I have a 36mm oyster presicion on a rivet bracelet from 1963. I bought it because of its simple design. I did not expect to wear it that often because of the size and simplicity of the design, but I probably wear it 3 times a week. It's a great versatile watch, and nobody ever notices that it is a Rolex.
I would just be sure that you’re comfortable with the size. You may get the 34mm only to find that you’d rather have something else six months later. It’s a sharp looking watch but you can also get a 36mm on a strap for maybe $900 more.
Do you mean 34mm or was there also a 36mm version?
My watchmaker, who works at a Rolex dealer, tells me that watches of this vintage must go for factory service. Rolex dealers can't service them, and good luck finding an independent who has parts.
My watchmaker, who works at a Rolex dealer, tells me that watches of this vintage must go for factory service. Rolex dealers can't service them, and good luck finding an independent who has parts.
That alone says to me, "forget a Rolex" because I think the current designs are ugly as hell.
Good decision ... more for the rest of us. 😉
I was more focused on how you and/or your watchmaker wrap your head around "good luck finding an independent who has parts", and especially in reference to this thread on manual oysters with 12XX movements. No one with a computer and google will have trouble finding parts for them. I just gave you a couple names to short cut your search.
Not *my* search. I will only use a watchmaker I trust, and besides, the old Rolexes might be fine but they're not better than Omega and they're still ugly, so who cares?
Which begs the questions...how have you helped the OP with your comments, and why are you even in this thread? 😁
"My watchmaker, who works at a Rolex dealer, tells me that watches of this vintage must go for factory service. Rolex dealers can't service them, and good luck finding an independent who has parts."
It's probably helpful for the OP to know that this lacks context IMO. Yes, it can be challenging for watchmakers to find parts for many old watches, including Rolex, but that is part of what they do.
Yep there was a 36 and it's fairly hard to come by in good shape. From what I recall there are no lug holes on them which makes the original bracelets rare as hen's teeth as well.
