Let the hunt begin ⌚️🔫

I’m eyeing a 70s or 80s Rolex Air-King 5500 for next year’s watch purchase, but it is a 34 mm case. It is apparently the best value Rolex you can put on your wrist right now if you can deal with a 34 mm case, as they can be found for $2500 and above in good condition, but no box or papers.

In my research, the 60s models have rolled links bracelets and I’m not ready to pay that money for a bracelet that can be found on a Casio. The 70s and 80s models have solid links.

I have a smaller than average wrist (6.3” - 16 mm) and can pull off my 33 mm super thin 70s Omega Constellation quartz without issues, so I’m sure that watch would work well on me. You can maybe find a dealer somewhere in your area and try it on before pulling the trigger online on it.

Amazing recommendation! Have you put on a 34”? I have a 6.5” wrist, but seems like for a sports watch might be too small? I have a timex marlin and does feel small.

I do wear this 33 mm watch in my usual rotation and as a dress watch. It does sure look small but not ridiculous. The Rolex has a smooth bezel and therefore a slightly smaller dial in comparison to this one. I can imagine that all in all they will both wear similarly in size.

What is that strap or bracelet? So amazing.

This is my "posh beater" , Aqua Terra quartz, paid £1300 for it. Proper "GADA" , never inappropriate, can handle anything I throw at it & it's very grab & go accurate.

Wow that’s amazing! What year/ref is that

Dunno the reference, it's an early one tho.

Had no trouble with it (owned it a couple of years) , & was my most worn watch last year.

You can get some really good deals on quartz!

Good luck, be patient. 🍀👍🏻

https://vintagewatchservices.eu/rolex-datejust-white-gold-bezel-vws-2266/

Holy shit. I think you found a winner. Does anyone have experience with dated Jubilee bracelets? Can you still get a good fit?

34 mm airkings are common with box and papers for 3500-5000 lots on steel

It’s an integrated bracelet, can’t be removed from the watch. Omega manufactured several variations of these references, some had regular straps though. It’s quite a pain to adjust and very stiff, but it sure looks great!

I can second a 34mm Airking (114200) might fit your requirements! I too worried about the case size but it wears beautifully on my wrist. I’m very happy with my purchase!

What’s your wrist size if you don’t mind me asking. And would you even dare to wear that into the water? Once serviced does it run like it was first made? And what’s the ref on that beautiful watch?

I don't know where you are in the world, but If I wanted a Rolex at this price point, I'd probably wander around New York at 47th street or wherever all those youtubers are doing their deals.

All I do is watch those real on instagram and think shit that watch is affordable lol. And realize I would just get scammed haha.

I think it's kind of like going to a marketplace in India or Mexico. We've got to determine an acceptable level of getting scammed.

I sub to Stian's (yes, that's his name) YT channel. He is a watchmaker by trade & refurbs watches as his main hustle and that is his online store.

I don't have experience with older jubilee bracelets, but I'd imagine it's not hard to get a good fit as the same wrist sizes we have now (and issues) existed then.

You can find neo-vintage Datejusts like the 16014

all day under $5k. I have one, and it’s a good balance of vintage and modern. 4hz movement, quick set date, solid link bracelet (except end links) but very comfortable. Plenty of different dial / color options. I think the 80’s and 90’s watches will have what you’re looking for. I have some pics on my account, but mine is black

This is a vintage one that’s been on my list for awhile

Omega Seamaster 166.010

35mm

Can be found on Chrono24 for under $1500

34mm works fine.

Wanted the Air King 5500 so bad that my wife bought me this Grand Seiko as it resembles some Rolex vibes 😍

You can get a great fit and they are very comfortable, but dont expect it to be very robust. That linen dial is unbelievable 😍 @UnholiestJedi

Damn I love your collection and ref recommendation! Thank you.

I’ve been looking at these like crazy. I wonder if I can get this on a Solid link bracelet?

Damn I love that. Is that a Champagne face?

I love these. Never even seen these. Is this like the king seikos?

It is silver sunburst. Hard to capture with the iPhone.

The SBGX005 is a discontinued product right now. Those are the Grand Seiko models previous to the splitting of the company to Seiko and Grand Seiko :)

When these vintage Rolex’s are serviced, how do they run? Do they keep good time?

Thanks my man 🙏🏻