New Rolex vs Vintage: Ranking Every Rolex Watch Collection & Why We Love Them

Today I'm joined in the Urban Gentry war room by watch expert and entrepreneur Marc Frankel of Long Island Watch for a fun #watchtalk episode all about Rolex. In this video we discuss every Rolex watch collection, with a focus on new versus vintage, and we keep score of which we prefer from each. We talk about why we love them, our own watch collecting tastes and goals, and reach a surprising conclusion that neither of us saw coming. Join us for this laidback Rolex themed chat, and don't forget to grab a pen and paper to keep your own score at home. Do you prefer vintage or modern Rolex watches? Please share your preferences and scores in the comments below!
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Collections covered in this video:
Air-King, Daytona, Datejust (including Lady-Datejust), Day-Date, Explorer and Explorer II, GMT-Master and GMT-Master II, Sea-Dweller, Sky-Dweller, Submariner, Yacht-Master, Cellini, Oyster Perpetual, and Milgauss.
Thank you for watching The Urban Gentry channel, home of the #wristwatchcheck and # seikosaturday! Check out my other videos for more watch and lifestyle content.
#watchcollecting #watches #watchcollection #rolex

[@Z-S-H]

The forgotten milgauss segment made watching this totally worth it because while I love it when Marc and you get together to have a watch chat I am not really a person that likes Rolex so the topic was not my favorite but the bit of comedy about the forgotten segment and the scores remaining the same definitely got a grin outta me! 😁

[@jimlittle5769]

Is it wrong that when I see a collaboration between you and Marc, I automatically hit the 'like' button cause I just know I'm gonna love it? If it's wrong, I don't wanna be right!

[@theurbangentry]

There is nothing wrong with it Jim, every little bit helps and I appreciate it always. Thank you my friend, I hope you enjoy it! Best regards, TGV

[@Zotrax1946]

Same here mate😂

[@imMATTure]

Ngl, i take an edible before i watch and immerse myself in the conversation. Yall have me laughing so hard at times 😂

[@banditone00]

I do as well. They are so funny together.

[@michaelgannone355]

Jim, is this as brilliant a comment as I think and he is that clueless and incapable of humor

[@bogrot69]

Your collabs with Marc have become my favorite content here on the KZbinz. 😁Looking forward to the next one. ❤

[@theurbangentry]

🙌🙌🙌 Thank you my friend, very kind of you to say. Onwards and upwards! Best regards, TGV

[@TheShane209]

I was not expecting this for another couple weeks! I can’t wait to watch this. Thanks again TGV and Mark for a another great video

[@lonewolfemcquade8133]

I definitely prefer vintage Rolex and pre super case size and pre ceramic. Also love the older movements especially the 3130 another day of power reserve doesn't really matter to me when it's on the wrist and 40mm is the quintessential Submariner size. Great video brotha 👌

[@theurbangentry]

Grazie fratello! Haha great point about the movement. You have classically great taste. Best regards, TGV

[@bigvic950]

That tapestry champagne dial date-just is beautiful

[@jackp4780]

I absolutely love vintage more but with a modern watch comes better water resistance. I don’t want to have to baby my watch, modern durability compared to older parts is in my eyes the only real upside.

[@MrBacchus18]

Not a Rolex fan but watched the video to watch the bromance continue. 😉

[@g316margaritas8]

Thanks for your awesome content. Always waiting for your next video,

[@bryanryan4504]

Milgauss , the one friend in the group who's always forgotten to be invited to the party

[@xavshelby967]

A video with Marc and TGV... Always a treat!

[@oOoScarecrow31oOo]

Perfect timing, as I’m just starting my hunt on a vintage OP ! 😎 For obvious reason, I would need to sell at least a third of my collection which happens to be a good thing: This ’cleaning’ makes me reconsider my connection with each timepiece and focus on the really important pieces. 👍

[@indianasunsets5738]

Yes, that linen dial on the datejust is pure class! Why don't more makers include a linen dial? Its so perfect for dress watches. Great discussion between you and Mark!

[@PepeDeezNutz]

Yes!

[@Podcastage]

So stoked this dropped. Need to unwind with two of the top watch blokes!

[@Csibu89]

I like the way you inserted Fortis and their new flagship watch to this video. Rolex videos are always hyped, and while Rolex is a great watchmaker, and one of the pioneers of truly water resistant wristwatches, Fortis also did contribute massively to horology with their inventions in automatic winding wristwatches. Nice job, and great content as always!

[@intotheLIMELIGHT]

Great vid guys and thanks for the shoutout amico mio! In my piece I went almost all vintage, but I made it easier with separating vintage (tritium) from neo-vintage (5 digits), and modern (6 digits). Grazie mille ancora, ciao!

[@chickenporkadob0]

i like that mark gave a shout-out to phoibos for inspiration for his new watch.

