Can You Actually Daily a Vintage Rolex? Learn From My Mistakes

[@MRTWINTURBO88]

I wear a 1981 Datejust every single day. I swim, ski, hike, do absolutely everything with it. My grandfather bought it new in Switzerland in 1981.. he also got a matching one for my grandmother. When my grandfather passed away he left me the watch. It is my most prized possession, he was an amazing man! I’m wearing it now as I type this. It has been bulletproof although the acrylic crystal does scratch easily.

[@NFLAdd1ct]

Awesome!

[@Kenzabukuro]

I wear my 82 DJ nearly every day. Sometimes you just need a G Shock day.

[@woonfaseng8737]

my own experience on preowned rolex 15053 with SS and gold 18k oyster bracelet 18k gold bezel with black dial . many 70-80s rolex have been worn out and need servicing and probably have crown threading / water resistance problems . we probably need it to be complete overhaul and serviced before wearing . hence probably need to spend another 500 to 1000 USD depending on condition to change and service the crown, crown stem , check the water resistant to become at least SPLASH PROOF .... and then replace glass/acrylic .... and oyster bracelet is less prone to the jubilee bracelet in terms of it getting loose and drooping with gravity and also wears much more manly.

[@MrsCynfuller]

My DateJust is 37 years old and I wear it daily. I’m 64 years old and love this watch.

[@dannyg6592]

My friend has worn his Datejust daily since he bought it new in 1982. He's had it serviced twice by Rolex. The old Datejusts are indestructible.

[@brianG81]

Yes. In my opinion Rolex from the 80's are better than the new ones. The 16030 Datejust with Oyster bracelet is made like a tank.

[@absk601]

better in terms of?@@brianG81

[@jackn4853]

My wife has worn a Rolex continuosly since 1988. It's been serviced once by Rolex. It' s a time telling tool it's not a piece of art to be worshipped and adored. Just wear and use a watch it's always replaceable.

[@theannouncer5538]

Gotta disagree a little bit, there is an element of art to watches

[@respectedprophet6247]

Yeah you’re cringe

[@johnny_bravo9990]

​@@theannouncer5538 no art on a Rolex though

[@marcd7332]

@@johnny_bravo9990hating on rolex is getting old

[@tijmenboos6645]

@@johnny_bravo9990lmao how can you say that. Rolex watches are a piece of art

[@JohnMAnderson-ft1vr]

Hi. I have the exact same Rolex, but mid 1980,s. My Dad gave it to me as a college graduation gift. It’s been my daily driver since 1984!! Finally had it serviced a few months ago for the first time. Over the years I always wear various beaters. Swimming, gym etc.. but , I always come back to my Datejust. Major sentimental value. It’s priceless!! Thanks for cool video! Take care, John.

[@keithwalker794]

My experience exceeds yours. I have worn my Datejust daily (apart from two service outages) since I bought it new in 1969. No problems whatsoever.

[@midwestgent9618]

Some great comments here. I've been (mostly) dailying a 1601 Wide Boy from 1979 and it's a fantastic watch. 36mm is a such a great size!

[@jacobgreenmanedlion1863]

I daily wore a 1968 Rolex Oyster Precision from the age of 19 (2003) until about 5 years ago (2018) on and off but it was probably the most worn watch of a large collection over that time; I serviced it once sometime around 2005 for $150 or so including a new genuine Rolex crystal. It kept excellent enough time that I didn’t spend time thinking about whether it was right or not for months at a time. At one point, with no repair done, I was stupid enough to try to pet a goat, maybe 2012 or 2013, and that goat violently butted my hand against a fence post, causing a huge chip in the crystal. Thing was otherwise fine. I stopped wearing it because I purchased a 1962 Omega Seamaster DeVille in 18k gold, and I wore that for two years basically continuously, keeping perfect time, in 2019. In mid-2021 I bought a 1957 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer in 18k gold, and I wore that for basically a year, but there was a problem with it, mostly relating to me speed walking while holding a cane in the hand I wore it on the wrist of. I then bought a 1988 Ebel 1911 SportChrono in 18k with the El Primero and have worn it since. Of course it needs service, of course it isn’t as waterproof. This is true of any watch thats over about 5 years old. The amount of money I saved wearing those over keeping a less-than-5-years-old Rolex on my wrist easily covers the service costs and the ownership of a cheap waterproof watch for trips to water parks.

