This is the exact Rolex my father has! I never recalled it looking small on his wrist. Concerns on sizing should really ever only be on whether it's suitable on the wearer and not whether it falls into a 'mens' category or not.
Go back into watches a year or two ago and have begun to talk watches with my customers - the number of these small Rolexes out there is amazing. Sitting in a drawer, never serviced(to much money), not running but kept. Men bought them as a status piece right before retirement or they were bonus gifts - worn a few years and then put away.
@@evanfestari6690 I'm jealous, it's beautiful. I have small wrists and an original Casio is the perfect size for me...which I think is 30mm 🙈 so this one would look normal on me
Discounts were normal then... apart from Steel Daytona’s! We used to refer to steel & gold as steel & yellow metal. I’ve always known this to be because the ‘trade’ should not describe gold as gold unless it was hallmarked and because it is used with steel in the article it can’t be hallmarked. B/W = bracelet watch.👍 Edit: Just to clarify, the ‘gold’ is solid gold but I think it contravenes the hallmarking act to describe it as so. I used to wear that size back in the day and occasionally a bubble back.... wow I was so cool!😂
My dad had one in the late 80's too. The way I look at it is the watches are so small that they were worn for the bracelet - taking watches as jewelry to another level. This was especially popular in Asia.
Art Blend even better it has a matte dial. I don’t know why but he never wore it. Only once, kept in the safe longer than I’ve been alive! Reminds me of him every time I look at it
i have a exact same model in 36mm my father purchased in Sept '89. He bought it, kept in the original box, stored in the vault. I got it from him the other day, has everything and it's a dead stock, with all the papers and original receipt. It's so awesome to see all the papers, it even came with Rolex calendar of 1989!!!
I prefer the small size of this watch, as I have small arms and a tiny wrist. A large faced ''normal'' mans watch looks like a dinner plate on my wrist. In the past, I have even been known to wear a ladies watch - the same style and colour as the mens version, but just because it's a smaller dial and looks in proportion to my wrist.
In 1988 I walked into a jewelry store called Mappins, (gone now) in my local shopping mall, bought a gmt master 16700 for 1800.00 cdn, that included a 15% discount, walked out with the watch. Had to go back a week later to pick up the warranty paper which they'd sent to Rolex Canada to have my name printed on it. Except for the price, which seemed like alot of money at the time, it was no different than going into a store and buying a shirt. I miss the 80's :)
Was that in Canada? I don't know if they had Mappins in the states but they were a pretty decent jewellery store here. I darn near bought a two tone lady datejust from Birks in the early '90s for $2200 (CAD) but I eventually decided that was an obscene amount of money, lol.
Yup.... Winnipeg, Polo Park Mall to be exact. They always had a few submariners, explorers etc. on the shelf. People's Jewellers was on the main floor and in the late 70's, early 80's they had Tudor. I clearly remember seeing Tudor subs on display for $375.00....and no one was buying them.
@@derekhicks8250 My father-in-law worked at Mappins back in the day ... Told me about the days of selling Rolex. Said he only ever saw two Day-Date Presidentials - one that was sold, and another that was smashed and grabbed from the case lol.
Great seeing vintage watches in this setting. Side note, I love my 36mm OP with white grape dial. Not as vintage sized as a 31 but the 36 is such a perfect size for a skinny wrist like mine.
My old Seiko Quartz I had for my 18th is 31mm and I wore it for 30 years until the date wheel stopped working. I took an age to choose it and always loved it. Never thought it small. Currently looking to restore it.
These kind and size of Rolex watches are still hard to sell. You can tell by looking in the window of any dealer - they are plenty on display. They don't give discounts, due to being threatened by Rolex. Instead they sell to the grey market - especially in Japan small sizes are still popular. You get great deals in the grey / second hand shops around Ueno, Nakano, etc.
What is even better than the story of box and papers is when you randomly find the box and papers to your dad's 1987 Datejust which you did not know you had (I had the watch). The story it told was a lot. The price, the date it was purchased, reference number info. As far as the 20% discount, I purchased my modern 116234 at 15% off and no tax which is pretty much 20%. This was in 2016. The DJ is my grail watch.
Also to add, my Dad's Datejust is probably one of my most accurate watches at about 1.5 seconds fast a day. It has not been serviced since purchased in 1987.
Really enjoyed this more laid back type of video, takes me back to your earlier videos! This watch is so charming, and although it’s 31mm, it actually doesn’t look bad on your wrist!
Back in 1997 I got a 10% off my Rolex Explore 2 polar dial from Watches of Switzerland and I got £150 off a Rolex submarine from Frazer Hart back in 2003 and I never forget as they a few steel sport Rolex in the window. Amazing how times have changed.
I actually love my 31mm! I wanted a watch that felt similar to an F91-W. It looks classy in all settings, and frankly makes my "mens" sized watches all feel a bit oversized in comparison!
I have inherited the very same datejust 31, model 68273, SN is of 1985 according to unofficial lists (no papers). My Weishi accuracy measures are exactly the same as yours, which is astounding. Incidental question: as I have no box either, could you mention the box reference so that I can grab one somewhere?
I just inherited a 37 years old Rolex which is a datejust. It didn't come with the box but it did come with original receipt. The one I have looks very similar. It was purchased in 1986 in the Cayman Islands during my fathers vacation on the NCL cruise "Song of America" May father paid $2900 in 1986.
In 2008, I came into some good money, over €30k but didn’t consider buying a Rolex...thought they were too expensive and was afraid to even check the price...how I wish I had bought a gmt master ii back then with the money...anyway used the money to pay off debts and only managed to buy a Rolex in 2018
I remember back in the day, Watches of Switzerland in Bournemouth would take any watch as a 10% deposit and do 12 months interest free credit. My father was a good customer there and they would offer very good discounts on Rolex for him.
