Vintage Rolex | A Collector's Story

Rolex: Love It or Hate It, It’s The Marmite of Watch Collecting

When it comes to watch collecting, few brands stir as much debate as Rolex. Love it or hate it, it’s the marmite of the watch world—there’s rarely an in-between.

If you’re new to Rolex and haven’t yet formed an opinion, you might be wondering why the divide exists. The truth is, people don’t usually hate the watches themselves; it’s more about the perception of the brand. Many collectors take issue with the high prices, often justified by the name alone, while there are other brands offering exceptional quality for much less. Then there’s the "hype" factor—Rolex carries a certain herd mentality that some collectors just don’t vibe with. But hey, for others, it’s all about owning a piece of iconic watch history, or making a purchase that guarantees you’re getting something solid from a brand everyone knows.

Which brings me to my experience with Rolex and my first purchase…

My First Rolex

Flying under the radar, my first Rolex was a Rolex 12325 manual wind from the 1940s. I grabbed it off eBay in 2019 for the bargain price of £285. It even came with a ladies Rolex watch box, which I later sold for about £60. So all in, I ended up with a solid Rolex for just £225—plus another £170 to service it, replace the crystal, and relume the dial. Under £400 for my first Rolex, and I was pretty chuffed, even though it’s likely one of the least desirable men’s models you can get due to its lower-quality metal and small size.


(Before, as purchased. Lovely patina but damaged and unsalvageable on a worn leather strap)


(After service, new crystal, relume and new handmade leather strap)

Tudor - The Affordable Rolex Subsidiary

And while we’re on the subject, let me give a quick shout-out to a fantastic alternative for any Rolex fans—Tudor. As a subsidiary brand of Rolex, Tudor offers similar quality watches at a fraction of the price. I’ve owned a few, and one that stands out is my Tudor Oyster with a Rose Gilt dial. After replacing the crystal, it’s looking sharp!

(Before, as purchased and in need of a new crystal)



(After crystal replacement)


The Collection Continues

Since that first buy, I’ve added a few more Rolex watches to my collection. I find there’s something truly special about the vintage pieces—the smaller sizes, the amazing build quality, and those riveted bracelets. Sure, they can be pricey, but there’s no denying that Rolex knows how to craft beautiful timepieces.

(Above: Rolex Speedking on original riveted bracelet)

I’ve also sold a handful of fantastic Rolex watches and often have a few tucked away, waiting for repairs. If you're looking to sell yours and want to skip the risk of dealing with scammers, you’re in the right place. Get in touch, and your Rolex will be in safe hands, finding its perfect new home.