[@FearlessPhillip]

Where'd you service the DeVille and how much did it cost? I have one that's not currently running....

[@IAMNOSLEEP]

I bought my Rolex Datejust 16013 Tapestry new in 1987 wore it everyday for 36 years. Had it serviced twice. I stopped wearing it about a year ago because the jubilee bracelet was so badly stretched I thought I might end up loosing the watch.

[@ToolwatchBoutique]

Just two days ago I bought a 1968 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref. 1501. Phenomenal condition of the watch and also the movement. I will test the water tightness soon and then it might become a daily as well. Love it so far!

[@atamaneygur]

Did you do the test? How was the water proofness?

[@ToolwatchBoutique]

@@atamaneygur Not yet unfortunately

[@Traveljournalist]

please keep us posted

[@ToolwatchBoutique]

@@Traveljournalist I actually exchanged it for a slightly newer 16014, as it is a bit larger, has the Jubilee band and the "better" movement. Now I am rocking that one 😄

[@japantwc]

⁠@@ToolwatchBoutiqueMy 1601 DATEJUST WIDE BOY FROM 70s still waterproof from doing all things in life’s it’s amazing ROLEX!

[@rightmarker1]

Two years ago I bought one exactly the same specification and year as that which you are reviewing. I have wanted a Rolex since I was a teenager. I wear mine every day and only remove it for showering and dishwashing/ handling rough objects. I am in love with my Rolex so why would I not want to feel it and look at all the time?😊. Good review. 👍

[@alexsdg3441]

yes, I agree with you about the bracelet. I have 1961 Omega watch with rice bead bracelet which is very loose. However, I really enjoy that bracelet and "being loose". it is a history and experience of appreciating and wearing the watch. Thanks again Oleg. Have a great day.

[@michaelmeloche9207]

I wear my datejust 1601 daily. I had it serviced last year and it keeps great time! Absolute work horse of a movement

[@relosapulso]

Was that the first service?

[@michaelmeloche9207]

I doubt it! It’s the first service I’ve done to it though.

[@rsb11131954]

Just got a 1960's Rolex 6694 for daily wear. Loving it.

[@MrFredrictai]

I think the stretched jubilee bracelet looks better on the vintage Rolex...and they are actually more comfortable on the wrist...😊

[@adanrios5884]

Big facts i own a 1601 from 1971 with a super stretch jubilee and feels comfortable compare to my 2015 roulette datejust that is still in new conditions

[@LEGOTROLL1]

comfortable yes, but if the pins break your watch will fall off your wrist.

[@windytv7511]

Oyster is nice too they don’t stretch as much so it still looks newer on your wrist

[@toddjohnson5506]

It was my only watch from 1987 to 2019. Everyday

[@balicelestin4332]

I wear my vitange Rolex daily. I'm an engineer so I'm always working on something like cars, motorcycles, electronics. I hit the gym hard and pretty active with sports. Last but not least I hit the sauna. I do all of this with my vintage datejust. I would HIGHLY recommend this watch.

[@cheehee808_]

Picked up my first rolex 3 months ago, ref 1601 with gold fluted bezel and other than when i shower or do the dishes its been on my wrist the entire time. Its a beautiful, slim piece that keeps time well. Does exactly what i need it to do and makes me feel good when i wear it. If i need something more rugged or waterproof, i just switch to my other daily driver, a midsize 36mm quartz marathon TSAR

[@garymoniz3326]

Been wearing my 22 year old 16200 daily for nearly two years now. Runs a little fast, band slightly worn, but feels good and looks great with mother of Pearl diamond dial…

[@TheWhitburger]

I daily my 1971 two-tone datejust. I love it and think it is beautiful. Thanks for sharing your insights.