Adrian, just found my dads 36mm date just. Bought in ‘91. He’s still got the business card let alone the other bits and pieces. The history feels so cool! Appreciate your video on it. 👍🏻 he’s never had it serviced either… 😂
Clark Gable wore a 31mm Rolex, and President Kennedy wore a tiny gold Cartier. I am active outdoors, and if I’m not training and wearing a fitness computer, a durable watch that’s small, lightweight and stays out of the way is ideal.
I got a Datejust I bought in 1971 paid 350$ I bought it in Florida no discount 36mm two tone yellow gold silver linen dial still have it !! Great channel !!👍
Hi Adrian, @5:31 you say “1968” - maybe at little graphic *1986 could be added. More importantly, thanks for this video. It’s interesting how tastes in size change. The ref.96 - the watch that saved Patek was 30.5mm and a huge hit with the male market. 35.5mm, intruded later, was called “oversize”, and we forget that the first AP Royal Oaks, at 40mm were called “Jumbo”. I have 7.75” wrist and my most recent new watch purchase was a Rolex DJ 36 2019 version. I think 36mm is the Goldilocks size. We will later laugh a bit at the over 40mm pieces a bit in a few years. But rather than anticipate that I am trying to simply ignore size for the main part and just enjoy the watch. That 31mm piece looked pretty good on your wrist.
I've had a 36mm Datejust since about 1985. I'm wearing it right now. It's time keeping is close enough for me. Actually just now it right on having been reset for daylight savings time here in the States.
Bought many Rolex in the 90’s up to the early 2000s and believe it or not you could sometimes wiggle a small discount on a SS-Sport model and see a couple sitting in the AD’s cases regularly. DJ especially the precious metals could be had for a decent discount at special sales events. The regular in store discount was limited to 10%. Been told by the old timers that during the 60s, 70s into the 80s, a dealer could literally have a Rolex sitting in the display case for years. I’ve bought a number of vintage Subs and Explorers that were built years before they were actually sold by the AD. Things have changed.
I have an 18K gold Rolex Chronometer dress watch from 1949 that is 35mm. I love the history of it, but I'm not really sure of its provenance. I don't have the original papers. So cool that you do...
Wee mistake there at 5:15, you said _in 1968 this cost_ .... not 1986. Y'see, I do pay attention to the little things. Which is sadly what I think my wife said to me on my wedding night....
So in 1986 I bought my submarina and was offered, with out asking, a 20 per cent discount. BTW I was offered a Daytona with the same discount but I wanted a date and cyclops. Who knew. But I still own the little subie that cost all of 775$ 1980s dollars. I should have bought two.
Always appreciate your take on the wild and wacky world of watches. About to pick up an older Perpetual and just love vintage lots. Heading over to your shop now because there's always a need for a new strap. ;)
Loved the video I just wanted to correct you on one subject, when the watch runs behind the line is supposed to plummet down according to the number shown above. If it's running right, for example +/-0 with a beat error off 0 it shows as a straight line
I like this channel, but I wish TH-camrs that talk about watches spent a bit more time learning about mechanical movements to provide more accurate advice on watch ownership. Or is the idea to brush-off the realities of owning mechanical watches to perpetuate the idea that they are better than quartz? Sure, high-end mechanical watches are amazing compared to quartz, but do conventional watches benefit from having "standard" mechanical movements? I have been debating this myself, and consolidating my collection around this.
@@CoxaBranca a mechanical watch is in Every way relevant to daily use vastly inferior to the quartz watch But a quartz watch is just cold and lifeless in comparison And it's not the creators fault, I'm a trained watchmaker that's why I know these things I understand if someone shows and describes you the timing device some things could get lost in translation or be misunderstood Case in point thinking the degree of the graph indicates that the watch runs worst than it actually does...
I wouldn't buy a 31mm myself these days either but I didn't think it looked SO ridiculous on your wrist. Cool to see the old box and papers, thanks for sharing!
Went to my AD where I’ve been an average customer. Was negotiating on a DJ31 steel and rose gold... 3% discount. No wait list, tons of stock... they just don’t need to discount to meet their sales goals
I bought my 34 mm oyster precision 6426 by mail order from Alexander's of reigate in 1989 (I live in glasgow)I paid £380 which must have had a discount.the price list for 1989 shows it as a discontinued model but it was still available as an oysterdate for £490.it's been serviced once in the late 90s and runs about +4 secs a day.
Hi I got 35% discount on 16710 y-serie and 2 years later I bought 16610lv with 25% discount. Still keep the original receipts and both watches were bought from the same AD.
I inherited a datejust from a relative. It was purchased on 1975. It’s a 31mm with blue dial. I’ve shown it on my channel. I wish I could wear it but it’s just too small for my 7-7/8 wrist and I don’t have the extra links to make the bracelet larger to fit my wrist. Trying to convince my wife to wear the watch.
Nice little watch, incredible condition for a ripe old age of 34 years old. A little TLC for the movement and the fact that your Dad-in-law kept the whole kit is super cool! Adds to the intrigue of this Wrist Art! It would be lost on my wrist (7 3/4" or 19.7 cms) . Thank You for the video, much enjoyed. :)
I'm reluctant to get my watches serviced.They might polish the watch or replace patinated original parts. How often does a Rolex really need servicing? I have an Explorer 36mm too, a 112470
Watches and cars need clean, working oil to stay running. Just tell the dealership to not polish the fenders or replace the chrome trim unless you actually tell them to do so. Snark aside, the watchmaker should agree to call you after inspection and before doing any work.
My smallest watch is a 1950's Roamer 33 mm's and my largest watch is a Nixon which is 44 mm's and I have various others between those two sizes , I like them all they all fit well on my 7 inch wrist .
