[Semi-Vintage Beginner's Guide] Introducing Rolex sports models recommended for first-time buyers! These are the three models to aim for now!

Semi-vintage Rolex models have been gaining attention in recent years. Vintage Rolexes have become so expensive that many people find it difficult to buy them.

However, even semi-vintage items can still have a vintage feel, and you can expect their value to increase in the future as you use them...such a dream is becoming a reality.

So, what are the models you should actually aim for right now? We will introduce some recommended models.

What is semi-vintage?

We also discussed "What is the definition of vintage?" in the MASTER'S column, but of course there is no set definition for "semi-vintage" either. Generally, it seems that "watches manufactured around the 1980s to 1990s" are often called "semi-vintage". In a broader sense, any five-digit reference (Ref. XXX) that is no longer in production is considered to be "semi-vintage". Furthermore, there are two main characteristics of "semi-vintage".

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1. Tritium is used for the indexes, hands, and luminous markers on the rotating bezel. 2. A single buckle is used for the buckle without a double flip.

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Click here for the MASTER'S column "What is a vintage watch?"

❶Tritium luminous

Tritium luminous material contains a carcinogenic substance, so the dial was marked "SWISS-T<25" to warn against this, but in the late 1990s its use was completely banned, and Rolex switched to Luminova luminous material. One of the characteristics of tritium luminous material is that it "discolors," and those that have turned a beautiful cream color are highly rated.

❷Single buckle

The "single buckle" without a double flip is a specification seen on Daytona, Explorer, Explorer II, GMT Master, and GMT Master II up until the early 1990s. There was a demand for double locks in the past, but in recent years there has been an increased demand for them due to their vintage-like appearance.

Introducing recommended semi-vintage models that let you enjoy the vintage atmosphere! Check out the price trends too!

GMT-Master Ref. 16700

The GMT Master "Ref. 16700" is the final model of the GMT Master, produced from the R series (around 1988) to the A series (around 2000). Over the course of its 12-year production run, Rolex made improvements such as changing the luminous paint from tritium to Luminova and changing the buckle from a single lock to a double lock. Currently, the difference made by this minor change is appreciated, and the all-tritium, single buckle models from the early 1990s are very popular. They are sold at a market price range of 1.35 million to 1.45 million yen. Looking at the price trends up until last year, they have continued to rise.

VIA: https://www.watchpricetrend.com/Rolex_GMT+Master_16700-63.html

*Price trends from January 2019 to November 2020

Explorer II, Ref. 16570

The Explorer II "Ref. 16570" is one of the few sports models that comes in two colors, black and white. In addition to the date display, it also has a GMT function and other features, but is more affordable than other sports models. All the luminous material is tritium, and the buckle is a semi-vintage staple. Also, the "hole" next to the lugs that hold the case and bracelet makes it easy to "change the strap," so many people enjoy changing the popular NATO strap.

The fact that the luminous tan has turned cream-colored due to the aging process that is typical of vintage watches is simply cool! I get the impression that there are relatively many people looking for the early white dials of this model, but it's surprisingly hard to find single tritium black dials, so I personally think the black dials are also very cool. Currently, the white dials are selling for 900,000 to 1.2 million yen, and the black dials for 850,000 to 1 million yen. Prices are expected to continue to rise in the future.

VIA: https://www.watchpricetrend.com/Rolex_Explorer+2_16570-15.html

*Price trends from January 2019 to November 2020

Explorer I Ref.14270

Explorer I "Ref. 14270" was produced from E to P series (from around 1991 to 2000) and is a popular standard model among semi-vintage watches. It is the ultimate in simple watches, with no date display, only black dials, and only stainless steel cases. Because of its simplicity, it blends in with any outfit, and many people rate it as "the most user-friendly Rolex model." As we introduced in the video "The first luxury watch you should buy," we recommend the early 1990s semi-vintage model.

In particular, there seems to be a lot of customers looking for all-tritium Explorers with side-hole cases and single buckles. The average price range is 800,000 to 1,000,000 yen. Some of these, such as the rare dials that have no white lines on the 3, 6, and 9 indexes found in the early lots "E series (1990-1991)" and "X series (1991)" known as "blackouts," have skyrocketed in price to over 2,000,000 yen. Looking at price trends, there are fluctuations, but the trend is upwards when viewed by TTL. *The chart below is for normal

VIA: https://www.watchpricetrend.com/Rolex_Explorer_14270-77.html

*Price trends from January 2019 to November 2020

summary

What did you think of the beginner's edition? We picked out some relatively affordable models, but I think there were many models that have a vintage feel that is not available in current models.

The semi-vintage model introduced this time is an early 1990 model, so it is already about 30 years old, and aging is also a point not to be overlooked. Also, the price is on the rise, so if you are undecided, we recommend that you consider it before you end up saying "I should have bought it then!"

The keyword for semi-vintage

"Trichum Luminous" + "Single Buckle"

Why not use this as a reference and look for a nice specimen?

Next time we will bring you the intermediate and advanced versions of the popular semi-vintage models!