![](https://chillingwithlucas.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/14.09.232.jpg)
Don’t contemplate your decision to buy Rolex any further! For new collectors, the very thought of purchasing a vintage Rolex may be quite intimidating. Not only is the market vast, but the prices of vintage Rolex watches can also be higher in the watch-collecting world.
Nevertheless, there’s no denying that a vintage Rolex is a pretty good investment! For instance, if you buy a vintage Rolex Daytona, rest assured you’ll fetch a crazy value when you sell your watch. However, buying this Rolex in the first place is a huge deal.
That said, there are a few hidden gems that the freshers in the industry can get their hands on without breaking the bank. Also, why not dip into the world of pre-owned Rolex watches to start the journey into the vintage Rolex watch space?
Wondering what are your options? Here are our top picks for the designer watch.
Vintage Rolex Watches For The Beginners
Rolex Submariner Ref. 14060
There’s hardly any dive watch more famous than the Rolex Submariner. When it comes to Rolex, we usually go for a date dial, given its functionality. But a dateless dial is what is gaining more popularity in the market. Many aficionados do not like how the presence of the date feature upsets the clean look of a dateless dial, making the Submariner Ref. 14060 an absolute favourite among vintage enthusiasts.
Why is the vintage Rolex Submariner Ref. 14060 a good option?
The Submariner 14060 with a 40mm stainless steel case and a no-date black dial is one of our top vintage Rolex recommendations for new collectors. And we have good reasons. First, the model has changed little aesthetically over time. The dial is uninterrupted, with only two lines of small text featuring the name Submariner and the depth rating. A black bezel and the iconic Oyster bracelet accompany it. Having a water resistance of 300m, this watch is ready to accompany you anywhere.
Rolex Explorer I Ref. 214270
Do you want a minimalist-looking vintage Rolex that is ready for any situation? Wear the Explorer Ref. 214270 on your wrist, and you’ll never want to take it off. The Explorer is a mountaineer watch that Rolex designed specifically for cave explorers. Hence, the watch includes features that make it easy for travellers to read time in dark environments.
Why is the vintage Rolex Explorer Ref. 214270 a good option?
As we look closer at this 39mm steel finish watch, we recognise how it is one of the most influential sports watches of all time. While several mountain-suitable watches have emerged over the decades, the versatility, thoughtful simplicity and undeniable reliability of the Explorer Ref. 214270 has remained unbeatable. Featuring a time-only black dial with big, legible numerals at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock, the watch features the best of the Oyster line while sitting comfortably on a steel Oyster bracelet. So, when Rolex discontinued the 214270 in 2021, the demand for the watches spiked!
Rolex Datejust Ref. 1601
The Datejust could be a great place to start if you’re completely novice in watch collecting. It is and will always be a worthwhile way to spend your money. While the one we pick here is super vintage, the Datejust lineup offers many other options in various dial, bezel and bracelet combinations. There’s something for everyone!
Why is the vintage Rolex Datejust Ref.1601 a good option?
Do you want a vintage Rolex that doesn’t exist in the modern Rolex catalogue? We give it to you. This particular 36mm Rolex Datejust with reference 1601 offers a visual experience that is just uniquely Rolex. The cool dial adorns the mixture of baton hands and hour markers with a magnified date at 3 o’clock. Given that the Datejust was designed to be an everyday timepiece, the fluted bezel enhances the appeal perfectly. Without fail, the 1601 is the epitome of elegance.
Rolex Yacht-Master 35 Ref. 168623
Embodying the spirit of the sailor- the Rolex Yacht-Master blends style and function while bringing together the finest Rolex technology to create a regatta chronograph most suitable for yachting. The Rolex Yacht-Master Ref. 168623 looks distinctly high-end in yellow gold and stainless steel. Even if you don’t yacht, this unisex timepiece will surely get any collector’s heart racing.
Why is the vintage Rolex Yacht-Master Ref.168623 a good option?
With a smaller diameter of 35mm, this two-tone Yacht-Master model is unconventionally wonderful. While the watch appears heavier, it sits low and tight on the wrist. The stainless steel case is topped by a yellow-gold bi-directional bezel, easily qualifying the piece as a dress watch. The white dial has a date window at 3 o’clock, zoomed in with a Cyclops magnifier. The hands and hour markers are also made of yellow gold, and the text Yacht-Master in red adds a pop of colour.
Rolex Air-King Ref. 14000
This is perhaps one of the simplest and most affordable Rolex watches you can buy to step your foot into the vintage Rolex realm. While the Air-King is often forgotten amongst the other heavier names, we consider it to be quite a tempting creation, especially the Ref. 14000 with a stunning blue dial.
Why is the vintage Rolex Air-King Ref.14000 a good option?
Sporting a versatile 34mm stainless steel case, the Air-King 14000 introduced the sapphire crystal and also the new Calibre 3000 to the collection. Like most Rolex watches, the 14000 comes in various dial options with luminous baton hour markers and Arabic numerals at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock. The vibrant blue
dial increases the desirability of this timepiece and looks incredibly attractive with the smooth steel bezel.
Buy the right vintage Rolex
Now that you’re armed with the right recommendations, you can easily venture into buying your vintage Rolex timepiece. Regardless of which model you pick as per your budget, you know that you’ll always enjoy wearing a Rolex. Make sure you buy pre-owned Rolex watches from a reputed destination to ensure authenticity and quality! Happy Shopping!