Vintage Rolex > Modern Rolex? (Lifestyle)
July 23, 2024
I’ve been studying watches for the last couple of years, and I’ve noticed a huge wave in popularity with vintage Rolex watches. I personally prefer vintage Rolex models as there’s more variety and charm compared to their modern counterparts. The two most popular models I’ve been eyeing are the Submariner and the GMT, and I honestly prefer the vintage and neo-vintage versions of those watches. The main reason is that the modern versions are just bulkier on the wrist, and I prefer the aluminum bezels on the vintage watches compared to the modern ceramic bezels.
The main problem with modern Rolex watches is the availability when it comes to buying from an authorized dealer. Popular models such as the Submariner, GMT, and Daytona are extremely limited, and people end up on waitlists for years just for the opportunity to buy the watch.
I do like some modern Rolex watches, though! The red and blue GMT and the recently released grey and black GMT are nice, and I’d definitely take a Daytona at retail if I had the chance to buy one. The 36mm Day-Date is also a pretty good pick as a modern version, but I’d still choose vintage unless they make a 36mm version with a green dial.
If you’re looking at Oyster Perpetuals (OPs), Datejusts, Explorer I’s, Explorer II’s, Submariners, etc., I’d recommend going for vintage models from the 1980s to early 2000s.