Err...from Orchi's own NOVICE standpoint that is...

Orchi's List of TOP 10 Priorities when buying a Vintage Rolex:-

#1 Priority: Correct Case n backcase cover must NOT have corrosion...(very minor pitting OK)
Case Ref# n Serial# can be clearly seen...
Minor W&T(wear n tear) on fonts is fine...
Factory conditioned lugs is a BONUS...
or at the least case lugs must be FAT...
Minimal W&T...is fine.
ROUGH n CORRODED watch case is NOT acceptable...

#2 Dial must be right n correct...
with STRONG markers...n PROMINENT prints.
A little craze..or minor W&T is fine...
Patina is more than welcomed...thus a BONUS.

#3 Movement must be right..
winding..n timing smoothly...
WITHOUT any corrosion or water damage.

#4 Hands & Crown must be Original Rolex...
Minor crack on lume..or minor W&T is fine...

#5 Bezel assembly must be Original Rolex...
Minor W&T is fine...

#6 Crystal must be original Rolex...
Minor scratches..or chipping is fine...

#7 Bracelet assembly must be right...n wearable.
Excessively worn out links n edges etc...are NOT.

#8 Original n correct Paper...is an obvious BONUS but NOT prerequisite.

#9 Original Box...is a little Bonus but NOT prerequisite.

#10 Original Accessories...is a little more Bonus but NOT necessary.

Pearl on Submariner/Sea-Dweller bezel insert...is the LEAST of Orchi's worries...

LUMINOVA Pearl...n Hands are acceptable...
as it gives a GOOD reference point in the DARK...

In addition to the above...

NEVER be afraid or shy to ask questions...or seek solid references.
NEVER be afraid to make mistakes...in asking questions.
THAT's the ONLY way to learn...

LAST but NOT the least...
IF what you see does NOT give you the Happy..or FEEL GOOD feeling...it certainly WON'T.

ALL the BEST to the newcomers n novices...

Best regards
Orchi.

very comprihensive list orchi, many thanks for posting it.

regards
mike

...list, very usefull!
Thanks,
Harald

GUSH >>> neub for real.

G

It is important to note that when we start we need advices and informations from older collectors...

Nice attention Orchi!!


Mehdi

I am in the market for a decent 5513 and the timing could not be better for this!

All the best, Gil

nt

Don't drink three or four frozen Margaritas prior to buying the watch! LOL.

/salmonia

Many thanks, we all need as much info as we can on buying vintage rolex to reduce paying high and expensive learning fees.

A super reminder, so easy to be caught in the moment!!!

Cheers,

Francesco

nt