How To Start a Vintage Rolex Collection | Bob's Watch Talk

Today on Watch Talk, Justin and Emily go head to head with their top picks for starting a vintage Watch collection in 4 price ranges. Shop vintage: https://www.bobswatches.com/vintage-r...

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00:00 Intro
00:09 Wrist Check
01:02 5-10k Range
01:10 Rolex Lady Datejust 6917
03:20 Tudor Submariner 79090
05:47 10-20k Range
05:54 Rolex Gold OysterQuartz Day Date 19018
07:30 What do you guys think of this watch?
08:17 Rolex GMT Master II 16713
10:29 Are you adding this to your collection?
10:36 20-50k Range
10:41 Rolex Tulipino Submariner 5512
12:45 Are you a fan of this watch?
13:07 Rolex Explorer 1655 39mm
15:29 Are you adding this to your collection?
15:46 50k + Range
15:57 Rolex Daytona 6263
19:27 Which watch are you buying?
21:14 Which watch are you kicking your collection off with?
21:19 Outro

$5k - $10k

Tiger Eye dial Rolex Lady-Datejust ref. 6917.
What better way is there to start your collection than with a unique dial Rolex? The Tiger Eye stone dial is a great pick because it’s rarer than traditional lady’s Datejusts with a gemstone dial. In yellow gold and genuine stone, it should hold its value pretty well through the years and has what it takes to transcend time and fashion. We’re confident that you will enjoy wearing it for years to come. And for just under $10k, it fits the first tier of our vintage budget.

Rolex Tudor Submariner ref. 79090
The vintage Tudor Submariner is an excellent alternative to the Rolex Submariner. Side-by-side, they’re very similar in design with a stainless steel finish, black dial, and black bezel. Reference 79090 even has the iconic Mercedes hands that many Rolex collectors seek. However, comparable vintage Rolex watches are worth thousands more than Tudor. But that doesn’t mean that your dreams of owning an iconic vintage luxury dive watch are out of reach. The Tudor 79090 falls well below $10k.

$10k - $20k

Rolex Day-Date ref. 19018
Ref. 19018 is a product of the Quartz Crises that saw a significant shift in demand for watches powered by quartz movements. This era posed a significant risk for the Swiss watch industry. As a result, the OysterQuartz series was released, complete with a Rolex calibre Quartz movement. Ref. 19018 is stunning with an angular case and integrated bracelet exclusive to the OysterQuartz series.

Rolex Root Beer GMT ref. 16713
The GMT Master II is the grail watch of many collectors. With a handful of colorful bezel options, it isn’t hard to see why. One of the most sought-after is the Root Beer GMT, distinguished by a bezel in warm gold and brown tones and a dial to match. Featuring steel and gold, this vintage Rolex GMT pilot’s watch is truly exceptional. Price averages around $20k.

$20k - $50k

Rolex Submariner Tulipino ref. 5512
Ref. 5512 is the chronometer-rated counterpart to ref. 5513. It was also one of the first Submariner watches to include crown guards on the case. Ref. 5512 wasn’t produced for as long as ref. 5513 and is rarer. The Tulipino dial example featured in this video is particularly collectible and commands a higher premium on the secondary market of around $35k. It features a stunning glossy and gilt dial and tulip-shaped coronet, hence its name “Tulipino.”

Rolex Explorer II Steve McQueen ref. 1655
Steve McQueen was only rumored to have worn a Rolex Explorer II. Still, collectors have taken to calling ref. 1655 the “Steve McQueen” anyway. Part of its massive appeal lies in its retro design featuring rectangular hour markers on the dial instead of dots and the large orange arrow hand. Looking at the bezel, it also features a different design from its successors, utilizing hash marks in between the 24-hour graduations instead of inverted triangles. For under $20k, it’s an excellent chance to invest in a very collectible vintage Rolex without breaking the bank.

$50k and Beyond

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 6263
Reference 6263 is one of the most desirable editions of the vintage Rolex Daytona ever produced. Part of its immense appeal lies in the fact that it was one of the last 4-digit Daytonas to feature a manually winding movement before Rolex shifted to the automatic El Primero cal. 4030 in the 1980s. Another reason we love this particular Daytona is because it features a stunning black acrylic bezel and a traditional stainless steel finish.
Unlike many of its predecessors, ref. 6263 also utilizes the waterproof Oyster case and screw-down pushers instead of the less water-resistant pump pushers. For around $80k, you can add one to your watch box.