Do Not Buy a Vintage Rolex Datejust 

Not convincing enough. Still buying my first Datejust this year.

This has made me want to buy a vintage datejust even more

Everything you said is applicable to all vintage pieces, not only to datejusts.

The main problem is that you think men want a modern looking Rolex...sometimes that is not the case. Vintage is in lil homie.

Reasons not to buy starts at 3:38 . You're welcome

Man Christian from Theo & Harris will not take this video kindly 😂

1965 mustang-2016 mustang .. there’s a difference what’s your point buddy

Drinking Game: Take a shot every time he says "Vintage DateJust"

I really don't like how shiny and jewelry like new Rolexes are. Vintage datejust look so much nicer for me

the old watches have and had charisma, the new ones are round like an apple watch.

Top Tip. Don't buy a vintage Datejust with all the faults mentioned, wait for a nice one to come along, there are thousands of them out there.

If you are going to use your datejust for alot of physical activity DONT!!! get one with a saphire crystal. The crystal sits higher than the bezel and break easily, I am a watchmaker and fix many with this problem. We have to service the whole watch because many times pieces of the crystal go to the movement through the date window, and many times scratch the dial. Also...their is no comparing a vintage pie pan dial to a flat one. If the bracelet is an issue, buy a stainless steel jubilee on ebay for 20dlls. And put the authentic one away in case you ever sell your watch. This seamed like a good video but lacks important information

I think nothing wrong with vintage datejust, but the problem for me is the sellers who charge 3-4 grand for bit-up garbage examples like T&H.

Ok, so I’m going to get my first Rolex this year, and I want a 1601. Your points are valid. I’m not arguing that, but this video is definitely for someone who is new to watches. Anyone who’s been around for more that 5 years and has gone down the rabbit hole of this hobby, would know all this. I like the charm of an older watch, and I find that buying used or vintage has more appeal. The new Rolex are nice, but they lack the charm of a vintage. Also, you can get a vintage DJ with sapphire, you just need to get one that’s not as old. I think the 1603’s have sapphire. On the point of getting a new 36, that’s good if you can even get one. The only way you’re getting one now is if you have a long buying history with an AD, and even then you’re going to be on a waitlist. After that, you need to go to the grey market where you’re going to end up spending over retail. That’s just not a smart option. I’ll go with the vintage where I have more options and can shop around for the best deal.

Click bait title!! I came here ready to give you a thumbs down but your content was actually reasonable. I agree that people need to know what they're getting into before buying a vintage Datejust and you explained the potential downsides. Personally, I think buying the 162XX version of the Datejust is ideal. It has a sapphire crystal, oyster case, and 3135 movement. And the price is still really good. I have a 16234 and I love it.

You make some good points. Your content is balanced and rant free. Perspective is the key. As is the case with vintage cars, modern tends to outperform vintage. But sometimes vintage just looks so cool. I have a vintage 1973 .750 gold Oyster Perpetual. The case is 34 mm. It has the original Rolex lizard strap with the Rolex buckle. It is a classic dress watch. Now days watches are larger and less understated. But the times, they are a changin'. This watch touches all the bases for me. And it cost significantly less than a brand new Rolex with same setup. I prefer the vintage look most of the time.

This is a great topic! I am into air-cooled Porsche and have been lucky enough to have been in the game since my late twenties. The older cars can't touch the new cars with regard to Performance or fit and finish... not even close...but they have some exceptional charm! I had the ability to buy a newer model when I first started doing the car thing and I almost did but I just fell in love with all of the imperfections of the Vintage model which I found quite interesting and now I could never go back. If I were to buy a new car it would probably be something like a performance Audi sedan and I was stick with the air-cooled Porsche as the toy. I think the combination of a vintage datejust with a modern diver or something like that could really fit the ticket for me! Great content and a unique video!

Good thoughts on what to expect going vintage vs modern. One point that was overlooked is Rolex’s tendency (and sometimes requirement) to replace big components during a factory service. It’s possible to go vintage but get a watch with a recent service that looks close to new but which still shows some charm from the years/miles on it still. I recently picked up a birth year (1983) datejust with a gorgeous silver service dial and a clean date disk that combines (for me) both aspects of what I would want in my “perfect” datejust (vintage looks and heritage, without unpleasant damage and with the assurances that come with a recent Rolex service). It’s an interesting sector of Rolex collecting since true vintage hounds tend to turn up their nose at service replacement parts in a vintage watch. But for a customer wanting heritage, reliability, and beauty, you can find interesting options if you look around.