[@brianbeach9472]

🤣 "I'm going to have a sip just like you are then "😂😂😂

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

My 2 favorite guys 👏 talking about something that’s very relevant to me at the moment! ❤️

[@David-cn6nq]

For me the Rolex is not only about the watch but also getting to a point in life where I can afford one. A milestone reminder for years of school work and professional work after starting from humble beginnings.

[@theurbangentry]

👏👏👏👏 I love that way of motivational thinking. Very cool point, thank you for sharing, Best regards, TGV

[@LLDUBTOO]

Thanks for finally getting to the Oyster Perpetual. In 1958 my mother was with a church group in Europe, and in Lucerne she bought my dad a gold Oyster Perpetual, 6567. It's mine at this time, and will someday be my son's and then my grandson's.

[@johncory7997]

Glad to see this posting. Looking forward to watching it later tonight. Keep up the great work!!

[@theurbangentry]

Thank you John! Best regards, TGV

[@anonymousname2507]

Love the cut away and the end and mark with the fu** them haha. brilliant videos hope you two keep it up

[@WestCoastAce27]

Great discussion. Tough decisions - to go with the ones that started it or the more refined grandkids? One thing you (apparently) gave all vintage a pass on was the dodgy bracelets. We take the modern for granted they’re so good.

[@beneluxfortisenthusiast]

👍🏻 video and talk of 2 big watch fanatics ( btw the base movement inside the Stratoliner is a La Joux Perret with some changes which resulted in the “Werk-17” movement)

[@HRM.H]

would love to see one of these done on Vintage/New Grand/King Seiko models.

[@theurbangentry]

YESsSSSSSSS!!! Genius idea. I will see what I can do. Best regards, TGV

[@trwilliams22]

+1 for this idea

[@bsib5021]

You guys losing your minds over the Fortis watches made my day. Keep doing what you do guys, love your work.

[@Ishabu7]

Thank you TGV for such a great discussion with Mark!! Stay healthy and well as always!! (Nicholas) 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻⏱⏱⏱🦖🦖🦖🌊🌊🌊

[@alexm2113]

I had a sense a new watch talk episode with Marc was going to be posted soon after seeing your Instagram story where you guys were having pizza!

[@theurbangentry]

😉 Haha, you know it! Thank you my friend, Best regards, TGV

[@griff5o723]

Can’t wait for another collab with Marc!!

[@christianfoster2433]

My Grandfather Mr Frank Kelshaw (GRHS) had a very early Oyster Perpetual which sadly 'disappeared' after his passing.

[@edgarchaput1793]

Wow. They were headed towards the end and hadn't mentioned the Milgauss (a watch I can't explain my love for) and I was thinking "What the heck?!?". Then the brilliant edit to back and white and a hilarious re-enactment (or NOT! lol) of TGV's panic in post-production. That was very, very cool.

[@richardtwyning]

Perfectly balanced results, proving that you're both two of the most balanced and fair reviewers on KZbin. Brilliant. Would love an Islander review though TGV ;-)

[@Mattwill]

Haha nice save at the end!

[@caiusKeys]

You guys have great chemistry--like Ricky Bobby and Cal Naughton Jr.!

[@mattberry4457]

i agree with most of your picks. i have a 92 sub and don’t like the new fatter case. i like the nice curve of the older cases. i truly detest all of the writing on the newer dials and the crap on the inside ring. it looks like an invicta.

[@mariosiaven2965]

ONE of my all time favorites the GMT 1675

[@acsiii110]

I put a black datejust dial into a 16610 Sub, with Milgauss hands. Looks amazing.

[@alphaTrader.oo1]

Longer you own Ro, more you appreciate vintage

[@markbowman7240]

great comparison video ..I've just got my 1st ever rolex the 124060 no date ..absolutely in love with it

[@jeremycorrao]

Loved this video! It was fun to watch. I always like you two together. Cheers!

[@luisdiegoperez1786]

Great chemistry as usual!! Thanks for the video!!

[@johnrb9397]

I like the explorer I. Waiting for prices to come down more. It's a very exciting time!

[@randomusername6565]

Thank you for these. My bussy is going wild.

[@stephenrhodes3916]

I own one of each but i have a soft spot for my vintage datejust, it's just the epitome of cool.

[@VMIyanks04]

Please review those Fortis watches!!! I love them! I’m a space nerd and a watch nerd and it’s right up my alley!

[@4evalost948]

I love the Bromance that you have with Mark great pics good video

[@vintagecrazyjay4970]

I own the 126660 Deep Sea 44mm and wear it daily. Yes, it's a large watch - like a tank wearing a tuxedo, tough and classy! To each his own. Enjoy!

[@osdguone]

Glorious circumnavigates the fault with the Milgauss ! Chapeau!

[@simonegaiano3179]

Italian KZbinrs are the best!!!!!

