The journey of a wrist watch enthusiast with a particular penchant for Rolex watches. Other brands do come up, including: Tudor, Omega, Patek Philippe, Seiko, Etc.
Love my Working well Air King worn well from my pop in the 70s to me I pit in on special occasions dressing up . I could never afford a Rolex my pop did back then I love it I want to put a nice rubber strap on it keep the band in better shape. It has some marks do you recommend polishing it or leaving it the way it is . But I'm going to get a nice quality rubber band for it and leather band to use and put the original watch band in the box for safekeeping the crystals in great shape the backs in great shape the watch case very good condition the band's worn some scratches worn well love it. Should I leave it the way it is or should I get it polished and redone
That sounds like an awesome piece. I love the idea of watches staying in the family. I'd leave it unpolished, without question. I'd look at the wear on it as your father's history, and I wouldn't want to erase that.
Thank you, that's very kind of you - you bet! Reach out to me via my email address in the description. I'm typically pretty busy, but hopefully we can put something together.
*I have a 1977 Rolex 5512 with 2 7s in the serial. So I guess mine is a lucky 7s unicorn. It has full set and great provenance* *I just adjusted all my online listings for the watch by $7777 to reflect the new premium paid for rarity.* *As they say, gouge the gougeable* 😅 *The regret of letting it go, maybe I stash it away for another 7 years.* 🤔
In light of the disclosed production numbers I would also pick a 5512 over a 5513 if they are in a similar condition. That said I also like the clean look of the 2-liner and I note that there are way more dial variations across the 5513, so certain variations of 5513 could be rarer than a 5512.
Hi Austin, welcome back. This makes my decision to not buy an '85 5513 five years ago look like the right one. Rumor has it that Rolex will continue to publish more of these books, may be one on the GMT Master next?
hey austin, you're right, this new book with rolex production numbers proves that the 5512 is rare against the 5513. but isn't the real point that any rolex vintage watch in A1 condition that's actually for sale is now so rare, that if you find such a watch, you should just buy it. you make it sound like you can just go and buy an excellent condition 5512 before the book is published on 1 Oct, but that's just not the case
"...isn't the real point that any Rolex vintage watch in A1 condition that's actually for sale is now so rare, that if you find such a watch, you should just buy it." Maybe, as vintage models haven't taken the hit that others have since the May 2022 downturn. But considering the expense of the pieces, the fact that the vintage Rolex market is such a minefield, and the difficulty of selling these older watches, I'd advise anyone looking to "invest" in a vintage Rolex to think twice. If someone wants the watch, that's one thing. But if they are looking to make a buck, there are better ways to invest their money.
@@watchsymposium hey austin, i don't disagree with you on any of what you just said. in your video, i thought it was a given that you were mainly addressing an enthusiast hunting a 4-digit non date sub. they know vintage market is a minefield, yes it can take time to sell one (especially if less than A1 condition) but my point is don't get hung up on deciding whether you want a 5512 or 5513. it is so highly unlikely to come across either in A1 condition now that you should just go for it, if you were lucky enough to come across it, likely a private sale by a collector. and if you change your mind, believe me it is much easier to sell it, compared to a watch in only B or C grade condition. finally, agreed flippers spoil things for us enthusiasts, and yes you don't buy a vintage watch "to invest", that would be a dumb move.
I never mentioned anything about condition in the video. What I imagined is a potential buyer deciding between a 5512 and a 5513 in similar nick, and the relevance of knowing production numbers in deciding between the two. By the way, I don't think prices are going to change overnight the moment the book comes out. I suppose they could. But I think it's more likely that as the production ratios become common knowledge, prices (and people's desires) will reflect them.
I would go for the 5513 just because i like more text and its cert. with a better movement with extra text on the movement as well ! But i can understand that the 5512 is more rare and could do well in the future. Thanks and i look forward to the milsub video.
I bought this popular video watch from AMZWATCH , which was originally priced at a few thousand dollars, but now it's only $380! It's really suitable to pick up feces!
Great video, as always, and good timing for me 😄. I'll be visiting Japan in the next 2 weeks and will be spending a few days in Shinjuku, Tokyo and then in Naniwa Ward, Osaka. I'll try to visit these stores while I'm there. Many thanks, from Canada!
Wow….new wrist watch, Batman…congrats. I own two Sea Dwellers 126600…..and the 16600. Happy to own a recent anniversary Sea Dweller and the vintage….obviously the rarity 176,000 total….of the 16600 should have an impact on the value for collector’s. Especially since the Sea Dweller was always a more costly purchase than a Submariner.
Hello Austin, I’m planning a trip to Japan in march 2025. I would love for you to assist me with my first Rolex purchase if possible. Of course we could record it for your channel. Please reply to this message and we could get in contact, thank you.
The serial number can give you a rough idea, within about 2 years. However, after Rolex switched over to the random serials in 2010, the card/papers are the only way to date the watch. What's the reference number of your Rolex?
When I first saw this I thought "oh that's interesting to know". Then you mentioned "now which is more collectible" and I realised "oh fuck here we go again..."
My first thought is Rolex n-e-v-e-r does anything by accident. There has to be a business rationale for Rolex doing this now. Stay tuned as the reason(s) become more apparent over the next few weeks/months.
The implications are the Rolex production numbers are immense. They dwarf any other luxury brand. Therefore, there is no such thing as a “rare” Rolex!😅 By extension, everyone will realize Rolex (especially in steel, and after 2000) is not collectible, at all!
@@adi-1933 while there doesn't seem to be a super rare modern Rolex and the units made are quite large, it would depend on the demand. Sometimes rarity doesn't translate to being sought after. Some brands may make fewer watches but there's fewer demand for them also. However this may constrain the prices for certain references to go up even further. For example there were almost 650k units and 415k units of the 16610LN and 116610LN produced respectively, those are a lot of watches.
I was at my AD last week to pick up a watch and he told me about this. He had already seen a proof copy and said it was fascinating reading. Most fascinating is that some Submariner variants were made in tiny numbers.
First time watching your channel and I'm glad I did. I was not aware of the Rolex Submariner book coming out. I just went to Amazon and preordered it. Thanks!
whoah whoah easy now....let's maybe see about getting you a book about the history of the lady datejust first, maybe the oyster perpetual, THEN we can talk about a book about the submariner. . .
