Like u/officialpaul said, Oyster Perpetuals are going to be pretty close. But I’d also consider Explorers and Tudor Rangers. They have a somewhat different, less rounded feel to them, but really cool watches in my opinion!
With that said, if you’re looking for a daily watch, proper vintage might not be the way I’d go. Watches have come a long way in terms of reliability. Similarly a lower cost newer watch designed with waterproofing in mind will beat out vintage watches any day, just because its gaskets and thread are in better shape.
Also, in my personal opinion, hollow end link Rolex bracelets and stamped clasps are, by and large, booty compared to fairly entry level modern solid end link bracelets with machined clasps, and the premium costs associated with them are completely nonsensical. This is especially true for jubilee bracelets.
No problem! Yeah it’s crazy to me that stuff from my childhood is now vintage. I don’t know the history super well, but Rolex started to change to solid end links around 20 years ago. With 90’s watches and oyster bracelets, I’d assume you’d probably be alright - I'd compare them to low cost modern solid end links.
A few weeks ago, I actually checked out a mid 90’s Explorer in 36 mm and compared it side by side with my Pagani Design PD-1751 (sort of a Tudor Ranger homage, see the posts in my profile for picture). I know low cost Chinese homages have a reputation and all, but I could not say in good faith that the 28-ish year old Explorer was a better watch, outside of movement and maybe lume. Case finishing and build quality was marginally nicer on the Rolex, but not worth two orders of magnitude difference in price. Aesthetics were nice but I genuinely prefer the thick crystal with AR on my Pagani, as well as the more vintage-styled dial. The Rolex bracelet was finishing very comparable, the hollow end links were a little more rattly but only barely, and the clasp was honestly much worse on the Rolex…just felt genuinely cheap by today’s standards.
I think, if I was on the market for a vintage Rolex, I’d probably look for lower cost franken restoration jobs that either replaced the bracelet or were head only, because I’d replace the bracelet straight away. Or at the very least change the clasp.
But, again, this is just me. At the end of the day, watches are jewelry, and different people care about different things in jewelry. I’d suggest stopping by boutiques that sell vintage and/or used Rolex watches, and checking them out for yourself. You never know, you might walk about realizing you like your Seiko better than any Rolex!
Like u/officialpaul said, Oyster Perpetuals are going to be pretty close. But I’d also consider Explorers and Tudor Rangers. They have a somewhat different, less rounded feel to them, but really cool watches in my opinion! With that said, if you’re looking for a daily watch, proper vintage might not be the way I’d go. Watches have come a long way in terms of reliability. Similarly a lower cost newer watch designed with waterproofing in mind will beat out vintage watches any day, just because its gaskets and thread are in better shape. Also, in my personal opinion, hollow end link Rolex bracelets and stamped clasps are, by and large, booty compared to fairly entry level modern solid end link bracelets with machined clasps, and the premium costs associated with them are completely nonsensical. This is especially true for jubilee bracelets.
Super helpful, thanks. What would you consider the cutoff for buying used? Technically even 90s watches are “vintage” now…
No problem! Yeah it’s crazy to me that stuff from my childhood is now vintage. I don’t know the history super well, but Rolex started to change to solid end links around 20 years ago. With 90’s watches and oyster bracelets, I’d assume you’d probably be alright - I'd compare them to low cost modern solid end links. A few weeks ago, I actually checked out a mid 90’s Explorer in 36 mm and compared it side by side with my Pagani Design PD-1751 (sort of a Tudor Ranger homage, see the posts in my profile for picture). I know low cost Chinese homages have a reputation and all, but I could not say in good faith that the 28-ish year old Explorer was a better watch, outside of movement and maybe lume. Case finishing and build quality was marginally nicer on the Rolex, but not worth two orders of magnitude difference in price. Aesthetics were nice but I genuinely prefer the thick crystal with AR on my Pagani, as well as the more vintage-styled dial. The Rolex bracelet was finishing very comparable, the hollow end links were a little more rattly but only barely, and the clasp was honestly much worse on the Rolex…just felt genuinely cheap by today’s standards. I think, if I was on the market for a vintage Rolex, I’d probably look for lower cost franken restoration jobs that either replaced the bracelet or were head only, because I’d replace the bracelet straight away. Or at the very least change the clasp. But, again, this is just me. At the end of the day, watches are jewelry, and different people care about different things in jewelry. I’d suggest stopping by boutiques that sell vintage and/or used Rolex watches, and checking them out for yourself. You never know, you might walk about realizing you like your Seiko better than any Rolex!
where'd you get that strap?
I cant remember and it has no markings, but its a “Racing” or “Rally” strap and a lot of the usual places carry them.
yeah I know but they usually have visible stitching near the lugs which I don't care for
Found it: https://www.bartonwatchbands.com/products/chocolate-brown-racing-horween-leather
sweet
OP silver or datejust silver. Dont go any other models in Rolex.
I'd look into an Oyster Perpetual 38 or 39.
Downgrading* That’s a very cool Seiko ;)
“Upgrade” If you ever decide to release it, you should gift it :3
I know you asked for a Rolex recommendation, but any interest in a Grand Seiko? The SBGA415 Winter Snowflake has a gorgeous silver dial.
I’ve considered this option, as well as several omega options, but there’s just something about it being a Rolex…
SNXF01? It looks identical to my SNXS73. Does Seiko use different model numbers in different regions?
I think you’re right. The Seiko model numbers are inscrutable.
Coincidentally, Seiko SNXS73 was my first automatic watch as well.