Comments appreciated re vintage 60's & 70's Rolex

[timekeeper]

Dear all,

I am new to the forum. I was just wondering about some things which commonly go wrong with the men's hand-winding Rolex perpetual datejust watches circa 1960's (1965). Can anyone give a few comments regarding these watches? if it arose, would a purchase of a mid 1970's non-wind upmodel be more prudent? Note this latter one has a couple of small/minute stains (oil/oxidation?) on the white face, whilst the older 1960's (1965) model is pristine with black face and gold detailing and original bracelet and very well kept but it is a wind-up (I've never owned one before). Any comments would be appreciated. Thank you for any comments.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by timekeeper

I was just wondering about the some things which commonly go wrong with the men's hand winding Rolex watches circa 1960's. Can anyone give a few comments regarding these watches? if it arose, would a purchase of a mid 1970's model be more prudent? Note this latter one has a couple of small stains (oil/oxidation?) on the white face, the older 1960's (1965) model is pristine with black face and gold detailing but it is a wind-up. Any comments would be appreciated. Thank you.

Well IMHO the Rolex 11XX and 15XX series movements were the finest that Rolex ever made.Bullet proof and rarely go wrong,now you might have a few problems for Rolex themselves to service.But there are still loads of parts around if needed for these watches.And most good watchmakers could service and repair if needed.All my vintage watches get wound at least once a month if not worn.I have a few from the 1920s one I wear almost daily,still beating and winding strong. And expect will still be beating when my internal finally clock stops.

[Rockrolex]

Welcome to TRF, timekeeper. Glad you found our merry madhouse.

Stick around and enjoy the fun.

As to your question, the same thought popped into my head as was mentioned by Peter. You may have trouble getting Rolex to service a 40-50 year old watch. But there are some master watch repair people who still have access to parts who can probably do the job.

I'm not a particular fan of manual winds myself, but not everyone feels that way. If it were me, I would look for an automatic that is in good condition. But that's JMHO.

[JJ Irani]

Hi TK,

Welcome to TRF. Looks like our Padi has already answered your questions. Do post some pics of your watches when you can. Meanwhile, have a blast on this forum.

Cheers - JJ

[mike]

Originally Posted by padi56

Well IMHO the Rolex 11XX and 15XX series movements were the finest that Rolex ever made.Bullet proof and rarely go wrong,now you might have a few problems for Rolex themselves to service.But there are still loads of parts around if needed for these watches.And most good watchmakers could service and repair if needed.All my vintage watches get wound at least once a month if not worn.I have a few from the 1920s one I wear almost daily,still beating and winding strong. And expect will still be beating when my internal finally clock stops.

Well said.