Vintage rolex daily wear?
Discussion
I'm thinking of purchasing a 1665 sea dweller. I don't want to purchase a safe queen or a piece just for investment. My biggest concern is that it may be like purchasing a classic car, not up for daily use and expensive to maintain if I get problems, ie replacement parts.
I do have other watches to wear in rotation but I do like to wear my watches and not worry to much about them.
Do any of you guys have any real life experience?
Opinions/thoughts welcome
I do have other watches to wear in rotation but I do like to wear my watches and not worry to much about them.
Do any of you guys have any real life experience?
Opinions/thoughts welcome
Mja300 said:
I'm thinking of purchasing a 1665 sea dweller. I don't want to purchase a safe queen or a piece just for investment. My biggest concern is that it may be like purchasing a classic car, not up for daily use and expensive to maintain if I get problems, ie replacement parts.
I do have other watches to wear in rotation but I do like to wear my watches and not worry to much about them.
Do any of you guys have any real life experience?
Opinions/thoughts welcome
I wore my 1665 Double Red running, to the gym, on the rigs, out and about, for a long while it was my first choice out of a decent collection even back then. Have the waterproof seals replaced and an acceptable level of pressure testing achived and then it's as good as any for a daily driver. Cracking and enourmously releiable watch, I am sad I no longer have mine I do have other watches to wear in rotation but I do like to wear my watches and not worry to much about them.
Do any of you guys have any real life experience?
Opinions/thoughts welcome

I had a minto 1978 Submariner - perfect matching hands, patina'd bezel and markers etc which I intended to use as a daily wear. Unfortunately it wasnt waterproof (should have sent it for a service first) and I ended up getting moisture inside it which marked the dial and turned the hands green! I had it fixed, but it ruined the watch for me so I sold it on.
To counter that, one of my regular wears is a 1972 speedmaster pro (bought before the Submariner), but I am religious about not getting it wet (and had it serviced twice in 6 years).
Personally I really love the vintage watch look, and would buy another one to wear daily - although I'd be a little more careful with it than I was with the Sub and it probably wouldnt be my only nice watch (although saying that I fancy a vintage daytona now.... off to check prices).
To counter that, one of my regular wears is a 1972 speedmaster pro (bought before the Submariner), but I am religious about not getting it wet (and had it serviced twice in 6 years).
Personally I really love the vintage watch look, and would buy another one to wear daily - although I'd be a little more careful with it than I was with the Sub and it probably wouldnt be my only nice watch (although saying that I fancy a vintage daytona now.... off to check prices).
Maxf said:
I had a minto 1978 Submariner - perfect matching hands, patina'd bezel and markers etc which I intended to use as a daily wear. Unfortunately it wasnt waterproof (should have sent it for a service first) and I ended up getting moisture inside it which marked the dial and turned the hands green! I had it fixed, but it ruined the watch for me so I sold it on.
To counter that, one of my regular wears is a 1972 speedmaster pro (bought before the Submariner), but I am religious about not getting it wet (and had it serviced twice in 6 years).
Personally I really love the vintage watch look, and would buy another one to wear daily - although I'd be a little more careful with it than I was with the Sub and it probably wouldnt be my only nice watch (although saying that I fancy a vintage daytona now.... off to check prices).
I have the very same watch, a 1978 Sub (5513) with patina that I wear every other day I love it, sadly this is the best photo I have but you get the idea To counter that, one of my regular wears is a 1972 speedmaster pro (bought before the Submariner), but I am religious about not getting it wet (and had it serviced twice in 6 years).
Personally I really love the vintage watch look, and would buy another one to wear daily - although I'd be a little more careful with it than I was with the Sub and it probably wouldnt be my only nice watch (although saying that I fancy a vintage daytona now.... off to check prices).


been wearing this baby a fair bit since i got it and i do tend to be a little more careful when wearing it ie take it off if im doing something likely to bash it. that said plexi can be replaced inexpensively and case/bracelet polished refurbed etc.mine has the orig face and hands so the markers are just nice an yellow/cream now. i sent it to watchdoctor tring for a full service reseal and atm cert to original spec 100m. also i have a black insert and early oyster bracelet to mix it up a little. been swimming in it etc no probs and the jacuzzi or two although was worried wearing it in the sauna the other day... cant go wrong with a vintage rollie
Edited by metsta on Friday 30th August 22:04
HIS LM said:
Mja300 said:
You need to learn how to take pics ha!
I'm sure that picture doesn't do such a lovely watch justice.
You are right that is dreadful - how about this from my daughters phone I'm sure that picture doesn't do such a lovely watch justice.

All this talk of vintage is making me want one more than ever.
I was starting to think deepsea today but now I'm back to 1665 great white.
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