Vintage Rolex Watches
Vintage Rolex watches are real contemporary witnesses. The Swiss brand fascinates watch lovers and collectors alike with its unique charm, distinctive design and timeless elegance. Beloved by everybody, these stunning timepieces are icons of horology.
Why Vintage Rolex Watches are Important
One of the major plus points about vintage Rolex watches is the longevity. For example, a ‘vintage’ Reference 14060 Submariner still remains a perfect option for daily wear. This is true for other collections, such as DateJusts, DayDates and any other model produced in the 1980s. Indeed, to a lot of watch aficionados, a 30 year old timepiece is just getting worn in, rather than being totally worn out.
Another important factor includes the current trend towards vintage pieces. ‘Oldschool’ timepieces are more in-demand than ever, proving to be an incredibly lucrative investment. Many vintage models have increased dramatically in value over recent years, and have promising potential for even more appreciation. Vintage Rolex watches are icons that are recognised the world over, some with exceptionally high waiting times. This high level of demand and limited supply suggests the rise in valuations is not likely to end soon.
Collectability is another factor that makes vintage Rolex watches so important. Take the desirable Paul Newman Daytona, for example. This iconic chronograph used to languish on dealers’ shelves at the time, but have become increasingly popular in recent years – causing their value to increase dramatically. Another highly collectible timepiece is the Submariner Reference 6538 Big Crown, made famous by none other than 007 himself.
Perhaps a less obvious reason for the importance of vintage Rolex watches is the notion of a ‘birth year watch’. More and more people are looking to honour their year of birth by looking at timepieces that were manufactured or sold at the time. Something like a 30 year old watch is a perfect candidate, given that it will still have much of its life ahead of it.
Iconic Timepieces
Throughout its illustrious history, the Geneva-based manufacturer has produced some truly iconic watches. Examples of this include perhaps THE flagship Rolex product, the Submariner Reference 5513. Many watch enthusiasts refer to this timepiece as the ‘mother of all diving and sports watches, ensuring these timepieces enjoy cult status across the world. The Reference 5513 is also unique in the fact that its valuation remains largely unaffected by its relatively long production period. While some lesser-known timepieces may suffer from a glut in supply, the Submariner 5513 is sure to retain its value for decades to come.
Considered by many to be a great ‘entry point’ to the world of Rolex, the Oysterdate Reference 6694 is simple and understated minimalism. It remained in plentiful supply on the second-hand market, making it quite easy to pick one up for yourself. Originally marketed as a men’s watch, the timepiece has grown to become a fantastic unisex option, while its classic design also appeals to people who are not typically fans of the Rolex aesthetic.
Another fantastic entry point to Rolex watches is the Air-King Reference 5500, one of the longest-running timepieces in the watchmaker’s history. It generally flies under the radar when compared to other vintage Rolex watches, meaning they can be bought for a comparatively affordable price.
Rolex DateJust References 1601 and 1603 are further examples of vintage timepieces that are readily available. These models can typically be seen on the second-hand market with silver dials, variants with sigma dials or gold indices. Despite an apparent glut of availability, these models will never drop in value, due to the fact they are part of the very foundation of the iconic brand itself.