Inherited a Rolex. Does Anyone Know About Them?

[MarcB]

Late to this thread.. just wanted to say sorry for your loss..@amp360 your uncle sounds like a great guy and a lot like most of us here on the LPF.. a buyer of quality items..
I respect all aviators and crew (commercial and military), as it’s a high stress job.. I bet your uncle had many great stories to tell..?‍
I hope you keep the watch and enjoy it.. as it’s a great piece and keepsake, which your uncle would’ve counted on in his daily life.

 

[Wendy Clifford]

Of all the rolexes these are the cheapest as far as I know, although they still cost a lot of money. (No offence intended.)
I'd like one of these.

https://www.gamblionaire.com/ BEST UK ONLINE CASINOS​

 

[dnabbet2]

I think the Datejust is "cheaper" -- it's hard to generalise because some Datejusts do come with diamonds and gold or whatever. And some will be in better condition or will have been serviced or will have a more expensive bracelet.

But a used plain steel Datejust can be had for under $3,500USD, depending on what you want, which is not a lot compared with what some of us spend on a guitar. A used Submariner'd be maybe $5,000. It's like guitars as well, however, in that it depnds on what you find "out there". Dealers are more expensive than private sales and "ladies'" models are sometimes cheaper if, like me, you have a small wrist and can get away with a "unisex" model in today's parlance. Stay on the lookout.

Here're a couple of sites with good filters for searching models; good phographs of watches for sale; and even price/investment breakdowns: https://www.chrono24.com/, https://www.bobswatches.com/. There're others, though.

 

[Steven K]

I know enough about them not to wear them assuming they will ever be taken off and left in any public area, I had two very expensive Seiko watches stolen practically from under my nose when I put one on a soft jacket of mine that was on a nearby bench on a tennis court. Fenced in area. like magic valuable things get stolen. I would put it in a safety deposit box. Do some resourceful online searches to find the estimated value. I am thinking 8 to 10 thousand.

 

[Wilko]

I am thinking 8 to 10 thousand.

5513 like this with matte dial is about 15K

My 1981 16800 matte dial transitional model is getting 10K these days

 

[SeboMithk]

It sounds like your uncle was a remarkable person, much like many of us here on the LPF who appreciate quality items and have a deep respect for aviators and crew. I can only imagine the fascinating stories he must have had from his time in the skies. It's touching that you inherited his Rolex; it's not just a watch but a symbol of his legacy and the adventures he embarked on. Enjoy wearing it and carrying a piece of him with you. And if you ever decide to explore more premium class men's watches, there are plenty of options out there to discover.

 

[Steven K]

As I have experienced, one problem with having an extremely valuable item is that when it needs to be repaired not only finding a qualified repair person can be difficult, however the cost of the repair is very high. Assuming a Rolex needs repair, how can you haggle with a repair person claiming you do not have the funds for repair he is asking ?

 

[TomJohnson]

Rolex watches can be worth a lot, especially if it’s an older one and still in good shape. Even if you’re not planning to sell it, getting it appraised for insurance might be a good idea. If you’re curious about its background or value, RolexForums is a solid place to get some advice from people who know their stuff.
I’m getting into watches myself lately. I don’t have a Rolex, but I recently picked up a Patek Philippe Nautilus replica. It’s obviously not the real deal, but it’s got that classic look I was after without the big price tag.

 

[charliechitlins]

My advice is, don't wear it so people don't think you're flexing.

 

[TomJohnson]

From the sound of it, your uncle had an eye for quality. That watch might be worth adding to your insurance if it turns out to be a higher-end model, but even if it isn’t, it’s a great piece to hold onto. If it’s an older Rolex model, there’s a chance it could be quite collectible. Maybe look into the specific model and year—it could have some unique history tied to it.
For those who admire this kind of design but aren’t ready to dive into the cost of a genuine Rolex, something like a rolex gmt batman super clone can give off that same vibe without breaking the bank.