a little more over your budget or getting a newer watch regardless of what you end up with at the end of the day its more than just a watch, its an investment and time only tells if it will go up or down.

Here is a picture of my 1972 1670 GMT Best of luck on your watch find

Newbie to Rolex. Advice appreciated

NT931

dougiedude

Aussie Jim

Aussie Jim

Nobel Prize

Canuck

Aussie Jim

Nobel Prize

VersusTime

P.Wood

Aussie Jim

WatchVaultNYC

omitohud

omitohud

Fost

omitohud

Jking

Optimizer13

cfw

xanderdbs

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