1968 rolex your opinions please.

[verminator]

I have been looking for a used omega constellation with full gold bar braclet and diamond markers for 6 months now and have come to the conclusion that i am not going to find one. I did spot a bargain in a used rolex dealers yesterday. It was a 1968 rolex datejust with bi metal bracelet. The watch had been very well refurbished and looked superb with no marks or scratches. It was presented in a period rolex box, but not the original one. It also did'nt have papers. The watch was up for £1595. First question is, does this sound like the right kind of money. Secondly, would the gold on a watch of this age be 14ct or 18ct? Lastly, the strap did'nt feel as high a quality as i would have expected, certainly not as nice a the omega strap, and also, were the rolex's of that vintage as good a quality as say a 1990's rolex? Would very much a appreciate your views as i am very tempted.

[Dominic H]

verminator said:

I have been looking for a used omega constellation with full gold bar braclet and diamond markers for 6 months now and have come to the conclusion that i am not going to find one. I did spot a bargain in a used rolex dealers yesterday. It was a 1968 rolex datejust with bi metal bracelet. The watch had been very well refurbished and looked superb with no marks or scratches. It was presented in a period rolex box, but not the original one. It also did'nt have papers. The watch was up for £1595. First question is, does this sound like the right kind of money. Secondly, would the gold on a watch of this age be 14ct or 18ct? Lastly, the strap did'nt feel as high a quality as i would have expected, certainly not as nice a the omega strap, and also, were the rolex's of that vintage as good a quality as say a 1990's rolex? Would very much a appreciate your views as i am very tempted.

The Rolex Datejust Rolesor (steel and gold) was made with both 14ct and 18ct gold parts. The strap of the period would be different to a modern example. If the watch is on a Jubilee bracelet the steel side links would be rolled out out of sheet into a 'figure 8' shape, as opposed to a modern machined Jubilee link. If its on an Oyster bracelet, again these are made from folded steel and can be quite 'rattley'.

Is it worth £1595? Not when you whould be able to buy a 30 year younger 16233 for similair money, give or take £200. In terms of quality, the movement if properly serviced will be upto the job. In this case I would prefer to buy a much younger example, with a better case bracelet....

Hope this helps..

Dom H

[verminator]

Thanks Domonic, problem is, i cant find anything like it for under £2300. If you know of a similar watch for £1600 please let me knoe where.

[Dominic H]

verminator said:

Thanks Domonic, problem is, i cant find anything like it for under £2300. If you know of a similar watch for £1600 please let me knoe where.

Trevor, if you're not in a rush leave it to me. As you are local,it may cost you a run out in the Cerb....;)

[verminator]

Hi Domonic, I have waited for months for the dealer i originaly bought my Omega from, so if you could find a datejust for £1600 please email me. Although i still have my cerb, i picked up a new toy last week. It's a mint Aston db7 vantage volante. Not as quick as the cerb but it does look the dogs dangley bits.