I want to clarify some points that you mentioned. Firstly what we call vintage rolex are made by only hand not any robotic machine as today so it gives much more precise and uniqeness. Secondly imagine the old cars or old cottons in fashion industry made years ago, they are so good because they hadn’t implemented any cheap materials that makes production cost much less today. Actually I want to explain much more but unfotunately language barrier makes me use simple words :) sorry. Last but most important thing is the marketplace keepers especially brands force us to buy new things. We need to think that are those new watches will last 30 years and keep their durability. Vintages proved that and they still precise. A mechanic never brokes if it is well lubricated and used carefully. Thank you.

Pretty much all you said applies to my datejust however, it has been worn by two generations before me so it’s part of the charm

A very informative video for a new watch collector like me. Good job!

I brought 2 vintage datejusts when younger returned both when as you stayed realised I wanted the only Rolex I could afford never truly trusted them 100 % for completely genuine fast forward years and brought brand new 114060 no date steel sub , the only watch I’ll ever need , love it ! Morale of the story your time will come don’t settle for second best

I love my 1603. - Engine turned bezel isn't made anymore. - Plexi is sexy - Jubilee is light and comfortable - It's cheaper

For Datejust. Jubilee bracelet are good in models 1980s and up (info as in -don’t get a jubilee type in model younger than the 80s. **Just trust me on this) Sapphire glass used in models 1990s and up Rolex uses 904L steel used in models around 2004 and up New jubilee bracelet used in models 2009 and up New jubilee bracelet clasp in models 2017 and up Datejust II are models from 2009 -2015 Datejust 41 are models from 2017 to present Tips: want vintage? - aim for the models in 1985-1989. Skip the 90s! Want modern? 904 steel and precious gold less likely to have corrosion. Aim for models 2004 and up. Good luck 😀

I do love the saggy loose feel on my vintage rolexes my absolute favorite is the two tone turn o graph from 60-70s with a president brace

Thanks for the advice. What about vintage Speedmaster vs modern Speedmaster. Is there any noticeable difference in quality (other than the bracelet)?

watching this in 2022 hearing about 2-3k budget. makes me want to cry

Just bought mine for a song and am laughing at this fucking video now.

John - You make some very valid points not just about a vintage Datejust but about vintage watches in general. They have their charm - and often can be found at reasonable prices - but they come with their challenges, quirks, and disadvantages, which, I think you explain objectively and fairly. Another honest video. 👍🏻

Your theory applies to every watch brand that started before 1980

John can you elaborate on the technicals workings of a vintage datejust. I mean, will it run for another ten years or is it just as risky as buying an 30 year old car? And how accurate will it be ticking? I mean will it still give me the accurate time after 6 months or will I have to adjust the time every other week?

Thanks JP great info!!

I love vintage Datejusts I own 2 of them. You just have to know what your getting into. For new collectors, I would recommend buying new first or at least preowned. Buying a vintage Rolex can be a risk if your buying from a unknown dealer. So buy from someone who really knows vintage Rolex and has a great reputation.

Spot on. This is also what i’ve realised and will always buy new from AD with discount (not possible in current times but the time will come).

Do these points also count for the vintage/reissued timex marlins?

You got some really true points here! Nice vid

Good analysis John...what is your view on picking up a Batman? Looks like the price has coming down although slightly...is this a long term collectible keeper in your opinion?

Great video and brought up a lot of things as a newer watch enthusiast I would have never known.

For me buying a vintage Rolex it’s like buying a piece of history. Does’nt matter if it has different quality compare to modern Rolex manufacture. You buy it because it’s beautiful, you have to appreciate the old first because there is where they started. For me it does’nt matter the quality. You can’t compare a brand new watch to a 70’s or 80’s watch. Im still buy a vintage Rolex to begin my journey in this watch world 👍🏼

Thank You. This video gave me some insight into what watch I actually want.