[@BlackWipeout]

The Fortis Stratoliner, the mouvement is coming from Manufacture La Joux-Perret ;) Nice video.

[@jc944t]

I lean towards vintage when it comes to Rolex except for the Oyster Perpetual line (ref 114300) at 39mm. Why Rolex discontinued making a 39mm, simple 3-hander ...I will never know! Hilarious segment on the Milgauss, great video!

[@williamannelli9822]

You two are perfect together. Great and informative video. Thank You

[@sopwithtv]

THE REASON I DON'T WATCH the videos with Mark at Long Island as much is because the watches don't get enough screen time. Love the discussion, but viewers want to SEE the watches. That is the fundamental reason why we click the "play" button. My estimate is that the watches get less than 10% of total screen time. The vast majority of time is spent looking at the hosts (who are awesome), but that misses the entire purpose. When possible, please show us more of what we came to see. Thanks!

[@Sebastian85]

By far my most favorite watch talk. 💪

[@suleymanthetufekci]

-Nobody: -Tristano: Donkeys, bonkers, *hand gestures* -Marc: If you will.

[@acsiii110]

That ababalony watch is sweet. Invicta have really stepped up their game mate.

[@mattys1467]

Really enjoyed this video, great concept. Thanks, as ever 👍

[@mcapps1]

1987 sub two tone blue dial.

[@justinstandring7413]

Hi TGV.I own an Oysterquartz 17013,white dial gold romans.I will never sell it.I bought it in 2003,as one of the last produced.(on 0 per cent finance over 3 years),im not ashamed to admit.It was the culmination of desire.My friend at school had a Rolex catalogue,which I think his Dad had let him have.The year was about 1987.The catalogue was mesmerising to a 15 year old.I loved the angular case of the Oysterquartz,and the solid Gold watches were unattainable and amazing.The Day-Date in Gold was probably,and still is the watch that says to me;the best in the world.My Oysterquartz let me down in about 2013 after 10 years on my wrist.Rolex wanted £1000 to fix it.I think the electronic board goes over time.It is sadly in a box in my garage.If you know anyone in the UK that could get it running affordably again,please let me know as I cant afford to fix it at Rolex prices.So started a journey into Seiko,Citizen and Casio collection.Today,I am wearing an NY0040-09w full lume Citizen,which I received from Italy through Amazon,today.I think they have now sold out.My SKX007,which I had worn for the 10 years after my Rolex has also stopped working.The SKX007 is great as we all know,but I dont like them modded.Keep them original guys.I thought the NY0040 would be a close alternative.Please try and get a full lume NY0040 as I think it is great.Ive put mine straight on a jubilee,as we all know how good that feels and looks.(I also owned a Blue Dial polished bezel,steel Jubilee Datejust first.Then a 2 tone Black Sub(why did I sell that?)However,I actually feel that Seiko jubilees and aftermarket jangly ones are better than The slightly stiffer Rolex ones,because I find them really comfy.(Discuss everyone!!!).After all that nostalgia,my point was you couldn't include my Rolex on your list as it has no modern version.I just wanted to give a shout out to Rolex's oft forgotten model,my childhood hero,the Oysterquartz.

[@DustandPiers]

Those Fortis Stratoliners are just gorgeous. One of my favorite dial designs I've seen in a long time. In most cases, I prefer Rolexes in that shadowland of vintage/modern in the mid/late 90's. The contemporary watches are almost all too large, and much older, you start to lose some of the modern niceties. I tend to think the ~30 year old watches are some of the best in their respective lineages from a value perspective, as they offer the classic design with "most" of the modern improvements.

[@ruilacerdamagalhaes4976]

We need a TGV×Islander collab...

[@danrobinson2888]

Great video TGV those Fortis look awesome. but why do I need a 20 ATM watch in space, when there is no atmosphere 🤔 Remember in space no one can hear you scream ! :) 🦖

[@aquachunk4207]

*in

[@davidborg5324]

Great video TVG and Mark As a proud Milgauss owner, have my forgiveness for turning a potentially fatal flaw into a hilarious sidenote. 🤣👏👌 Regards from Malta 🇲🇹

[@herbmerced7780]

Interestingly, I like all modern Rolex except for the Cellini line…I love the square vintage Cellini Prince with that beautiful open case back…

[@tapunom]

The Cellini was also Offered in a hand wind 17 jewel in 2005, and a whole bunch of other years. Every year there was a quartz version, I believe there was also a hand wind equivalent

[@oOoScarecrow31oOo]

For the record, the Explorer 1016 price range is currently between 10k and 80k € ou $ what ever. You’ve also missed my favorite Rolex: the Commando which is basically a cheap military version of the Explorer 1016 ! 😎😱

[@lugtolug3788]

Superb sit down and conversation with Marc TGV. The vintage Rolex sizing is spot on in my opinion. The new OP 41, for example, appears bloated , clumsy and out of proportion.

