I always wanted a birth year watch but because I'm of latter years, buying a decent wearable watch from 1962 was quite difficult. Being a big fan of Omega, I have a 1962 Seamaster Deville which I wear quite regularly as it is a nice watch and being an automatic really needs to be kept going rather than sitting in its box doing nothing.

I've had a few birth year watches. It definitely makes them that little bit more special to me. I'd prefer a birth year sub to a modern one. To me, the earlier the Rolex, the better.

Buying a vintage one definitely comes with things to consider, though. Condition, servicing, parts availability.

And do you look for all-original, or some sort of compromise?

Here's my current birth year watch:



How birth year is it, though? Well, firstly it depends which Rolex birth year list you use. There are a couple of different years that are possible for mine, depending on which list. Also, my dial was probably replaced by Rolex at a later date. Likewise, I'm not 100% certain of the hands. The bracelet is a later one, too. Plus it's had various new innards during services. But it's in great condition and all the parts are 100% Rolex. The fact that part of it is probably from my birth year is a bonus.

@atnits I have a call tomorrow to discuss the particular model I'm looking at and plan to have quite an interrogation about how much of the watch is from birth year. For me, as long as enough of the watch is original then it counts, I suppose a bit like how much of a watch needs to be "Swiss Made".

Of course how much is original (or not) should factor into the price you pay however.

I have nothing to add to the Rolex element unfortunately, but if interested in a vintage watch, I see nothing wrong the idea of a birth year watch.
As long the right watch can be found, I'd say it makes much more sense than some random year.

I've owned this NOS Longines quartz from 1984 for quite some time now.
Came with original box, manual and completed warranty card with purchase date/dealer stamp etc.
Even though I'm yet to wear it, or even bother re-sizing the bracelet due in part to the condition it's in (any marks in photos are just grubby paw prints), I'm slowly starting to think of it as a keepsake as much as a watch to wear and simply enjoy looking at the "diamond dust" dial when the need arises and acknowledging the fact it is just as old (and beautiful) as me!

timepieces_and_bags wrote: ↑Thu Mar 13, 2025 7:52 pm I have a call tomorrow to discuss the particular model I'm looking at and plan to have quite an interrogation about how much of the watch is from birth year.

Dealer: So did you have any questions about the watch?
Me: Yes, I just wanted to enquire about how much of the watch is original vs. replacement.
Dealer: Oh we wouldn't know that. It does come with a certified pre-owned two year guarantee.
Me: Thanks for your time.

My birth year (1989) watch. Didn't go looking for it, just happened to get one watch from my father's collection and it turns out it's from 1989.

Seiko 5Y30-7000

I have been after a birth year watch for ages.

I initially bought a Speedmaster, but afterwards worked out it was a newer watch so sold it on.

I bought a 1680 around two years ago and absolutely adore it



I bought it from another forum and wear it quite often. I will try my hardest not to sell it