Would you buy the "old style" Rolex oyster?

[Bagsaremylife!]

Hi Ladies,

I really could use your help on this dilemma.

I have been wanting a Rolex for several months now. I finally know that I want a 31mm/midsize oyster perpetual, roman dial, smooth bezel, and oyster bracelet.

Currently it is out of my price range to purchase new from a store/AD (and it will be for a while).

I have 2 second-hand ones that I am considering, and I would like to ask your opinion. For the sake of this discussion, let's say that both are from equally completely reliable jewelers, so no real need to compare service/reliability as an issue.

The first is from 1999, perfect condition, running well, etc. $2900. Box but no orig papers, but the jeweler will include an appraisal certificate. It has a roman dial (my top choice).

The second is 2006, original papers and box, perfect condition, $3900. It has a stick dial (not my top choice, but I think I would like it in person).

Right now to me, $1000 is a lot of $, mainly because I feel I can't spend so much $ on a watch, do you know what I mean? I personally would feel a lot more comfortable spending less, even though technically the extra $1000 would not run me into the ground.

Here's the thing-- I know that the '06 model is the 'new style'with the smoother case and shinier bracelet. I like these changes but I do also like the older one, too.

Do you think the older one is a poor investment, given that maybe people will really want the new one in a few years?

If you think the older style will hold its value (and esp considering I am buying it used, not new), I would consider the older one.

Or do you think I should hold out and wait? I just do not think the new style with the roman face will become available used/heavily discounted in the near future...

Please let me know what you think. Sorry this is so long. I just don't have any Rolex-wearing friends, so I don't really have anyone to discuss it with (DH is soooo tired of this topic).
Thanks!

 

[frannita]

By Roman I assume you mean the markers with dark silver face? Personally I prefer the old bracelet, I don't like the shiny bracelet of the new ones. If you don't mind not having the box and papers the 1999 one is ok, though you could negotiate to get it cheaper. I mean it is almost 10 years old and without the box + papers. I don't care for the stick markers so much but you should check it out to see if you do!

Hth!

 

[chessmont]

My feeling is Roman is so 'Busy" (for me)

I t depends on 2 things - what you love and what you can afford; you can always change the dial later... though even at a reseller it may be 700-900 for the dial plus labor (I am exploring the possibility of replacing a midsize President dial and a Gold Sub black dial and that was the general, non-written ballpark replacement from my favorite reputable reseller...

A ladies watch, well, amy be somewhat cheaper.

 

[mariah9999]

I have an older style Rolex and I don't think there is anything wrong with that. Rolex style is timeless and I think the watches from 1999 are beautiful. If saving money will help you out, definitely go for the older style watch. Most people won't even be able to tell the difference!

 

[chessmont]

As to the shiny Oyster bracelet on the new styles, I was at an AD the other day and they said they could make shiny matte and matte shiny - whatever I wanted... This was an AD in Santa Rosa, CA. This was after I mentioned to her I wasn't crazy about this new bracelet

 

[me_likie_LV]

Vintage Rolexes rock! Go for it if that's what you really want, but if you're just gonna have second thoughts about it, then just hold out and wait until you can get a brand new one.