Hi man, can you tell from wich years we need to watch when we talk about quallity for example 2000+ year or from wich year they are with higher quallity?

i would like to ask you a question because i think youll know the answer after watching your videos you cover quite a few different watch brands and have a lot of knowledge . my question is do you know what the weight should be for a 1986 rolex sub 68000 without the bracelet,every vid i see is with the bracelet but the problem is they are sized different and the bands are different. thanks john p,james

Depending how vintage you go, the drawbacks are rolled/cheap links, hollow end link, friction press clasp and non quickset and acrylic. And overpolished cases. I don't mind acrylic and can live with the clasp. If I can get solid end links and quick set date, I don't care much beyond that. I feel like either way, I'd have it on leather most of the time anyway.

Awesome video, I absolutely still want 1, but now know how they're perceived and some of the shortcomings. Personally, I'm in the military and heard about these having their place in history. I just hope I get a tighter band lol, if not I'll be buying a replacement. Do you know of any other military issued Rolex's other than some 6694's? Thanks, enjoyed the video!

Nice shirt, where did you get it?

Any vintage watch essentially becomes a de facto dress watch. It doesn't matter if its a Sea Dweller or a Datejust. As the parts to service these watches become rarer or irreplaceable, often these watches loose the durability or water resistance they once have. My vintage Rolex watches have been serviced by RSC and are supposedly water resistant at their original ratings but if anything happened, the replacement of damaged original parts like the dial and hands would significantly decrease the value of the watch and much of the charm it may have held as a vintage piece. Its like having a vintage Land Rover, you aren't going to take it rock crawling with modern Jeeps, you are more likely to spend your time with it at car shows or polishing it or using it to do things a Honda Civic could accomplish (staying on maintained road ways). With vintage prices coming close to meeting or often exceeding the cost of new, you have to make a conscious decision that you value the aesthetic of a vintage watch over the function and versatility of a new piece. I built a collection of all vintage watches but it has become a point of annoyance for me to own over a dozen high end swiss watches but nothing I can wear in the pool or to the beach or during any activity that may damage one of these pieces. Its motivated me to start paring down my vintage pieces to make room for some versatile modern pieces that may lack aesthetic or story but will provide more function while still communicating my appreciation for horology.

These point really needed to be said and I agree with you, I’m pleased you made this video 👍😎

Actually I bought one three months ago and I love it even more from day to day. Okey yes I bought a pretty good condition Dj and overpayed a little bit but I love my 1600 and wouldn‘t change it to any modern Rolex. The open 6 and 9, the light jubilee and the overall proportions on the vintage one just do it for me. I agree on some of your points but at 2-3k the Dj is still a steel.

What’s considered vintage?

Hi I am in the process of buying my first Rolex. I am thinking of buying a new date just the Wimbledon is it a good buy

I appreciate this video.

Wow... the set or backdrop looks great... the sound is great too.. this video came out really great.

One of the best videos I've ever seen. A friend of mine has got a 90s Submariner and when I take it in my hands I can't believe that people is gonna pay some grands for that. I pulled the trigger on a new 2017 126300, the quality is awesome....

What watch would you recommend in this price point?

Too late, I did just that and I'm pretty happy with it.

Hi, what do u think about vintage DJ 26mm - S series (1990s) -> is it worth it for $3000? I dont know whether 90s watch is considered vintage or not, but this video makes me reconsider the purchase.

What do you think about the Datejust reference 16234? Is it a safe by, in relation to the points mentioned in your video?

Love vintage datejusts, but not really a great value at 3500 for a nice one. 90s explorer seems like the cheapest way to get a modernish quality and sized rolex, if thats your thing

The main difference is vintage datejust carries history and rode through time. Every vintage watch tells a story. That’s why people are buying them, they are buying history too.

At first I was wondering where you were going with this because the DJ is my favorite watch of all times but halfway thru I understood and I have to agree. When I bought my Sarb035 and compared it to my dad's 1987 DJ, I could see it easily match and surpasses the quality (but not the style). And as somebody trying to own something modern, I totally agree. The Oyster Perpetual is a much better option for $5k vs a $3k vintage if you wanted new. But this dated level of quality (and it is what to be expected from a 40+ year old watch) extends to all the other models as well and not just the DJ.

