Rolex

In the past, Tempus Machina has taken new Rolex Submariners, HERE and HERE, and modded them to look like vintage models. And now, they’re doing the same thing with the new Rolex GMT-Master II (Ref. 116710) and made it look similar to the original GMT – which is highly collectible and very rare – the “Bakelite” Ref. 6542. The original Rolex GMT-Master 6542, one of the first “Professional Watches,” designed specifically for pilots flying commercial airlines internationally, has already been recreated to some extent by the true watchmakers at Rolex in white gold with a Pepsi Bezel. And while it is not available in steel, with a gilt dial, or with the extra beveling to the lugs, that you see on the so-called 711Z GMT Master, would you really want to buy such a watch? Especially considering the lofty price

This October, Phillips Watches will host their first ever watch auction in New York, highlighted by a timepiece that will surely garner the attention of the worldwide watch collecting community. Aurel Bacs, in association with Phillips, will be auctioning the most coveted Paul Newman Daytona, possibly of all time: Paul Newman’s actual Ref. 6239 Rolex Daytona. Worn and owned by the actor himself, this incredibly collectible Rolex Daytona was manufactured in 1963, and less than 3,000 were made in this particular combination: white dial, black subdials, red “DAYTONA” text and outer chapter ring. The back even has a special engraving from his wife. Past Rolex Daytonas have been sold by Phillips for record-breaking seven-figure sums, so the fact that this variation is rare, already means it is likely to fetch an enormous sum. Add to that the provenance of being

Yesterday, at the Geneva Watch Auction: Five, the Rolex reference 6062, aka the “Bao Dai,” broke the all-time record for a Rolex at auction. According to Phillips, “Following an eight-minute bidding war, between ten bidders in the room and three on the telephone, the iconic Rolex Reference 6062, ‘Bao Dai’ sold for CHF 5,066,000 to a phone bidder.” The Rolex Bao Dai is a triple calendar with moonphase in yellow gold and is one of only three known to exist with diamond markers. Additionally, this example is the only one to feature the diamond markers at even hours. Increasing the collectibility of this one-of-a-kind Rolex timepiece even further – and inspiring its nickname – is the fact that it originally belonged to the last emperor of Vietnam, His Majesty Bao Dai. See the official description for historic lot 93 here.

Next month – at the Geneva Watch Auction: Five – one watch is poised to break the all-time high Rolex auction record. The Bao Dai, otherwise known as reference 6062, has a presale estimate set by Phillips Auction house at $1.5 million. This Rolex triple display calendar with moonphase is one of only three yellow gold with black dial versions with diamond markers known to exist. Moreover, of the three, the Bao Dai, is the only example to feature diamond markers at the even hours. The provenance is, of course, further enhanced by having belonged to His Majesty Bao Dai, the last emperor of Vietnam. “Born Nguyễn Phúc Vĩnh Thụy, His Majesty Bao Dai was the 13th and last emperor of the Nguyễn Dynasty, and it was not until he ascended the throne in 1925 at age 12 that he

One of the most newsworthy Rolex introductions from 2017 was surely the new 43 mm diameter Sea-Dweller. The 2017 Sea-Dweller features the next generation Rolex 3235 caliber automatic, that has a 70-hour power reserve and is a so-called Superlative Chronometer with impressive -2/+2 precision after being cased up. A new ceramic bezel with numerals and graduations coated in platinum resists scratches. Water-resistance is 1220 meters (4000 feet), along with an escape valve, which is nowhere near the superfluous depth rating of the 44 mm diameter Deep Sea, but it is more than enough for any professional diving needs, and it does so in a smaller 43 mm diameter case. Moreover, at $11,350 it is less than the Deep Sea. (Ref. 126600) Learn more at PW or at Rolex.

Rolex has announced six new “Rolesor” versions of the Sky-Dweller for 2017, which consist of 904L stainless steel cases with 18K yellow or white gold bezels (the bracelet center links on the yellow gold versions are crafted in 18K solid gold). Previously the Sky-Dweller – which was introduced in 2012 – was only available in precious metal cases. As with the previous versions, the Sky-Dweller comes in a 42 mm diameter case, is powered by Rolex’s most complicated automatic movement (caliber 9001), is protected by 11 patents, and features a unique combination of dual time zone and an annual calendar that is controlled by the patented rotating Ring Command bezel and crown. Rolex Sky-Dweller - Ref. 326934 steel/white gold bezel “Setting the Sky-Dweller’s three main functions is quick and easy. It can be done in any order, and both forwards

Originally created in 1967 – in collaboration with the French diving company COMEX – the Sea-Dweller is a more robust version of the Submariner. While the Submariner is a professional dive watch, the Sea-Dweller is the thicker, more athletic, deeper diving brother. Rolex is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Sea-Dweller this year and at Baselworld 2017 launched an all-new, larger 43 mm version that is equipped with a new movement. The Ref. 126600 replaces the existing 40 mm Sea-Dweller Ref. 116600. As a nod to the double red line text which read “SEA-DWELLER, SUBMARINER 2000” on the dial of the original Ref. 1665 Sea-Dweller from 1967, the new model reads “SEA-DWELLER” in red. As with the previous generation, there is no “SUBMARINER” on the dial. Like the 116600, the water-resistance rating is twice that of the original, which was

Last year, on the PBS television show Antique Roadshow, an army veteran brought in a rare Rolex GMT Master Ref. 6542 that he says he purchased in 1960 at a PX (post exchange) at a military base in Germany before coming home to the United States. The date is verified on the original papers. In fact, he saved everything – the complete kit – including all papers, box, and receipt. The bracelet had been replaced, but the owner also kept the original. Although the host did explain the bracelet, he did not mention that the dial and hands appear to have been relumed. And nothing about the rare “Bakelite” bezel. Although considering the price estimate he stated, $65K-$75K, he knew it was a Bakelite bezel but just failed to highlight that fact. This being a 1960 watch means this was

Tonight during the 89th Academy Awards show, Rolex ran a 60-second commercial celebrating some of the most notable films, actors, and the Rolexes they wore. The film showed living actors such as Harrison Ford and Nick Nolte, as well as past legends such as Paul Newman, Dennis Hopper, Marlon Brando, and Bill Paxton. As of 2017, Rolex officially supports the Academy Awards, even though as you can see, they have been a favorite of Oscar-winning celebrities for decades.

Gardiner Houlgate auctioneers in the UK have an original owner Rolex Submariner Ref. 5513 with a rare Explorer dial that will be auctioned on October 26th. The watch was purchased from Perry Greaves Limited in Birmingham on May 28th, 1966, for £69.10. It was a gift from the seller’s wife just before the birth of their first child, who was born in October of the same year. The 3-6-9 hour markers make this watch what is called a Submariner “Explorer” dial, due to its similarity to an actual Rolex Explorer dial. This is, of course, rarer than a standard 5513 and so it is worth many times more. Plus, it includes box and papers, and story from its original owner along with photos from the 1960s and 1970s, respectively, showing him wearing the watch. Additional details of the watch include