Hope you kept this one. The size looks great and follows the rule of thirds on wrist. Price wise, these aren't that much cheaper than the 36mm these days.
Looks fine but may be if the watch is in full gold colour, it will be even more alrite for gent as gold will be flashy and smaller gold watch in everyway looks nice and classy.
Great video, I really enjoyed the look back in time at the purchase of that Datejust. I have one of around the same age but mine has the tapestry dial and has been serviced. To me they are iconic examples of Rolex watches and I do still wear mine from time to time. Thanks again......nicely done!
I spoke to a watch dealer/trader with roughly 40 years of experience the other day and he told me that the usual dealer margin is around 2.8 in the luxury watch trade. Meaning they buy a watch from the manufacturer for, say, $1000 and sell it to the consumer for around $2800. Now, granted, luxury establishments do have a lot of overhead to cope with (rent, personnel, etc) but given this information, a 20% discount doesn't seem like an outlandish proposal. Especially for a model that probably wasn't easy to sell, even if it was a Rolex. Although ... a friend of mine bought a new Subby from an AD in the mid/late 90s and he got a 10% discount on it. But other brands? Just yesterday I went into a local, high-end-ish dealership that sells Swatch-group and LVMH brands to look at a Hamilton Intra-Matic Chrono. I told the salesperson I wasn't going to buy on that day (or this month) and didn't even ask for a deal ... and she instantly offered me one, stating "oh, we can talk about the price, naturally". List price is €1,995 IIRC and without any haggling I was offered a 10% discount on that plus an additional year of warranty and the first service for free.
Things probably work a little differently in the Far East. While getting a discount might not be the norm in the UK, it was, at least back then in Singapore, a given. A 31mm datejust, with a fluted bezel and a jubilee bracelet I bought in the mid 80's from an AD came with a 25% discount. The substantial discount was partly due to the fact that I knew the shop owner. Otherwise, it would most likely have been only 15% to 20%. Today, of course the landscape has changed a great deal. The mention of a discount would, I guarantee you, solicit the most raucous of laughter form the sales person, at the very least.
Call me stupid but I think 31mm is fitting perfect for a man. Im looking out for my first Rolex Datejust and I think it fits me perfect. great understatement watch. Have to buy a lady Rolex but I don't care :D
My daily wearer is a datejust 36 mm from my birthyear 1984. Unfortunately in terms of practicality it has a plexi rather than sapphire crystal, so I dare not swim with it. But that’s the only downside, it’s a watch that goes with virutally anything, from shorts to tux.
Honestly, for a watch that hasn’t been serviced in 30 years, those figures are pretty damn good and real testament to the engineering in these old pieces. If it’s holding power reserve, it should just need a service
That 30mm Rolex I inherited (showed you it at Manchester Redbar), I had to give it to my wife as it was so tiny. Realise that is an awful lot older at late 40’s but never realised they were still making gents that size in the 80’s!! 😳
I got the exact same Watch as a gift from a family member he worn it for a couple of years before giving it to me. I personally am not a huge fan ob big watches because I always find them looking too chunky but I do consider buying one in 36 mm I’m just not sure if I will like it
It shows how times have changed in just the past couple years! I got my first Rolex back in November 2012, a submariner date and manage to get about 7.5% off its list price from my AD!
Bark and Jack luckily they had two in stock at the time, also they had in stock the 116610LV Hulk and 116710BLNR Batman GMT, I went for the sub because for me it offered the best all round watch that looked the best in my opinion. But in today’s world certain watches are more desirable purely because of their resale value, is like to see a video on this, for me the Daytona is a fantastic watch but would it be as desirable if Rolex didn’t restrict its supply? They also had a Pepsi GMT in stock used that they couldn’t sell at the time for around £3500 from memory, this would be a lot higher than that now!
I got a Old Datejust yellow gold From my grandpa (i think its 29 or 30mm ) i thought a Long Time about whether i wear it or Not... i have a 6.7 inch . Everyone told me that it looks too small, but After this Video i will wear the watch :)
I thought I’d tuned into Beverley Hills Cop there for a moment. Sat with s mate while he brought a sub no date from Argyle Arcade in Glasgow about 10 years ago and he got I think 20% discount.
The "ym" might really mean yellow metal because I believe many watches back then used plated steel for the bracelets, and it was only the bezel that was genuine solid gold. I've seen quite a few Tudors and Seikos with this mix, so its plausible Rolex did the same, especially if it was a folded bracelet
I have a a virtually unworn oyster speedking ref 6430 (30.5mm) with box and papers. My grandparents got it for my dad's 21st in 1983 with 25% off rrp at £193. I think it was built in the late 1970s. It was unfortunately too small for my dad to ever wear on the bracelet.
men today can wear 31mm. they feel emasculated by the thought and that's their problem. I'm sufficiently comfortable with myself that I could indulge it and I think smaller sizes are very elegant and coming into fashion now. "It looks silly" well I think we know someone who isn't very secure in their manhood. Don't worry women don't mind small ones.
@@BarkandJack Ah I see, because they are hollow links. Also I never expected you'd read my comment on this old video. Cheers from Holland, loving your content Adrian!
How is the condition of the bracelet? I have 16013 from 1987 and the bracelet is not streched anymore. Do we have a chance to have it repaired? Thank you.
Great peak into the past. I really like the 36mm, that is a perfect size for me, I am not sure about a 31mm, but then again it is a Rolex so I would try it. Thanks, Brian.
