Buying vintage rolexes from reputable sellers..

[inzaghi84]

Hi all,

Would just like to ask the experienced people here as I am totally new to the world of vintage rolex watches..

Am eyeing either a 5513 or a 1680 from a reputable 2nd hand shop (will not name cos I'm not sure if it's against forum rules and if it's fair to the seller).. But I'm not sure what I need to "look out for" as I heard that parts such as the dial etc may have been changed down the line which may drastically affect the value of the watch.. Which is the reason I have been very hesitant about going for vintage watches.. It's one thing searching the forums to see what the old birds do, it's another thing when you're there and don't really know what you're looking at..

My question is if it's a renowned seller with quite solid reputation, is it OK to take it at face value that the watch is OK? Or is there much more I need to check out before plunging in..

Thanks for your time...

[triton]

it really depends how particular you are. if you are really particular, then the watch may not be what you are looking for. however, if you are not really particular, then you may want to discuss with the shop if it is possible for you to bring to RSC to authenticate.

click here for more information.

click here for dial variants.

if you are going to be particular, then things you need to look out for,

1) case - serial number of case matches that of the dial and vice versa
2) is the case over polished?
3) crown - is it replaced? is it the right type aka 3 dots @ the bottom of crown
4) is the bracelet using the correct end links?

5) is the bracelet clasp code matching to the case number as case number gives a estimate production year period.
6) is the case pitted?

the list goes on.

what RSC and shop (may or may not) be able to tell you is the dial meant for the case, the clasps code matching the serial number on case etc.

Hi all,

Would just like to ask the experienced people here as I am totally new to the world of vintage rolex watches..

Am eyeing either a 5513 or a 1680 from a reputable 2nd hand shop (will not name cos I'm not sure if it's against forum rules and if it's fair to the seller).. But I'm not sure what I need to "look out for" as I heard that parts such as the dial etc may have been changed down the line which may drastically affect the value of the watch.. Which is the reason I have been very hesitant about going for vintage watches.. It's one thing searching the forums to see what the old birds do, it's another thing when you're there and don't really know what you're looking at..

My question is if it's a renowned seller with quite solid reputation, is it OK to take it at face value that the watch is OK? Or is there much more I need to check out before plunging in..

Thanks for your time...

[pegasi]

Check out Monster Time. They have some vintage sport rolex every now and then.

[triton]

think thread starter already isolated a shop already. believe seller needs opinion on whether to trust the shop or otherwise.

unless you are recommending thread starter to pay your recommended shop a visit because the shop sells vintage rolex which the case number matches that of the dial and clasps code and other finer details?

Hi all,
Am eyeing either a 5513 or a 1680 from a reputable 2nd hand shop (will not name cos I'm not sure if it's against forum rules and if it's fair to the seller).. It's one thing searching the forums to see what the old birds do, it's another thing when you're there and don't really know what you're looking at.Thanks for your time...

Check out Monster Time. They have some vintage sport rolex every now and then.

[KuchingKu]

Or you can buy from me....haha.

Just joking but I do have both pieces. They are nice vintages to wear and admire.

[triton]

if you selling, let me know hor..thanks.

Or you can buy from me....haha.

Just joking but I do have both pieces. They are nice vintages to wear and admire.

[avenge999]

I think a lot of time u need to do research on whats the important thing because most of the time the sellers will not tell you the flaw of the watches u interested in....nobody will jeopardize themselves...
But if theres something not original and serious there, a responsible seller must declare...eg...if the case is a replacement case, tritium hands repaced with luminova etc..etc...however, I think as long as certain parts are replaced with period correct parts, then its ok.

[EugeneT]

The white 1680 and 5513 are common pieces so try and find one with as nice a dial as possible. There aren't too many dial variants to worry about regarding corresponding serials etc etc unlike the Red Sub or DRSD. In particular, I would look for one with matching tritium hands. Those with replaced luminova hands look odd and finding a matching pair of tritium hands will be very difficult. There is plenty of info on the web so look at as many images as possible before taking the plunge.

Regards,

Eugene
Navalwatch@blogspot.com