As a professional watchmaker...you pretty much get what you pay for until you get REALLY old Rolex, such as a bubble back, in which case you will pay a lot of money for a watch that doesn't work well. My concern with vintage watches is parts availability and movement design. There are some movements I wont touch like the 1161. As for vintage datejust designs, parts are available though most will be after market and the watch itself is designed with the watchmaker in mind and are a dream to work on. Just be careful of what you buy

I wonder how hard it is to get a 70s/80s datejust serviced.... don’t know if many shops around were i live would be able to service it

You forgot to mention some vintage DJ do not have quickset date. It is a PITA to wind the date from one side of the month to the other. Also, the waterproofness might be gone. I have one just like that - it was my father's daily. It's got a cool 70's vibe, but it is essentially a piece of mechanical antique.

I have a 1979 datejust. Is it waterproof?

Great points!

One more thing guys.... The thing about vintage watches is that you cant help but feel their fragility. I received my 1986 DJ today. I am in love with it but oh boy oh boy if anything were to happen to it it would cost a fortune to repair. The bracelet is like a wizard's sleeve, the screw down crown needs to be tightened strongly or it just springs out (Dunno if thats normal) and when i adjusted the date it felt slippery, like i had to rotate more than normal to move onto the next number some times. Are all these problems normal? Is it possible that the bracelet breaks? Please help

Excellentand important topic John. Today's tec takes the toughness and durability of most mechanicals to an entirely different level of construction - todays sport watches are able to be sports tools. Vintage pieces are about the , charm , historical style and design - these are not typically going to last as daily drivers for the modern sportsman. Well done. Thanks.

Great points, John. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, experience, and opinion. I am to see you flourishing on RU-vid. Keep up the good work!

That little turn lol!

Very interesting point of view. I really enjoy my 16030 Datejust on the original Jubelee. The vintage bracellets are totally different than the new ones. My 1680 Sub also shows the Oyster bracellet worn out after 42 years. Time passes and products are improved. Even though the better new constructions and redesigned I still consider prices insane. Thank you for the video.

Nice video. Vintage Rolex is pure class.

I hope you will make a follow up video where you show examples/pictures. Especially on quality differences between modern and vintages. Also I wonder what your thoughts are on the quality of modern bracelets compared to vintage. You mention the quality of modern cases and the looseness of vintage bracelets but not the quality. So many things can be explained and shown such as full metal links, screws (and use of heat sensitive glue) etc. for modern (Rolex) bracelets compared to vintage bracelets. There should be more videos on RU-vid with regards to bracelets I think.

I appreciate this critical watch video. Most watch videos today are just lovefests. Many thanks, John.

Bought one from 1984 I have had it for over a year and love it. Get lots of compliments and it has doubled in value...soo yeah...

What about a 26mm ? Im thinking about buying one. Its a 1984. Ty

Thanks for the advice...

Great video. I just had the pins replaced and stretch fixed for 150 bucks in the USA. MY 16200 ROLEX CAME BACK NEAR PERFECT I had it serviced for 200 USD. TOOK only 2 weeks. Buffed and polished. Great video. Ask if you want the name of guy that did this work. Neal

I got a 2001 ROLEX DATEJUST 16233 “NO HOLES CASE” DIAMOND DIAL-bracelet is 80% good..BUT SOON ILL BE PURCHASING A ROLEX DAY-DATE 18238 DOUBLE QUICKSET-OR A NEW 2 TONE GMT-OR 2 TONE SUBY--THE NEW 2 TONES WILL BE NEW TO ME BECAUSE OR LARGER CASE SIZE--SO IM EXITED

Valid points, it really got me thinking. Thank you.

Bought my Datejust 1601 two years ago and love it more and more every day

Datejust 1996 is good?

can you buy an affordable watch with a good stainless steel bracelet? example certina, tissot, citizen, casio, everyone complains about Seiko but what about watches between $100-$500

This is great advice for anyone who is trying to get a rolex which looks similar to a modern one, but is not a vintage fan. Whereas I think most people who like vintage datejusts and other Oysters enjoy vintage watches.