Very interesting Adrian to inject some history in the channel !! I picked a 1996 Rolex catalogue in Jersey in 1997 as I got my first job in a hotel (kind of)....here are some examples (UK prices not CI): 16200 was 1870£ , 14270 was 1660£, 16610 was 2120£....yes, that's history !!!! :(
The watch I own that gets the most compliments/conversation starts with women is easily my 29mm 18k gold Santos octagon from the 80s. Totally opposite with dudes who mention my other larger watches. Maybe a half-dozen women over the past few years have cold commented on it, that it is either really unique, and/or how they appreciate that a man isn't wearing some massive watch. Small watches can work really well if you dress more conservatively/nicely. Looks very weird with t-shirts or hoodies etc.
I was offered 25% discount on a steel air king back in the late 90s, I didn’t see the value back then with the bracelet and clasp construction. The Rolex of today feels like a watch shaped solid object, it’s evident a lot of effort is used to machine every piece of it.. oh and 36mm is the only size the dressier Rolex watches should come in
Extremely interesting video. Kudos Adrian, you consistently come up with interesting content. At least in the US, prior to 2017, discounts on a Rolex went as follows. SS: 5% TT: 10% PM: 15% - 20%
I bought the same identical watch with the same dial but with a 34mm diameter in 1978 in the US as my first “good” watch. The watch was $2175 USD and I bought it on sale for $1875 USD. I used it as my only watch for many years and still have it, although I seldom wear it because I have 20 watches. It was completely overhauled a year ago and lightly polished for the first time so it looks great. I am of a medium wrist size so the 34mm in no way looks dainty when I wear it but some of my watches are 43mm (Parmigiani and Longines) or 44mm (Grand Seiko spring dive diver) so I am accustomed to the feel of a larger watch. I tried to get my wife to wear it but she demurred on the basis that it was too large for her. I have a leather strap for it and I think that it looks better on leather and that the size is less discernible. I am no longer into metal bracelets (the Grand Seiko is on rubber) and sold my larger Yacht-Master I because it was too shiny on the wrist. I think that the metal bracelet keeps me from wearing this 34mm reference more than the size. The only metal bracelet watch I ever liked was a 1200M Ploprof with the steel mesh. I have a Grand Seiko Elegance SBKG005 which is 39.5mm. I wanted to order the new metal small link bracelet that GS uses on the GS SBKG009 which is supposed to become available for stand alone purchase at $850 but which is still not available. Rolex steel bracelets put me off and I doubt that I will ever purchase another Rolex, although I would be intrigued by a Rolex on a Milanese bracelet.
Hi Adrian, thanks for the video. I bought a Speedmaster at a reputable dealers in Paris in 1990 (not quite the 1980s but close). They gave me a discount of 15% for paying cash for it. Of course Speedies were more affordable in those days, and frankly a bit old fashioned.
Neat. I think, given the current events (and likely next couple of years), these kinds of under-sized / smaller watches will become more and more relevant. Somehow I don't think people will want to wear flashy, large watches anymore.
I will be 63 this year, I remember in the 1960s men wearing 34 mm was common . Yes I wish I could go back to 1979 and get that Rolex Submariner for $900.00 USD. I have 2 Tudor Hydronauts the 89190 and the Hydronaut II, love them both, now thinking about adding a Rolex, Maybe the OP 34 mm 3-6-9 dial or the 34mm air king.
Own a vintage Datejust which is 36mm in size & a new 39mm Explorer. Not all that different in terms of quality if you ask me, although the Oyster bracelet is obviously far superior to the Jubilees of yesteryear.
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This is the exact Rolex my father has! I never recalled it looking small on his wrist. Concerns on sizing should really ever only be on whether it's suitable on the wearer and not whether it falls into a 'mens' category or not.
Go back into watches a year or two ago and have begun to talk watches with my customers - the number of these small Rolexes out there is amazing. Sitting in a drawer, never serviced(to much money), not running but kept. Men bought them as a status piece right before retirement or they were bonus gifts - worn a few years and then put away.
It really doesn’t look silly, I’d adore that watch. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder I suppose.
Just purchased this watch yesterday. Im a big guy and i love the size and simplicity of it.
Fire
@@evanfestari6690 I'm jealous, it's beautiful. I have small wrists and an original Casio is the perfect size for me...which I think is 30mm 🙈 so this one would look normal on me
Just picked this up this morning in the 36 and LOVE IT! 6ft 190lbs and I love the look on me
@@weAllCin congrats, that's awesome! I wish I could get one.
Discounts were normal then... apart from Steel Daytona’s! We used to refer to steel & gold as steel & yellow metal. I’ve always known this to be because the ‘trade’ should not describe gold as gold unless it was hallmarked and because it is used with steel in the article it can’t be hallmarked.
B/W = bracelet watch.👍
Edit: Just to clarify, the ‘gold’ is solid gold but I think it contravenes the hallmarking act to describe it as so.
I used to wear that size back in the day and occasionally a bubble back.... wow I was so cool!😂
Thanks so much Mike. I should have dropped you a message before making this video. I would have sounded so much more informed. Cheers 👍🏻
My dad had one in the late 80's too. The way I look at it is the watches are so small that they were worn for the bracelet - taking watches as jewelry to another level. This was especially popular in Asia.
My dad bought a 16750 GMT1 pepsi from Paris in 1982 and got a 15% discount on it. I have the watch, box, papers and receipt still!
Whow
pouhhhhhhhhhhh lucky man!!! :)
Art Blend even better it has a matte dial. I don’t know why but he never wore it. Only once, kept in the safe longer than I’ve been alive! Reminds me of him every time I look at it
@@Cull_Obsidian Very nice story!! bless him!
Nice one
i have a exact same model in 36mm my father purchased in Sept '89. He bought it, kept in the original box, stored in the vault. I got it from him the other day, has everything and it's a dead stock, with all the papers and original receipt. It's so awesome to see all the papers, it even came with Rolex calendar of 1989!!!