[@NinoMaartenGuitar]

Yes you can. The late 60's till late 80's Datejusts are fantastic watches that are nearly bulletproof. Easy and reliable movements. Sure, they need service every 5 to 10 years but that's common knowledge.

[@nickgomez9542]

I traded in a Datejust 162300, a Cartier tank solo and a Datejust 16013. For my grail watch ! A 1988 Rolex 18038 with original black dial with Romans. I daily wear this watch and I love it! My only concern is developing more stretch on the bracelet but I love wearing a vintage day date. For those days where I want to be carefree I got me a blue seiko sk5 on the rubber strap. I also have a Cartier roadster that I wear with silver jewelry but the vintage Day date is a dream come true for me!

[@mikelob6707]

I currently have a vintage tudor in my rotation and is my most worn, not exactly a rolex but close

[@vanfja]

So glad I found this channel where you give much more in depth details and concerns for us who might want to go vintage rolex. This is why we follow channels from watch enthusiasts vs those bling Rolex dealers who really know very little about watches and are more of a show off channel.

[@garyboyle695]

Got to love those Aegler movements.

[@JusticeLoveOfficial]

I have this exact watch / dial. Won it in a poker game haha original everything on it and only serviced once.

[@kevinngomez5451]

I bought mine last October I wear it everyday. Love it

[@jimbrown8842]

good,informative video.i thought all datejust were WR to 100M, but if you look at old catalogues anything before around 1985 is 50M,only submariner and explorer are higher.this surprised me when checking 1982 catalogue.

[@RootBeerGMT]

Pressure test it. It’s an oyster case. It’s literally designed to be water proof

[@robertbalcombe2466]

I've warn my 16030 for the last 40 years with two services. Still keeps perfect time

[@Joe-cf8in]

I have an 18038 president and soon will add an older datejust such as a 1603. A perfect beater watch with the rolex look is the old Bulova Oceanographer 333 with a 10k bezel. Great for more everyday wear and vacations

[@FrancesPedutem]

Whats the shop name you service the watch

[@b_altmann]

Something to be mindful of with the fluted white gold bezel references: there are fake bezels made from stainless steel. The hue or the minimal wear should give it away, but it makes buying this reference more difficult. Yours has an engine turned bezel which was always stainless steel, so that’s easy.

[@itswhatitis277]

Where in Canada did you get it serviced? I asked about it at the official Rolex store at Birks and they told me that servicing a vintage Rolex starts at $1.2K CAD

[@Cipofan42]

It's ridiculous to suggest a Datejust is anything other than a daily beater. They are bombproof

[@defenstrator4660]

Yes. I received a Submariner for my 18th birthday in 1991. I wore it daily until I started collecting watches when I was 45. I still wear it. That’s the point.

[@xiaoli8380]

It depends on many factors tho. My dad wore his 6265 since early 70s til today daily. No prob, the movement also vry clean. Coz he regularly service his watch through legit watch maker.

[@unclekevin5094]

I collect Tudor Royal watches from about 1957. I have 5 and i wear them in rotation on a daily basis. They are all fine.

[@glenh4971]

I just checked the prices on semi vintage Rolex watches. If I bought one it would need to be in very good condition. The price would not be cheap at all. I would only wear it on special occasions. They cost sometimes 5 to 6 thousand dollars. This is a worthy watch to own. Not a beater watch. Not just a watch to wear everyday like a Seiko.

[@woonfaseng8737]

my own experience on preowned rolex 15053 with SS and gold 18k oyster bracelet 18k gold bezel with black dial . many 70-80s rolex have been worn out and need servicing and probably have crown threading / water resistance problems . we probably need it to be complete overhaul and serviced before wearing . hence probably need to spend another 500 to 1000 USD depending on condition to change and service the crown, crown stem , check the water resistant to become at least SPLASH PROOF .... and then replace glass/acrylic .... and oyster bracelet is less prone to the jubilee bracelet in terms of it getting loose and drooping with gravity and also wears much more manly.

