Rolex

Just in time for the holidays, another icon of vintage timekeeping popped up on our radar from our friends over at analog/shift - this stunning Rolex Submariner 16800.

Arguably the most important diver’s watch of the 20th Century, the Rolex Submariner has also become an icon of status and wealth - a side affect that actually turns some collectors off. A great way to appreciate this legendary model without being “just another guy” with a new Submariner is to opt for a vintage piece over a new one. The collector marketplace is flush with great examples from the 1950s to 1980s- but not all vintage Submariners are ideal for daily usage, so be sure and choose carefully.

Fitted with a COSC Chronometer Certified movement and modern sapphire crystal with Cyclops date magnifier, the model 16800 Submariner combines the best features for every day wear-ability with excellent vintage features such as a matte dial and applied hour markers.

READ MORE

In Geneva on November 11, Antiquorum will auction a very unique 1959 Rolex Submariner Reference 5512. Not only is this rare early reference 5512 Submariner in excellent condition, it also has five distinct features that collectors love to see.

READ MORE

The Rolex Daytona Black and Blue is a custom black PVD version of the famous Rolex chronograph, with a bright cobalt blue dial. Just like the Bamford Explorer I, I personally prefer original Rolexes. I think the current Stainless Steel Daytona (Ref. 116520) looks great. What do you think?

The Rolex Explorer I is a great classic timepiece, one of my favorite Rolexes. I would not touch it, I like it just that way it is. What do you think about adding diamonds, blacking out watch cases and customizing dials and hands? Please let us know here on Facebook.

Just give me a production Explorer I, or a Blackout Explorer, and I'll be happy.

This is a Rolex Ref. 6538 James Bond Submariner Big Crown Gilt Tropical Dial, that according to Antiquorum's grading system, is in exceptional condition, their highest ranking. It will be auctioned in Hong Kong on Saturday August 25th, 2012. The estimate range varies by fifteen grand, no small sum. This is because tropical dials can command a large a premium.

Made is 1958, this James Bond submariner, stainless steel case No. 426136, is water-resistant to 200 meters (660ft). The self-winding caliber 1030, 25 jewel movement has a straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance, adjusted to 5 positions and temperatures, shock absorber, self-compensating Breguet balance spring, index regulator and butterfly rotor. The movement is in good condition, but an overhaul is recommended. The case is 38 mm in diameter and 14 mm thick. Screw-down case back and large crown (8mm). A black graduated bezel, black dial (tropical) with luminous round, triangular baton indexes and an outer gilt minute track. Luminous gilt skeleton hands.

READ MORE

The Rolex Submariner Ref. 5508 is one of the most attractive and highly collectible Submariners. Its lack of crown guards and thin case distinguish it among Submariners. And although the Rolex (shown above) is unmistakably a James Bond Sub, it is not a typical 5508. A few minor variations differentiate this one from your average 5508.

Rolex 5508 dials are typically printed with the "100m = 330 ft" depth marking in silver and the "Submariner" marking in gold. This particular example has both the depth and Submariner markings in silver, hence the name "Gilt Ghost Dial," aka double silver gilt dial. Also, at 6 o'clock, instead of standard luminous hour marker, this one has an exclamation point. An auction house or Rolex expert can give you a good ballpark of what to pay for one of these, good luck trying to find a "James Bond Ref. 5508 Gilt Ghost Dial Exclamation Point Submariner" though.

If you've ever wanted a Rolex pocket watch to compliment your Rolex wristwatch, now is your chance. At the Antiquorum auction in New York next month, a cool Rolex Military Pocket watch will be available for sale without reserve.

Made for military use, circa 1940, the case back is engraved with British Ministry of Defense of issue number A.9563 G. S. MK. II. The polished nickel case measures 50 mm in diameter by 15 mm thick. The original dial is black with gilt-outlined Arabic numerals, outer gilt minute track, subsidiary seconds dial. Luminous blued steel epee hands. Inside is M. Cal. 540, 18''' a rhodium-plated 15 jewel pocket watch movement. It features a straight-line lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance, blued steel Breguet balance spring and index regulator.

READ MORE