I prefer the small size of this watch, as I have small arms and a tiny wrist. A large faced ''normal'' mans watch looks like a dinner plate on my wrist. In the past, I have even been known to wear a ladies watch - the same style and colour as the mens version, but just because it's a smaller dial and looks in proportion to my wrist.
In 1988 I walked into a jewelry store called Mappins, (gone now) in my local shopping mall, bought a gmt master 16700 for 1800.00 cdn, that included a 15% discount, walked out with the watch. Had to go back a week later to pick up the warranty paper which they'd sent to Rolex Canada to have my name printed on it. Except for the price, which seemed like alot of money at the time, it was no different than going into a store and buying a shirt. I miss the 80's :)
Was that in Canada? I don't know if they had Mappins in the states but they were a pretty decent jewellery store here. I darn near bought a two tone lady datejust from Birks in the early '90s for $2200 (CAD) but I eventually decided that was an obscene amount of money, lol.
Yup.... Winnipeg, Polo Park Mall to be exact. They always had a few submariners, explorers etc. on the shelf. People's Jewellers was on the main floor and in the late 70's, early 80's they had Tudor. I clearly remember seeing Tudor subs on display for $375.00....and no one was buying them.
@@derekhicks8250 My father-in-law worked at Mappins back in the day ... Told me about the days of selling Rolex. Said he only ever saw two Day-Date Presidentials - one that was sold, and another that was smashed and grabbed from the case lol.
Great seeing vintage watches in this setting. Side note, I love my 36mm OP with white grape dial. Not as vintage sized as a 31 but the 36 is such a perfect size for a skinny wrist like mine.
Love seeing older Rolex watches having the complete sets. Such a nice story they tell....
A Datejust is still a potential one-watch collection. It just works pretty much anywhere, appropriately.
My old Seiko Quartz I had for my 18th is 31mm and I wore it for 30 years until the date wheel stopped working. I took an age to choose it and always loved it. Never thought it small. Currently looking to restore it.
Whats ur wrist size back then?
@@relosapulso blimey I don't know! lol. Now it's 7 1/2" now
I much prefer all of the old packaging, boxes, booklets, certificate, much more interesting vs the stuff you get now.
These kind and size of Rolex watches are still hard to sell. You can tell by looking in the window of any dealer - they are plenty on display. They don't give discounts, due to being threatened by Rolex. Instead they sell to the grey market - especially in Japan small sizes are still popular. You get great deals in the grey / second hand shops around Ueno, Nakano, etc.
Every watch out now is huge. I grabbed a 31mm oyster perpetual because theyre cheap and trends always go full circle.
I think the 31 mm looks surprisingly good actually.
What is even better than the story of box and papers is when you randomly find the box and papers to your dad's 1987 Datejust which you did not know you had (I had the watch). The story it told was a lot. The price, the date it was purchased, reference number info. As far as the 20% discount, I purchased my modern 116234 at 15% off and no tax which is pretty much 20%. This was in 2016. The DJ is my grail watch.
Also to add, my Dad's Datejust is probably one of my most accurate watches at about 1.5 seconds fast a day. It has not been serviced since purchased in 1987.
That’s awesome! Because it was your dad’s watch it must have meant to find that. 👍🏻
Really enjoyed this more laid back type of video, takes me back to your earlier videos! This watch is so charming, and although it’s 31mm, it actually doesn’t look bad on your wrist!
Back in 1997 I got a 10% off my Rolex Explore 2 polar dial from Watches of Switzerland and I got £150 off a Rolex submarine from Frazer Hart back in 2003 and I never forget as they a few steel sport Rolex in the window. Amazing how times have changed.
I actually love my 31mm! I wanted a watch that felt similar to an F91-W. It looks classy in all settings, and frankly makes my "mens" sized watches all feel a bit oversized in comparison!
my man. 31mms are totally wearable. men who think otherwise have fragile masculinity.
It looks great, bring back smaller watches!
The music choice change was amazing...well done, Adrian
Ha. Thanks Matt. 👍🏻
I have inherited the very same datejust 31, model 68273, SN is of 1985 according to unofficial lists (no papers). My Weishi accuracy measures are exactly the same as yours, which is astounding. Incidental question: as I have no box either, could you mention the box reference so that I can grab one somewhere?
Getting this 80s vibe with the b-roll and the music 😄
Great video lad!
Greetings from Germany :)
I just inherited a 37 years old Rolex which is a datejust. It didn't come with the box but it did come with original receipt. The one I have looks very similar. It was purchased in 1986 in the Cayman Islands during my fathers vacation on the NCL cruise "Song of America" May father paid $2900 in 1986.
I would love to see how this watch performs after a service. Maybe a follow up video?
That was really fun. Any update on who's wrist the watch has been living on?
In 2008, I came into some good money, over €30k but didn’t consider buying a Rolex...thought they were too expensive and was afraid to even check the price...how I wish I had bought a gmt master ii back then with the money...anyway used the money to pay off debts and only managed to buy a Rolex in 2018
I remember back in the day, Watches of Switzerland in Bournemouth would take any watch as a 10% deposit and do 12 months interest free credit. My father was a good customer there and they would offer very good discounts on Rolex for him.
Adrian, just found my dads 36mm date just. Bought in ‘91. He’s still got the business card let alone the other bits and pieces. The history feels so cool! Appreciate your video on it. 👍🏻 he’s never had it serviced either… 😂
“Even kept the links...”. Ha ha! However, I can’t imagine why someone wouldn’t keep the links. Would seem crazy to get rid of them.
agreed
They are worth quite a lot so if youre planning on wearing it everyday you could sell them
Clark Gable wore a 31mm Rolex, and President Kennedy wore a tiny gold Cartier. I am active outdoors, and if I’m not training and wearing a fitness computer, a durable watch that’s small, lightweight and stays out of the way is ideal.