[@Trymon1980]

I just purchased a 16014 sold in the year 1980. Had to be a vintage Rolex from this year. I'm not that big into Rolex but for some reason I just had to have a Rolex from my birth year. Have to admit it won't be worn daily, just for special occasions I guess but it might also just be in the watch box. For me it's more important to just own a Rolex from this year. I guess it will be worn occasionally but very rare. My daily is currently a Grand Seiko with a Spring Drive movement.

[@RootBeerGMT]

And, I know a dude that bought his DayDate in the mid 70s. Still wears it everyday

[@keltecdan]

My grandpa wears his 1503 daily. Just took it in for servicing in Greeley CO.

[@Mile-long-list]

I do. 1966 1675, it was my father's. Wonderful to wear super comfortable but the vintage bracelets are garbage. I have 2 original rolex bracelets, a rivet and a jubilee but I have a new jubilee for it, that's all. It's something I have to be careful with it sure but it's totally wearable daily

[@MichaelNNguyen]

What is a good price for this?

[@jjlad5037]

How does a magnifier effectiveness wear out? I can understand that it may need some PolyWatch, but does it actually optically change over time?

[@jsusna1972]

I had the same question. My magnification is supposed to be x2.5, and I just accept that it is. I can't imagine looking at it one day and thinking that somehow it has deteriorated to a mere x1.5.

[@HarryTeicher]

Polishing reduces the curvature and thus the magnification.

[@jsusna1972]

@@HarryTeicher Probably true for acrylic, but sapphire?

[@gilessteve]

@@jsusna1972 No, sapphire will never change, unless (like me) you manage to knock the lens off altogether in a road accident (it's glued on). The magnification then falls to zero! lol

[@rjo8500]

@@jsusna1972The watch being reviewed has an acrylic crystal.

[@gabrieldib1867]

Great video! 🙌🏻 you cleared a lot of my doubts

[@RootBeerGMT]

Yes. I’ve got one Rootbeer GMT II and have had a Coke. They work now like they did then

[@mijoizagas3747]

I wear an oyster perpetual 36 for me daily beater. It’s an ‘08 and never been serviced. If it ain’t broke . . . 🤷‍♂️

[@Lifewithwu]

So if you change the dial of the Rolex do it makes it a fake ?

[@trussme5173]

I have a submariner Starbucks but really want a daydate yellow gold president 36mm but worried to wear it daily swimming etc 😢

[@eugenkorn5928]

accidentally came across your channel, but immediately became interested. special thanks for the clear pronunciation - I speak English quite superficially, but I don’t experience any difficulties when viewing (I write in translation, sorry if it’s wrong)

[@24hourstime]

thank you my friend!

[@jjlad5037]

I daily my 1967 5513 Meters First Sub. The only change I made was fitting a more robust NOS 93150 Rolex Bracelet.

[@notDonaldFagen]

I'm casually shopping a mid 80s birthyear 5-digit DateJust for the next few years. I can definitely daily that. Just want to run it on leathers and be low-key and rotate with my other dailys. Maybe not a fantastic idea as a first 'luxury' piece. But a nice 3rd-5th option when you can wear whatever else, appreciate versatility and really know what you like. It has to be quick-set though!

[@brianG81]

You can't wear a Rolex while playing a Fender Rhodes

[@notDonaldFagen]

@@brianG81 😄😄

[@OscarRPalma]

You have that watch with papers and box?

[@sk2470]

I just bought vintage 1630 and need a aftermarket jubilee for daily use. Can you send a link to that etsy store?

[@joshuakaplan5726]

i'd deff wear a vintage DJ on a daily basis in the work environment because it's classy and I wouldn't care about getting it all scratched up. If I had a new DJ, which I desperately yearn for, I'd wear that on the weekends to avoid it becoming a scarred desk diver.

[@armandollv]

I inherited a datejust from the 70s. I wear it eventually and it works fine. I haven´t serviced it yet, though.. Do you think I could replace the acrylic for a sapphire?

[@darrenblake8990]

I wear a 1966 datejust ref. 1600 plain bezel nearly every day. I use the original jubilee or one of 4 leather straps that i have for it. I carry a seiko diver in my briefcase just in case. No problem.

