Rolex Precision manual - would you?

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Engee

·Oct 20, 2023

This has come up for what looks like a decent price - 1700GBP with room for an offer. I'm tempted. It's not pristine - crystal needs replacing, there's a bit of a gauge in the top right lug and overall a bit scratchy. Can't decide if the lugs are over polished (I always struggle to determine this with Rolex pictures), but the brushing is there and I think it's OK. The spring bar holes don't look worn to me - again, I'm never too sure about this.

I know this is a very entry level Rolex for collectors, and it's a manual wind. It would be my first Rolex.

What do folk think?

 

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sathomasga

·Oct 20, 2023

I know zilch about vintage Rolex, but it sure looks like there are better examples for lower prices on Chrono24.

https://www.chrono24.com/rolex/role...intage-watch-1960s-overhauled--id29867903.htm

Edited: Oct 20, 2023

 

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sathomasga

·Oct 20, 2023

Also, be aware that by modern standards, this is a very small watch at 34mm.

 

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Engee

·Oct 20, 2023

sathomasga

I know zilch about vintage Rolex, but it sure looks like there are better examples for lower prices on Chrono24.

https://www.chrono24.com/rolex/role...intage-watch-1960s-overhauled--id29867903.htm

That's considerably more expensive than the one I'm looking at and is overhauled, which might mean over polished. Not seen any 6426s at the price except a few from the far east and one very tatty example.

 

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Dan S

·Oct 20, 2023

I don't know the serial number on that OP watch, so it's hard to gauge originality. However, assuming this is meant to be a vintage watch, the lume looks quite new in both hands and dial. Given the overall condition, I certainly wouldn't pay more than $1200 USD.

$1000-$1500 USD is roughly the current market value (e.g. auction pricing) for vintage 34mm hand-winding Rolex models without bracelet, depending on condition. I like them, but they aren't very popular. I just watched three auctions go to completion and they all ended below $1200 including fees, for pretty nice looking watches.

The rare 36mm references are substantially more.

Edited: Oct 20, 2023

 

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p4ul

·Oct 20, 2023

My lugs are polished but the 5 o’clock one on yours looks very thin, I would want to check that. The dial really grabs me but see above what @Dan S says ref lume. Price….service, bracelet maybe £13/1400?

34mm does not bother me, this is the watch I wear if I take off my 300 diver.

 

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Davidt

·Oct 20, 2023

It’s worth pointing out that UK prices for most vintage watches, inc these, are higher than in the US. However, in average condition and with no bracelet, the price is still too high. At the very least I’d expect a decent oyster bracelet with it for that price

 

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Davidt

·Oct 20, 2023

Also, I think these are a pain the arse as they’re manual wind but have a screw down crown. Even after wearing one for a couple of days that irritated me.

 

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Canuck

·Oct 20, 2023

That watch likely came with a Rolex Oyster bracelet on it. The watch could be 60 years old! It now has a leather strap. Why? It is old enough that the bracelet wore out, I suspect. How long do you think a Rolex watch should last?

 

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kohster

·Oct 20, 2023

Hah, talk about interesting coincidence. The Crown and Caliber Blog just issued this afternoon a repost of a Hodinkee piece about these watches from 2022. I read it just before I came here and saw this post.

https://blog.crownandcaliber.com/th...-affordable-vintage-rolex-is-worth-your-time/

 

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Engee

·Oct 20, 2023

Thanks everyone - listing was ended fairly quickly so all academic now.

 

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hiddevdl

·Oct 26, 2023

Davidt

Also, I think these are a pain the arse as they’re manual wind but have a screw down crown. Even after wearing one for a couple of days that irritated me.

The oyster precision looks amazing IMO. I would consider buying one as well. The 34mm case wouldn't bother me as I like smaller watches and have quite a small wrist. However, the screw down crown handwinding movement seems like a deal breaker to me. I am afraid the screw down crown would be a wear and tear point if the watch is worn frequently. Is that the case in your experience?

 

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Canuck

·Oct 26, 2023

hiddevdl

The oyster precision looks amazing IMO. I would consider buying one as well. The 34mm case wouldn't bother me as I like smaller watches and have quite a small wrist. However, the screw down crown handwinding movement seems like a deal breaker to me. I am afraid the screw down crown would be a wear and tear point if the watch is worn frequently. Is that the case in your experience?

If you have a number of watches you include in your rotation, then a manual wind Rolex Oyster is not a great inconvenience. The crown and case tube on one of these watches will be good for decades of casual wear, assuming they are in good shape when you acquire the watch. Many watches on the market these days have screw-down, telescoping crowns.

Years ago, after-market Rolex crowns and case tubes were of abysmal quality. But things have changed. Today, after-market crowns and case tubes for Rolex are vastly improved, and are a fraction of the price of the genuine part. I recommend using the genuine parts, but the choice is up to you.

 

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p4ul

·Oct 26, 2023

Engee

Thanks everyone - listing was ended fairly quickly so all academic now.

Never too late, keep looking (or don’t 😉 ), I really enjoy winding mine.

With hindsight I might have bought a no date….maybe or not??? No, with my failing eyesight definitely not! But, then….

ATB