This is a classic, back in day it was the watch to celebrate a wedding/starting business/a promotion/retirement/new child etc. It was the proud day when you stepped into the AD, buy a watch to reward oneself for achievement/milestone (and not to show off to others, the joy was all your own). May look a bit fancy now, but back then just an everday watch, whether office or as a tool watch.
I basically did an Uncle Larry with a 1978 34mm Rolex purchase for $1875 (on sale)- the same basic two tone reference as Larry’s but with a champagne dial. About seven years ago I finally experienced a sense of horological boredom and began exploring other watches. A Tudor chronograph purchase led to what is now a 20 watch collection. I put the Rolex on a RubberB strap and gave it to my wife. Three services over 44 years. While my tastes have taken me far away from Rolex, I have the utmost respect for the dependability and durability of Rolex watches and think that for many people Rolex is a great watch choice.
That’s such a timeless watch and it’s great that it was a daily wear piece. I like all the scratches and marks as that’s life and nothing remains perfect. I’d leave it just like it is and wear it proudly. Really cool.
Rob, please tell this gentleman THANK YOU for sharing his watch and story with us. I'd keep it just the way it is. It tells a story. Almost makes me want to get a Rolex, but instead I'd get a Omega or a Tudor. :)
Love the history of the watch and how it spent half a generation on someone's wrist. Watch monogamy is something I've always been envious of; I wear a different watch nearly every day.
Wow! This is an incredible vid. Kudos to Rob and his uncle. It's easy to get caught up on collecting multiple watches but the 1 and done gives you a life's history and memories on a particular watch that makes it special. (In my opinion). I find myself questioning do I really need my collection? Again Sincerely, Thanks Rob. You gave me food for thought. Blessings to you and yours.
Not really my personal style but I would wear it regularly and proudly if that was passed down to me from a family member. So cool and thanks for sharing!
I have this watch with the champagne dial (1995) and absolutely love it. However I would get it polished as it would look absolutely stunning. Even without a polish it shines so bright. I have a lot lof stretch on my bracelet too but I don't wear it often. I'm going to get it's first service soon. Great video.
Great Stuff Rob! I have too many watches but will always respect those who wear one for so many years. Remember hearing a story on the forums of a Volvo mechanic who wore his 5512 everyday for many years wrenching on cars! Anyone want to comment on how much that service will cost today?
I've read that the stretch is due to the link pins getting thinner over time. Also, there are shops (Roliworks?) that will replace those pins for $3-500, as well as refinish/repair the links. Rolex will insist on replacing the bracelet entirely ($1-3K), they won't repair it.
‘His only watch…”. The 80s was different than today. There was no social media where you compared yourself to others or felt the need to “fit in” and show off your collection. We live in a very materialistic world compared to the 80s and earlier.
I inherited this watch, 16233 from the late 80’s, silver dial. I was quoted $4,100 to replace the TT jubilee, or $1,150 for stainless steel jubilee. Went the eBay route and got a great condition TT bracelet for around $1,500.
Cerberus Watches did a vid last week of a GMT Master II of about a similar vintage that belongs to a retired commercial welder. Had more than a few weld splatters on the case, but inside the movement was running mostly OK with good time. A bit of work on the case, service movement and running on spec again. My father-in-law has the plain steel datejust, bought early 90s and he thinks it runs fast (it doesn't). First link next to the clasp is almost worn through and about ready to fall off. These 80s and 90s Rolexes are magnificent, proper tool watches that don't give up. Current ones, aside from the stupid price, I hear are not so tough. Like modern cars - shiny, but weak.
I think it's beautiful just the way it is, so I don't blame him for not refinishing the case! Does tritium usually stop working? Does it wear out sooner than the lume they use today? I've never had any experience with it. Thanks for showing this one, Rob! Very cool!
It's mostly the pins that wear not the gold center links. It can be fairly easily fixed. Most f people here can't go with one watch becouse we are hobbyist. But DJ would be great if one would try.
@@wafarris ,Lol. I'm older than this watch too and I'm nowhere near as good looking and holding up as well as this watch. Father time shows mercy to the very few. 😂
How would he get a hold of them? Someone would have to send him some authentic pieces of HMT watches. I bought a bunch from 2010 to 2013, before the factory ceased operation. But in order to get a fair consideration of HMT, he would have to make sure that he got an HMT that wasn't opened and modified, which makes up the large majority of eBay and watch forum offerings today. And I don't know how much a modern "watch enthusiast" like most of these RU-vid channels are would appreciate an HMT honestly. You see how much they complain about cheap construction. I don't think they would give HMT its due consideration. Besides, models like the Kohinoor are takeoffs of the Omega Constellation. The Rajat was the Rado Diastar, etc. I do think that HMT needs more attention here on RU-vid but the larger channels like this one aren't the places to go to look for that exposure.
Look at that hollow bracelet and pressed clasp! So cheap! /s The simplicity of that bracelet and clasp, and the fact that it has been the man's only watch for 34 years, isn't just a testament to the quality of the watch, but also it shows how stupid people are these days when they criticize if a watch isn't "milled out." I keep telling people it doesn't matter if things are "solid" and "milled." It doesn't matter at all.
All I can think is some poor elderly person who’s been wearing a watch like this everyday for 30+ years and getting robbed for it… but I just read WOE dispatch on watch theft so it’s on the mind I guess.
34 years ago were you expected to beg, grovel and plead mercy before the AD would even look at you let alone sell you a watch? I say "sell you a watch" but would it be the watch you want rather than the one you need to buy before you are considered worthy of being allowed the holy grail that you want? Why anyone puts up with rolex b.s is beyond me.