[@Jbryson88]

Do you have a link to the Etsy bracelet? My jubilee broke and I honestly don’t want to send it in to be fixed lol.

[@mtbkmaniac1]

Many of your recommendations could be said for all vintage watches. Thank you for your information.

[@finesse49]

"daily" can be an adjective, adverb or informal noun (a newspaper published every day). It is never a verb.

[@gilessteve]

I'm glad to see I'm not the only one to be mildly irritated by such things!

[@tadijavpserbian9808]

I have vintage Omega Mark II and I think it’s great daily watch

[@강대철-s3w]

Very nice video for people who consider about buying a vintage rolex. Recently I decided to buy a vintage model 1803 after watching this video. Thanks a lot. Of course I do subscribe your channel.

[@yankadi64]

Hi, I am also looking for an aftermarket jubilee bracelet for my datejust. would you mind telling me the reference of your bracelet on ETSY, or at least the vendor's name ? Regards.

[@nintendokings]

Service costs alone is enough for me to not deal with Rolex. In-house servicing is ~$1000. Parts are very expensive. And Rolex is very strict.

[@gilessteve]

The last Rolex I had serviced (a 1984 Air-King-Date) cost about $450 ten years ago. I was just today quoted $485 for a 1987 Datejust service by a Rolex authorised dealer. Many replacement parts are included at no extra cost, including a new mainspring. Where did you get the $1000 figure from?

[@nintendokings]

@@gilessteve in the Netherlands a basic service through Rolex starts at ~€850

[@gilessteve]

@@nintendokings Well colour me stupid! The service I was quoted for turned out to be €950! (I'm in Bulgaria, and had assumed the quote was in local currency). So yes, I agree, that's an outrageous price!

[@gordtulk]

My dad had one for about twenty years. He grew to hate it as it kept terrible time even after servicing. He finally took it to a Jeweler - sold it and bought a citizen.

[@danwittels5542]

Did he have the watch serviced by Rolex? Just curious.

[@gordtulk]

@@danwittels5542 probably not. But I don’t know for sure.

[@danwittels5542]

@@gordtulk I sorry he had a bad experience. It sounds like whoever worked on it may not have been up to the job or didn't have access to the nessary parts.

[@RootBeerGMT]

Wow, he fucked up

[@alexchun08]

Bracelet tightening in Canada? Who was this?

[@gilessteve]

I thought that a 100m pressure test was part of the Rolex service?

[@sharpmcteague3378]

daily is a verb?

[@jbg9595]

I wore the very same one steel and gold for 15 years. Never once serviced. Now rests in the collection.

[@gm9559]

Rolex is a very sturdy watch. Of course you can wear it daily. Every mechanical watch should be services every 5 years. I service it only by rolex. Comes back like new and with guaranty. I' ve been wearing it for 15 years.

[@gilessteve]

I don't think a Rolex needs to be serviced every five years. I've had my Datejust since 1990 and have serviced it twice. It still keeps good time, despite being worn daily (with one ten year gap).

[@MistaTea247]

I inherited a 1962 Oyster Perpetual Date. I’ve been told it needs $2,500 worth of work. Is it worth it?

[@nike3web]

Only if you want to wear it. It will be good for another 10years after service.

[@MistaTea247]

@@nike3web how much does a typical service cost every 10 years?

[@gilessteve]

$2500 is a lot! What needs doing, exactly?

[@choompa]

Is a 1991 Datejust considered vintage? I daily mine.

[@nike3web]

Yes everything before 2000 is considered vintage

[@gilessteve]

@@nike3web I thought it had something to do with whether it has a sapphire or acrylic crystal?

[@jb6027]

A most interesting video. Thank you! WHERE is Mr. Bond???

[@JohnnyDouchbag-nr5yf]

Rehab

[@greeremalachi926]

What does "daily" mean?

