Rolex Sports - Lug holes?

[coldsnap]

Hi, I'm thinking about buying a preowned sports rolex and see that the older 90s watches have drilled lugs whereas this stopped sometime later and the newer ones are drilled only halfway through. I understand the reason for this ie aesthetics over functionality in strap changing.

I should say my personal taste is indifferent and would be pleased with either, but is one more in demand than the other, any guidance on which would be the better purchase? Cheers

[AlexWF]

Some people get funny over having one or the other but the reality is that the decision of whether you have lug holes or not on the watch you buy is dictated by the age of watch you chose to buy. If you want a more modern watch they won't be there, but it'll cost you more money. If you want an older (and therefore cheaper) watch then it'll have the holes.

[Vvroom]

I think the drilled lugs add to the 'tool watch' look on a sports Rolex. They don't look quite so nice on a DJ, IMO.

Buy the watch in the best condition at your price level- drilled/not drilled makes no real difference.

[coldsnap]

Thanks for the replies.

There does seem to be very little price difference between (as an example)a 1998 and 2002 watch, hence why I thought the 90s model were more in demand. But yes, I'll get the best one I can for my budget taking account of condition and age.

[marcelg]

I was looking at this watch which is advertised as 2003 but has the lugholes:
http://www.tempoinverso.com/produit/montre-ROLEX_S...

Is this right?

Edit - on further research, it seems the lugholes on the SD were phases out during the Y series in around 2003, so some have them and some don't. Seems to be a lot of conflicting info out there though

Edited by marcelg on Wednesday 6th November 15:14

[The GMan]

AlexWF said:

Some people get funny over having one or the other but the reality is that the decision of whether you have lug holes or not on the watch you buy is dictated by the age of watch you chose to buy. If you want a more modern watch they won't be there, but it'll cost you more money. If you want an older (and therefore cheaper) watch then it'll have the holes.

Sorry, don't agree with you on the older being cheaper viewpoint.

[dustybottoms]

As above; older isn't always going to be cheaper, often the complete opposite once you enter the murky world of Vintage Rolex.

My opinion drilled lugs every time.

[yeti]

Must admit to being a drilled lugs fan - makes popping the bracelet on and off a doddle as well and acts to the 'functionality'.

In reality, once it's on your wrist, you won't notice whether you have them or not

[JRewing]

The GMan said:

Sorry, don't agree with you on the older being cheaper viewpoint.

This is true.

There are those who prefer drilled lugs. Just buy whatever is the best within budget regardless of drilled/solid lugs.

[rat840771]

marcelg said:

I was looking at this watch which is advertised as 2003 but has the lugholes:
http://www.tempoinverso.com/produit/montre-ROLEX_S...

Is this right?

Edit - on further research, it seems the lugholes on the SD were phases out during the Y series in around 2003, so some have them and some don't. Seems to be a lot of conflicting info out there though

Edited by marcelg on Wednesday 6th November 15:14

i have a y series and mine has the lug holes, and i do recall looking when i was buying mine and the next year the lug holes were removed.

[coldsnap]

Ended up with the holes. I got a sea dweller on a P serial which makes it a year 2000 watch but it seems it first sold in 2002. As pointed out above, the holes are barely noticeable when being worn, certainly less so than close up photos suggested to me, so as it turned out the lug holes was a non issue but i appreciated the comments. Cheers

[andy tims]

Older is generally more desirable where Rolex is concerned. Last of the drilled lug SD's do seem to go for a small premium over the early solid lug versions.

[marcelg]

coldsnap said:

Ended up with the holes. I got a sea dweller on a P serial which makes it a year 2000 watch but it seems it first sold in 2002. As pointed out above, the holes are barely noticeable when being worn, certainly less so than close up photos suggested to me, so as it turned out the lug holes was a non issue but i appreciated the comments. Cheers

Congratulations - you are a few weeks ahead of me!
Need to see pics now

[coldsnap]

marcelg said:

Congratulations - you are a few weeks ahead of me!
Need to see pics now

Thanks, I actually found one much sooner than i expected. Good luck with yours.

Here it is (phone pic):

Edited by coldsnap on Friday 8th November 18:04