Rolex

You say all these pieces are in pristine condition

It is extremely rare to find these old models with pristine original dials

I am struggling to find an original striped prince or even a two tone prince without some work done on the case or dial

Good luck and let us know which one you are thinking of getting

Julian

This particular shop only sells vintage Rolex watches and have quite a number of Prince models available. Their prices are arguably higher than any other dealer but the quality of their products are second to none. This makes these rare watches even rarer being in such mint condition. Worth the outlay almost like buying a classic car from a reputable dealer to avoid long term costs. The Prince (number 3) is a class act but the overall size of the watch seems to dominate my wrist more than number one and four.

But for me, I am always reluctant to choose a shaped case as I'm afraid I'll lose interest in it; or feel it is too attention-getting. That has happened on more than one occasion. So number 2 would most likely be what I'd end up selecting. Frankly, it appears as elegant and as beautiful as number 1, if not as unique. Anyway, good luck with your choice. I don't think you can go wrong here.

Yes rectangular cases are arguably more niche and the round case with the 33 or 34mm diameter fitted my wrist like a glove as expected. Saying that, I actually opted for a Patek 5940G with a torneau shaped case over the more conventional 5140 round case and have not looked back since as to me it is a lot more elegant. Number 2 above is 20 years younger than the rest and may prove to be a more reliable (and possibly accurate) watch than the three rectangular ones. At the end the day, you are absolutely right that I cannot go wrong with any of them so I shall try them on again soon before pulling the trigger Hopefully, a decision made with the heart and the head!!

No message body

To be honest, the first two fit my wrist perfectly as if they were made for me. I am almost tempted to buy both (they conveniently cost a lot less than any of the other two. I know, I know I am being a bit greedy here)) but I am a bit cautious as I have never owned a Rolex vintage watch and am not sure how reliable and accurate they are. So buying one would be the smart move for the time being

I owned several over the years and their great watches.

You are the only purist who has chosen the 4th watch and as you seem to be an expert on these watches, your vote really matters. In fact, when I walked out of the shop, this was my favourite watch and the Prince that best suited my wrist. So I was quite amazed that almost every purist voted for number one which I do agree looks great on my wrist. Perhaps the focus from the camera on the 4th watch was less sharp than the other three (or more likely than not, my hand had moved!!).
Since you have owned other Princes, could you please let me know if they are reliable and accurate watches? What daily tolerance should I be expecting? Thank you very much Kurt!

Love the 3rd & 4th!

I can see you are a fan of the Rolex Prince range. It is guys like you who have pushed the price of the Prince up!! )
Good choices by the way. The 3rd watch has a very clear and clean dial but wears larger on my wrist than the 4th watch. Dying to try them on one more time

thanks!

Given the popularity of the Rolex sports watches, these classic watches proces have become very affordable.. : )

No message body

They both seem to be the most legible but if you look at the 3rd one carefully, the watch may be a tad too large for my wrist if you notice how the bottom of the watch is placed compared to say watches number one and four where the fact is close to perfect

No message body

But what if I told you for the price of number 3, I could get number 1 and 4!!

No message body

I guess you get what you pay for and it is priced a certain way due to the demand for the watch. I need a new wrist!!

No message body

I very much like the first.   The simplicity rectangular case is much in keeping with that era and the art deco style.   Below is an old picture of mine against a copy of a December 1936
UK Rolex advertisement.   I understand that the steel case is now rare.   Mine is currently away for a service.   An old wrist shot also.   Small watch for today but absolutely clear to read and enjoy with care.

Best

Clive



Old photo

I feel today's watches are generally too large and yours fits your wrist perfectly. In fact I am pretty sure I saw something similar in the shop I visited who only specialise in vintage Rolexes. Maybe I am just a dinosaur but I wish Rolex and other companies would continue making watches of this style.

I would need there to be an unrefinished, untouched dial; unpolished or lightly polished case with good definition all around and no corrosion; movement in excellent condition. Regarding the Prince Brancard (#3), does it have an observatory movement, which would be a big plus. Is the Brancard in steel, which would also be a big plus (versus silver).

I am highly impressed by your knowledge of vintage Rolex watches which I have none of! The watches are in silver apart from the round one. I can see originality is important to you but condition is very important to me too which is why I visited this particular shop where the watches are in excellent condition even though many have been restored. And I learn a new word today - 'Branchard'! Thank you! My decision has been somewhat affected because yesterday I had decided to buy the watch below which has nothing to do with vintage Rolex! In fact, it could not be more different!!

You approach these dilemmas with great curiosity, open mindedness, a sense of humor and modesty. So I am happy to participate in the discussion.
Congratulations on the Moser #1 of 20! I know these watches have a following and are of very high quality.
Until the next dilemma (which I look forward to reading about), best, patekova

Fortunately or perhaps unfortunately, I cannot keep buying watches with my impending retirement in June, unless of course one of my relatives is a lot less healthy and loves me a lot more than I could ever have imagined!
I think my biggest and possibly only issue with a vintage Rolex is that although they are beautiful and fit my wrist well, I am worried they will not keep time well. I was fortunate that a 1947 IWC I had owned until recently was accurate to two seconds daily but I was told by the honest owner of the vintage Rolex shop that I should expect a variation of two minutes a week. This would be acceptable to most purists but I know if I owned a mechanical watch with such a tolerance, I would end up selling it which is really something I would like to avoid.
I have a resolution for 2017 - only buy watches that I intend to keep always. Hence, I have to be pretty careful with each purchase.
Thank you once again for your advice and participation is my dilemma solving!

you should assume it won't - hence no need to worry. In other words one needs to adjust one's attitude towards this issue and forget about trying to adjust the watch for greater accuracy. Like with your IWC you might get lucky, but even if so, it doesn't mean it will retain that degree of accuracy over time.
Very funny what you write about your relatives
Best, patekova

I must have been very lucky with the IWC (admittedly it had spent 4 months at IWC for a full service and restoration) because it was keeping near perfect time for two years! It then occurred to me that accuracy in watches has not progressed much after 70 years!! I guess I should stick to modern or new watches as I am too much of a fussy perfectionist - the watch has to suit my wrist (my 5131R is deemed too large), it must be light (I have sold 5 Langes as they have been too heavy. Yes I am a slow learner!! ), it has to be accurate (a Blancpain tourbillon that was out by 10 seconds daily was auctioned off!), it must have a superb movement and the movement if visible must fill the case back (my Patek 5119 failed the test as the 215PS movement is quite small compared to the size of the case), the brand must offer good after sales service (I had an Urban Jurgensen which required me to fly to Geneva as it needed a service and there are no ADs in the UK) and the watch must not be too thick! (I had a Montblanc Villeret chronograph monopusher which was 13.8mm high which catching everything and everyone around me!!). So yes, I think as pretty as the vintage Rolexes are, I should accept the fact that not all beautiful things are meant for me

be a perfectionist and get exactly what you want. Don't know about the speed of your learning, but it seems to me you have learned a lot and have developed a great formula for buying. Of course, sometimes it is hard to stick to a formula when presented with something irresistible that does not quite fit the formula. Best, patekova

Thank you for appreciating my 'twisted' views. We all have formulas that work for us and after having made numerous purchases and arguably numerous mistakes, I think I have finally found what worls for me. I am happy to say my tiny collection of 4 or 5 watches will likely be in my collection until my last days giving me joy whether they are on or off my wrist!!
Best regards,
Sham

Classic, right sized and the dial layout doesn't look as busy and pretty well balanced.

Your opinion sums it all accurately. Some people may not be able to appreciate a simple non busy dial, but like you, I do