[@LordPeum]

Means that you wear this same watch almost every day

[@holilurohman8777]

Beauty in perfection

[@justinhendren540]

Enjoyed your video. I have a datejust 16013. I have not done this, but I have heard of people changing out their acrylic crystal for a sapphire crystal on vintage datejust. I believe you certainly can wear this watch on the daily, but would agree that if I am exercising or swimming I would not wear my datejust. A beater watch is always a good suggestion for extracurricular activities. What idiot buys a 30 k watch and goes diving with it?

[@rjo8500]

The problem with that imo is there really is no great advantage with sapphire over acrylic. It’s kind of a 50/50 thing amongst owners. Plus the change could be noticed by a true watch enthusiasts who in all honesty are the only ones that care or would appreciate the historical beauty of the 5k watch on your wrist. Say what we want, but nobody hates getting attention or compliments on their Rolex. Especially by someone in the know. I also own a datejust 16013, champagne, two tone, jubilee, fluted bezel and wouldn’t change anything about it.

[@Nordic_Sky]

A 1974 single red Sub 1680 is my daily driver.

[@jonharry6293]

Easy to get the bracelet tighter by a guy in Essex

[@Mega-zi7ys]

You're over thinking things. Any watch can be a daily watch. It's just marketing bs that companies tell u this is for that and that's for this etc etc etc. It's just to make you buy more products...any product for that matter. They make "new" rules for fashion... nowadays suddenly man should carry manpurses and wear women's suits ... All just to sell more. Next year it's gonna change again. Same for all watches. Just wear what you think is comfortable.

[@gilessteve]

Owning an automatic watch only makes sense if you intend to wear it daily.

[@alabamadeep4471]

I got better bracelets period correct. And heavier

[@ShalisaDume]

I'm genuinely impressed with how close amzwatch were able to replicate every aspect of this very very goofy looking classic watch.

[@kelvinhau7320]

Nice

[@perskjelbred7099]

I have been wearing a Rolex datejust bought new in 1984 ever since. Two services and a new bracelet 25 years ago. The bracelet is the weak point!

[@KC-bv9kf]

I have worn my 16700 black black about 4000 days since 2005 and still within 2s/d. Stop wearing it and brethren daily about 5 y ago because of stupid attention. Tudor, micro’s, sub 5k, and GS now

[@pinoyedcknives]

I own a 1969 GMT Master 1 Pepsi which was given to me by my late grandfather. I had it serviced after he died. I was surprised that the maintenance fee was too high ($1000) and I was fortunate that the parts that need to be replaced were in stock. I tried wearing it daily for about a month but some people have a keen eye on Rolex watches that they seem to want to snatch it or grab it on my wrist and I hate the attention I get from it so I just put it in the watch winder. I'm fine with just wearing a Seiko for a daily driver.

[@bazzatazza1087]

I wear a 1680 from 1977 pretty regularly. Dont even see why this was made into a video.

[@denis888red]

Yes, yes, yes....but where is Mr Bond!!

[@JohnnyDouchbag-nr5yf]

Rehab

[@Rickylucas86]

I wear my 86 datejust every single day and I will to the day I die

[@robertbihn3005]

hell yeah ! wear it everyday ... but be aware too. Buy a Rolex for your top drawer ? .... no

[@Trebor-hc7ri]

I have smashed my datejust twice. Just send it back to Rolex for repair.

[@edjack1993]

Great watch. But buying a fake bracelet????

[@SoulKilla1000]

I daily my Rolex 16014 for a month straight and set it twice during that month. The minus 2 seconds adds up over time.

[@anthonyvargas8704]

I wish I could have one but I'm poor and I can't have one but I can still have a plastic watch ⌚😭

[@randomasian1830]

oh my dear lord, his bracelet looks so f… you could stretch it to make it look like a brezel.

[@Emaratilfy]

My experience with (expensive) vintage watches: they aren't worth their asking price. Especially not Rolex watches...

[@gilessteve]

That is a subjective assessment.

[@emberkedves6330]

No ukraine flag ty

[@StenchFinger-e7j]

im about to buy my first rolex. Im seeking out one from 1997 specifically for one reason. This is my first luxury watch. I was born in 1997. I want this watch to be with me until the day I die. I want to look at it and watch it age with me. And one day give it to my child (if i ever have one).