I got a Datejust I bought in 1971 paid 350$ I bought it in Florida no discount 36mm two tone yellow gold silver linen dial still have it !! Great channel !!👍
YM = yellow metal ( usually gold) but illegal to state in UK as not hallmaked in this instance
Dude I love the fact, you listened to us and indorse you’re own products. I think it’s cool and it works.
Dang the camera work in the video is incredible! High quality
Thanks Jared. 👍🏻
Hi Adrian, @5:31 you say “1968” - maybe at little graphic *1986 could be added.
More importantly, thanks for this video. It’s interesting how tastes in size change. The ref.96 - the watch that saved Patek was 30.5mm and a huge hit with the male market. 35.5mm, intruded later, was called “oversize”, and we forget that the first AP Royal Oaks, at 40mm were called “Jumbo”. I have 7.75” wrist and my most recent new watch purchase was a Rolex DJ 36 2019 version. I think 36mm is the Goldilocks size. We will later laugh a bit at the over 40mm pieces a bit in a few years. But rather than anticipate that I am trying to simply ignore size for the main part and just enjoy the watch. That 31mm piece looked pretty good on your wrist.
I've had a 36mm Datejust since about 1985. I'm wearing it right now. It's time keeping is close enough for me. Actually just now it right on having been reset for daylight savings time here in the States.
Bought many Rolex in the 90’s up to the early 2000s and believe it or not you could sometimes wiggle a small discount on a SS-Sport model and see a couple sitting in the AD’s cases regularly. DJ especially the precious metals could be had for a decent discount at special sales events. The regular in store discount was limited to 10%. Been told by the old timers that during the 60s, 70s into the 80s, a dealer could literally have a Rolex sitting in the display case for years. I’ve bought a number of vintage Subs and Explorers that were built years before they were actually sold by the AD. Things have changed.
That size is called a MID SIZE in the states. Sold them in the late 60's.
I purchased a Rolex Date SS/Yellow Gold from an AD in April 1986. I think it is a 34MM case. I also received a 20% since I paid with cash.
I have an 18K gold Rolex Chronometer dress watch from 1949 that is 35mm. I love the history of it, but I'm not really sure of its provenance. I don't have the original papers. So cool that you do...
Wee mistake there at 5:15, you said _in 1968 this cost_ .... not 1986. Y'see, I do pay attention to the little things. Which is sadly what I think my wife said to me on my wedding night....
Haha. Thanks buddy.
I dont have a big wrist so this watch would be perfect for me im looking for a 31-38mm
So in 1986 I bought my submarina and was offered, with out asking, a 20 per cent discount. BTW I was offered a Daytona with the same discount but I wanted a date and cyclops. Who knew. But I still own the little subie that cost all of 775$ 1980s dollars. I should have bought two.
Always appreciate your take on the wild and wacky world of watches. About to pick up an older Perpetual and just love vintage lots. Heading over to your shop now because there's always a need for a new strap. ;)
Loved the video
I just wanted to correct you on one subject, when the watch runs behind the line is supposed to plummet down according to the number shown above.
If it's running right, for example +/-0 with a beat error off 0 it shows as a straight line
I like this channel, but I wish TH-camrs that talk about watches spent a bit more time learning about mechanical movements to provide more accurate advice on watch ownership. Or is the idea to brush-off the realities of owning mechanical watches to perpetuate the idea that they are better than quartz? Sure, high-end mechanical watches are amazing compared to quartz, but do conventional watches benefit from having "standard" mechanical movements? I have been debating this myself, and consolidating my collection around this.
@@CoxaBranca a mechanical watch is in Every way relevant to daily use vastly inferior to the quartz watch
But a quartz watch is just cold and lifeless in comparison
And it's not the creators fault, I'm a trained watchmaker that's why I know these things
I understand if someone shows and describes you the timing device some things could get lost in translation or be misunderstood
Case in point thinking the degree of the graph indicates that the watch runs worst than it actually does...
I wouldn't buy a 31mm myself these days either but I didn't think it looked SO ridiculous on your wrist. Cool to see the old box and papers, thanks for sharing!
Went to my AD where I’ve been an average customer. Was negotiating on a DJ31 steel and rose gold... 3% discount. No wait list, tons of stock... they just don’t need to discount to meet their sales goals
I bought my 34 mm oyster precision 6426 by mail order from Alexander's of reigate in 1989 (I live in glasgow)I paid £380 which must have had a discount.the price list for 1989 shows it as a discontinued model but it was still available as an oysterdate for £490.it's been serviced once in the late 90s and runs about +4 secs a day.
Hi
I got 35% discount on 16710 y-serie and 2 years later I bought 16610lv with 25% discount. Still keep the original receipts and both watches were bought from the same AD.
I inherited a datejust from a relative. It was purchased on 1975. It’s a 31mm with blue dial. I’ve shown it on my channel. I wish I could wear it but it’s just too small for my 7-7/8 wrist and I don’t have the extra links to make the bracelet larger to fit my wrist.
Trying to convince my wife to wear the watch.
Nice little watch, incredible condition for a ripe old age of 34 years old. A little TLC for the movement and the fact that your Dad-in-law kept the whole kit is super cool! Adds to the intrigue of this Wrist Art! It would be lost on my wrist (7 3/4" or 19.7 cms) .
Thank You for the video, much enjoyed. :)
“A straight line is not an inaccuracy but an accuracy” - Phistus McGraph
Can you do a video on his 36mm Datejust? Great video. Cheers
I'm reluctant to get my watches serviced.They might polish the watch or replace patinated original parts. How often does a Rolex really need servicing? I have an Explorer 36mm too, a 112470
Watches and cars need clean, working oil to stay running. Just tell the dealership to not polish the fenders or replace the chrome trim unless you actually tell them to do so.