[@TheeFatPanda]

Man I absolutely love your videos. @TheUrbanGentry - can you add chapter markers to the content going forward? Thank you!

[@rain3304]

so cool TGV I like those Fortis Watches :)

[@peterboyce1422]

Awesome. Made my day the pair of you… havin a larf. The only question I have… the newer explorer with the return to the smaller size. (The lume on it ticks it over to modern for me.)

[@yrasphong]

This is awesome..Im subscribed to both u guys.this is long over due

[@NoNameNo.5]

It’s like the odd couple . Hilariously good

[@oliver1965]

Thx for your nice conversation 👍🏻 Get going 🚀

[@jonathanturner1581]

Love you guys, and I prefer vintage, cause modern Rolex feels more like buying a house than a watch ("DuckTales Money"), and yes I'm old enough to remember the original cartoon 😂LOL

[@gerrytemple5044]

I really liked the rectangular shaped Fortis you showed in the beginning.I WANT IT! Is this still availabe? Can't find it on the Fortis store. Can you please help? Cheers!

[@ChanahsCreativeEdits]

Just put a registration of interest on a date just fluted silver dial rolly from an AD. No idea when it will come in?

[@michaelriera6277]

I love my 124270. It is perfection on my 6.5 wrist.

[@mordeth1964]

I laughed when you chastised yourself for saying "bloody" It made me remember when I was really young and mum heard me say "bloody hell" and she proceeded to wash my mouth out with soap😬😝

[@GarySleep]

The 1969 silver dial Cosmograph (6238) that George Lazenby wears in OHMSS is peak for me.

[@timelesssneakersandwatches]

Great video gents! Really enjoyed this one.

[@dnbrg74]

The thumbnail. Then the pre-intro, "watch expert reacts to vintage Rolex" - got me laughing my ass off.

[@woodmant]

Fun and enjoyable video but you didn't include the Explorer ll either although you did include photos of it when you discussed the Explorer even though it's an entirely different watch.

[@77cjam]

Great video. In general I'm always a vintage guy, but as per the video there are points where modern would be the path I chose. My favourite Rolex is an 80s Air King (as worn by Mr Cruise in Cocktail) but I would definitely be tempted by the Yacht-master 37 with the slate dial and blue touches.

[@lawrenceh7182]

Those stratoliners are sooooo damn good!!

[@9tophat]

Another excellent video with my two favorite watch guys! You two are the best. Thank you TGV and Marc for all you do for us. Onwards and Upwards, my friends. Cheers!🙂👍

[@peterzwegat5380]

As far as I know. Rolex at first only added the "Daytona" reference in 1963 on their american market Cosmograph watches because of the racecar history of Daytona Beach (and later the Daytona Racetrack). Later - as synonym for racing - they added the "Daytona" lettering to all of the Cosmograph watches. Since then, the full name "Cosmograph Daytona" was born. (Reference: The Rolex Magazine issue 09)

[@drkharfan6733]

Can you please share the link to the video of the double watch nato set up

[@RabidHeron]

Let’s go!!!! I love these colabs

[@Bullet_1987]

you should split explorer and explorer 2.

[@ricardochaveste7367]

I'm my self Vintage watches definitely has more history than the modern new one's they been to places movies, space,racing and much more a tell story love the patina..great content as always.👍👍⌚..from St George Utah 👋 until next episode.....

[@tylercolvin3782]

Yeah! Mom finally got the boys together for a play date LOL

[@Owen-ri2er]

Great episode

[@edw333n]

Islander watches good voyage into your first modern vintage inspired piece. Would luv to see and Islander x Squale Sub 39 (White Dial Double Signage). Or maybe a Y1521 (Bund Styled Sterile Bezel). Islander logo perfect 6 o' clock moist indicator placement substitute. 😁

[@peterzwegat5380]

I think it is super hard to decide on this either or. Easy to decide on Cellini for modern, Sea-Dweller for vintage (thy are smaller) but a lot of models are way harder to decide!

[@kickstothehead3705]

What about an updated Rolex diver with and oil pressure dial

[@jeremycorrao]

I wore a Deep Sea. I still have the picture I think. It's big but wears nicely on my 7 inch wrist.

[@fj9270]

Hi guys, which movie were they talking about with seiko 5 / rolex switch?

[@morgan97475]

"..yacht with a Yachtmaster".....Can "yacht" be used as a verb...or would "sail" be more appropriate here? Fun video, guys.

[@joseph_b319]

In regards to the Rolex Yacht Master i have a Timex Yacht Racer that does the same timing of yacht racing, only for thousands of dollars cheaper.

[@theurbangentry]

👏👏👏👏 Pure class comment. Thank you Joseph, Best regards. TGV