Rolex Datejust Modern vs. Vintage: I Only Keep One!

A perennial question when it comes to the Datejust is the dilemma of choosing between modern vs. vintage. The modern 116200 has all the trimmings of a new watch such as sapphire crystal, antimagnetic movement, and lume, with a price to match. However the 1603 at half the price has so much charm and life imbued upon it over 5 decades and wears more delicately due to its classic thinness.

These two Rolex watches share many traits in common on paper, and the resemblance of the Datejust lineage is readily apparent. However, once you hold them in your hand and wear them on wrist, you realize they are completely different propositions. One is a hefty shinny, somewhat clinical machine right off the showroom floor, where as the other one feels like a weathered old friend who has many tales to tell.

Which one would you choose?

*Turned out my digital caliper was malfunctioning and the 2 watches are almost exactly the same thickness at around 12mm. I've trimmed the dimensions out of the video but they are as below:

Diameter: 36mm
Thickness: ~12mm
Lug to Lug: 44mm
Lug width: 20mm

Видео Rolex Datejust Modern vs. Vintage: I Only Keep One! канала HAUTE ONES