Snark aside, the watchmaker should agree to call you after inspection and before doing any work.
Don’t do it if u don’t need too they polished my presidential links and did not do a good jon
You gave me an idea. Maybe I could collect box and papers since I can’t afford to collect Rolex watches 🥂
My smallest watch is a 1950's Roamer 33 mm's and my largest watch is a Nixon which is 44 mm's and I have various others between those two sizes , I like them all they all fit well on my 7 inch wrist .
Hope you kept this one. The size looks great and follows the rule of thirds on wrist. Price wise, these aren't that much cheaper than the 36mm these days.
Looks fine but may be if the watch is in full gold colour, it will be even more alrite for gent as gold will be flashy and smaller gold watch in everyway looks nice and classy.
It was actually called “boy size” back then..
Great video, I really enjoyed the look back in time at the purchase of that Datejust. I have one of around the same age but mine has the tapestry dial and has been serviced. To me they are iconic examples of Rolex watches and I do still wear mine from time to time. Thanks again......nicely done!
Datejust is simply Timeless!
I spoke to a watch dealer/trader with roughly 40 years of experience the other day and he told me that the usual dealer margin is around 2.8 in the luxury watch trade. Meaning they buy a watch from the manufacturer for, say, $1000 and sell it to the consumer for around $2800. Now, granted, luxury establishments do have a lot of overhead to cope with (rent, personnel, etc) but given this information, a 20% discount doesn't seem like an outlandish proposal. Especially for a model that probably wasn't easy to sell, even if it was a Rolex. Although ... a friend of mine bought a new Subby from an AD in the mid/late 90s and he got a 10% discount on it.
But other brands? Just yesterday I went into a local, high-end-ish dealership that sells Swatch-group and LVMH brands to look at a Hamilton Intra-Matic Chrono. I told the salesperson I wasn't going to buy on that day (or this month) and didn't even ask for a deal ... and she instantly offered me one, stating "oh, we can talk about the price, naturally". List price is €1,995 IIRC and without any haggling I was offered a 10% discount on that plus an additional year of warranty and the first service for free.
30 years ago plebs weren't buying rolex
and plebs are buying them now?
@@mrdisco99 Plebs is a harsh term but yes. Graceless people lol
Yes they were. They were called Yuppies.
@@marcusallen1567 Graceless is less harsh? Who exactly are we talking about?
@@borjastick lol that was the start of it
I bought a green green sub and a Batman from AD in late 2016 both with discounts of 15 and 10 percent respectively.
Things probably work a little differently in the Far East. While getting a discount might not be the norm in the UK, it was, at least back then in Singapore, a given. A 31mm datejust, with a fluted bezel and a jubilee bracelet I bought in the mid 80's from an AD came with a 25% discount. The substantial discount was partly due to the fact that I knew the shop owner. Otherwise, it would most likely have been only 15% to 20%. Today, of course the landscape has changed a great deal. The mention of a discount would, I guarantee you, solicit the most raucous of laughter form the sales person, at the very least.
Call me stupid but I think 31mm is fitting perfect for a man.
Im looking out for my first Rolex Datejust and I think it fits me perfect. great understatement watch. Have to buy a lady Rolex but I don't care :D
My daily wearer is a datejust 36 mm from my birthyear 1984. Unfortunately in terms of practicality it has a plexi rather than sapphire crystal, so I dare not swim with it. But that’s the only downside, it’s a watch that goes with virutally anything, from shorts to tux.
Honestly, for a watch that hasn’t been serviced in 30 years, those figures are pretty damn good and real testament to the engineering in these old pieces. If it’s holding power reserve, it should just need a service
That 30mm Rolex I inherited (showed you it at Manchester Redbar), I had to give it to my wife as it was so tiny. Realise that is an awful lot older at late 40’s but never realised they were still making gents that size in the 80’s!! 😳
I got the exact same Watch as a gift from a family member he worn it for a couple of years before giving it to me. I personally am not a huge fan ob big watches because I always find them looking too chunky but I do consider buying one in 36 mm I’m just not sure if I will like it
It shows how times have changed in just the past couple years! I got my first Rolex back in November 2012, a submariner date and manage to get about 7.5% off its list price from my AD!
That’s amazing! Certainly wouldn’t be able to get that now.
Bark and Jack luckily they had two in stock at the time, also they had in stock the 116610LV Hulk and 116710BLNR Batman GMT, I went for the sub because for me it offered the best all round watch that looked the best in my opinion. But in today’s world certain watches are more desirable purely because of their resale value, is like to see a video on this, for me the Daytona is a fantastic watch but would it be as desirable if Rolex didn’t restrict its supply? They also had a Pepsi GMT in stock used that they couldn’t sell at the time for around £3500 from memory, this would be a lot higher than that now!
I got a Old Datejust yellow gold From my grandpa (i think its 29 or 30mm ) i thought a Long Time about whether i wear it or Not... i have a 6.7 inch . Everyone told me that it looks too small, but After this Video i will wear the watch :)
I thought I’d tuned into Beverley Hills Cop there for a moment. Sat with s mate while he brought a sub no date from Argyle Arcade in Glasgow about 10 years ago and he got I think 20% discount.
The 36mm Explorer is almost too small for me, couldn’t imagine anything smaller.