Kinda get what u mean how ever I own a few Rolex AP 16710 and more but my 1601 stays on my wrist 11 month in a year lol but I enjoy the comfort the class and the low key ness how ever that’s why u should buy it not as oh it’s cheap

Here’s the problem with this take. You could say the same about any high(er) end watch. I have a DJ 1601 and am in love with it. Of course the quality of a modern DJ is miles beyond that of vintage models. I also have a vintage Omega Seamaster Deville that is beautiful. Of course a modern Seamaster is of higher quality. If that was not the case Omega and a Rolex would not be the prized watch brands they are today. I got a sense of judgement from this video. As if the person looking to buy a vintage Rolex is simply buying what they can afford. As if buying a vintage Rolex is beneath a true collector. While I’m sure some people do buy them with that motivation. However, to assume that of every buyer is extremely arrogant IMO. People I know who buy vintage watches appreciate the history of the brand, of the model, or even of the individual piece.

I have to agree with a lot of your points. I got a 1999 dj to be the rolex in my collection and although it's a great watch, I wish I went modern (2010+) mainly for the superior quality (love the bracelet and rehaut engraving of the new watches). I might get a vintage dj as a birth year watch one day though (especially since the sports models from the 80s are too expensive).

I'm on the fence between a 2000-2004 Datejust 16200 roman blue dial or a brand new black OP 39.

I think it was a very good video very interesting, I think I find it a little counterproductive being that you sell used watches, having said that I think you're excellent speaker I wish you all the best and I'll tell all my friends to check you out, tell fed Scott alestra says hi

Datejust is one of the most Iconic look or design for Rolex watches. Vintage datejust keeps their values with time also. If purchased at the right price, they never lose value over time. Its a very hardy and versatile watch. Above are my view although I don't own a datejust. Thank you

Sapphire crystal quickset datejust 36mm 16038 came out around 1978,79...

Totally agree with this video

excellent, excellent, excellent! as the owner of a 1974 two tone datejust i bought new and wore very sparingly you are spot on! it has never been serviced (it was only 400 dollars new!) and has major crystal scars, needs a new crown--threads are iffy if usable' the bracelet is foldover links with gold center links (jubilee). it has been in salt water and while still beautiful--definitely not a watch for a young buyer looking for years of service. a used watch is like a used car--get a new one from a real dealer unless you understand and can accept dissappointment--yes, they are much more expensive, and in my opinion not for most people unless you can pay cash!

I just pretended to be “that guy”, and went to Chrono24, looking at silver dial Datejusts filtered on two years, 1970 and 2015. The latter were almost all at least 50% pricier than the former. While I agree that the modern ones are better built, “that guy” has a budget, and must buy within the budget, so better to get into the hobby with vintage, at his budget, than not at all. I think you’re also underestimating the powers of discrimination of debutant collectors, who will go through photos and descriptions like a private eye to make sure the watch is for them. Sure, the pitfalls get deeper and wider, the more vintage you go, but you gotta start somewhere.

You've made some valid points, but they're really only good for those individuals just starting out with watch collecting. Anyone who's been involved with watches for a few years or more already know a vintage DJ is a great watch. One very important reason a vintage Rolex DJ's should be in your collection is they are well built and will function till the end of time 😃, plus as you pointed out, these are iconic watches. I personally own a 1603 circa 1974 with a pie pan sigma dial and the 1570 caliber, which Rolex used for quite some time until they updated it to the 3035. The difference between the two essentially is an extra jewel, quick set date change and VPH. Otherwise they kept the main ingredients. Bottom line, a vintage DJ is an essential must have in your collection.

Great point. A lot of people look at the 1601 because it's a modern size Rolex. Vintage watches don't have the same quality as a modern piece but there's a charm to vintage watches. Wearing something so old shows that mechanical watches can be handed down the generations.

Many Rolex watches on Chrone24 are sold without original papers and box. Why? So when you buy a new Rolex the first thing is you do to put the Rolex papers in the shredder and the box in the bin?

Modern Rolex models become vintage as time goes by. I find the 16234 has many good examples in the pre-owned market as compared to the battered 1601's. But John is right, a current series Oyster Perpetual is a good starter. And you get it brand new with all the modern Rolex technology.

Is a 2002 16234 white gold fluted bezel 3135 DJ Vintage? Because i think its the best 36mm next to the modern DJs.

Only downside is lack of a quick set date before 1979. Love my 1965 DJ 1603 and 78 1630.

Like to ser a different perspective on the watch.. Im considering a 1601 but never heard this side of the story. I Love vintage watches anyway, vintage omega constellation still blow my mind. Great video.