The "ym" might really mean yellow metal because I believe many watches back then used plated steel for the bracelets, and it was only the bezel that was genuine solid gold. I've seen quite a few Tudors and Seikos with this mix, so its plausible Rolex did the same, especially if it was a folded bracelet
I have a a virtually unworn oyster speedking ref 6430 (30.5mm) with box and papers. My grandparents got it for my dad's 21st in 1983 with 25% off rrp at £193. I think it was built in the late 1970s. It was unfortunately too small for my dad to ever wear on the bracelet.
men today can wear 31mm. they feel emasculated by the thought and that's their problem. I'm sufficiently comfortable with myself that I could indulge it and I think smaller sizes are very elegant and coming into fashion now. "It looks silly" well I think we know someone who isn't very secure in their manhood. Don't worry women don't mind small ones.
so true!
I have a 1995 Rolex Submariner (Bluesy) 16613 . With original receipt from Leslie Davis AD list price was £3245 and has A 20% discount
3:20 Rewatching the video I noticed one of the links was put on the other way around.
It’s just upside down. They spin around when they don’t have the other section attached.
@@BarkandJack Ah I see, because they are hollow links. Also I never expected you'd read my comment on this old video. Cheers from Holland, loving your content Adrian!
I bought a 16013 in the 80's anf got a 10% discount. I sold it in 2006, for a bit more than I paid for it. I wish I kept it now.
How is the condition of the bracelet? I have 16013 from 1987 and the bracelet is not streched anymore. Do we have a chance to have it repaired? Thank you.
Great peak into the past. I really like the 36mm, that is a perfect size for me, I am not sure about a 31mm, but then again it is a Rolex so I would try it. Thanks, Brian.
Very interesting Adrian to inject some history in the channel !! I picked a 1996 Rolex catalogue in Jersey in 1997 as I got my first job in a hotel (kind of)....here are some examples (UK prices not CI): 16200 was 1870£ , 14270 was 1660£, 16610 was 2120£....yes, that's history !!!! :(
The watch I own that gets the most compliments/conversation starts with women is easily my 29mm 18k gold Santos octagon from the 80s. Totally opposite with dudes who mention my other larger watches. Maybe a half-dozen women over the past few years have cold commented on it, that it is either really unique, and/or how they appreciate that a man isn't wearing some massive watch. Small watches can work really well if you dress more conservatively/nicely. Looks very weird with t-shirts or hoodies etc.
I was offered 25% discount on a steel air king back in the late 90s, I didn’t see the value back then with the bracelet and clasp construction. The Rolex of today feels like a watch shaped solid object, it’s evident a lot of effort is used to machine every piece of it.. oh and 36mm is the only size the dressier Rolex watches should come in
Dude YES that Segway to the 80’s music so awesome
Haha. Glad you liked it. 👍🏻
It is yellow metal. Proper 80's Lex. I can almost imagine Bobby Ewing wearing one. 😭
2:08 "Receipts don't prove authenticity" excuse me lol
If Rolex papers can be faked, do you not think a receipt can be faked?
@@BarkandJack receipts can also be verified.
Marsh 360 I’d be very surprised if a shop keeps records on sales older than 10 years, let alone 30 years.
Extremely interesting video. Kudos Adrian, you consistently come up with interesting content.
At least in the US, prior to 2017, discounts on a Rolex went as follows. SS: 5% TT: 10% PM: 15% - 20%
I bought the same identical watch with the same dial but with a 34mm diameter in 1978 in the US as my first “good” watch. The watch was $2175 USD and I bought it on sale for $1875 USD. I used it as my only watch for many years and still have it, although I seldom wear it because I have 20 watches. It was completely overhauled a year ago and lightly polished for the first time so it looks great. I am of a medium wrist size so the 34mm in no way looks dainty when I wear it but some of my watches are 43mm (Parmigiani and Longines) or 44mm (Grand Seiko spring dive diver) so I am accustomed to the feel of a larger watch. I tried to get my wife to wear it but she demurred on the basis that it was too large for her. I have a leather strap for it and I think that it looks better on leather and that the size is less discernible. I am no longer into metal bracelets (the Grand Seiko is on rubber) and sold my larger Yacht-Master I because it was too shiny on the wrist. I think that the metal bracelet keeps me from wearing this 34mm reference more than the size. The only metal bracelet watch I ever liked was a 1200M Ploprof with the steel mesh. I have a Grand Seiko Elegance SBKG005 which is 39.5mm. I wanted to order the new metal small link bracelet that GS uses on the GS SBKG009 which is supposed to become available for stand alone purchase at $850 but which is still not available. Rolex steel bracelets put me off and I doubt that I will ever purchase another Rolex, although I would be intrigued by a Rolex on a Milanese bracelet.
Hi Adrian, thanks for the video. I bought a Speedmaster at a reputable dealers in Paris in 1990 (not quite the 1980s but close). They gave me a discount of 15% for paying cash for it. Of course Speedies were more affordable in those days, and frankly a bit old fashioned.
Neat. I think, given the current events (and likely next couple of years), these kinds of under-sized / smaller watches will become more and more relevant. Somehow I don't think people will want to wear flashy, large watches anymore.
I will be 63 this year, I remember in the 1960s men wearing 34 mm was common . Yes I wish I could go back to 1979 and get that Rolex Submariner for $900.00 USD. I have 2 Tudor Hydronauts the 89190 and the Hydronaut II, love them both, now thinking about adding a Rolex, Maybe the OP 34 mm 3-6-9 dial or the 34mm air king.
Own a vintage Datejust which is 36mm in size & a new 39mm Explorer. Not all that different in terms of quality if you ask me, although the Oyster bracelet is obviously far superior to the Jubilees of yesteryear.
It actually looks good on your wrist imo.. I like that the face isn’t taking up the whole wrist and you get to see the bracelet from the top😎
I got one just like that (1984 16013 model) in 2015 at US$2300, lovely timeless classic, todays value: US 3800, enough said.