What's Selling Here - April 12, 2024
By Charlie Dunne
Patek Philippe Nautilus Reference 3700/11A Full Set Unpolished
The Patek Philippe Nautilus reference 3700/11A is part of the family of the iconic Nautilus designs from Gérald Charles Genta. This particular example dates to the mid 1980s. We believe the stainless steel unpolished. It measures 42mm in diameter. This is a tremendous example and the next owner will be extremely proud to wear this watch.
The watch comes with the original Certificate of Origin and a Patek Philippe oval box which came with many of the later Nautilus watches. We do not know the service history, but it is running well.
Rolex Explorer II Reference 1655 Unpolished
Rolex introduced the Explorer II reference 1655 for use by spelunkers (cave diving) and speleologists (cave researchers) where the use of a 24-hour hand is important for the wearer to be able to differentiate between night and day. These watches also have the nickname ‘Freccione’ meaning ‘big arrow’ in Italian and are sometimes falsely called the “Steve McQueen” despite no evidence he ever owned or wore one. A slow seller when initially released, the reference 1655 has gained a cult following due its unusual and distinctive design. The reference 1655 is one of the references I am asked most often to find for collectors.
This example is outstanding. It dates to circa 1975 (3.9 million serial number). It features the automatic calibre 1575 made by Rolex. We believe this example is unpolished.
It does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well.
Rolex Daytona Double Swiss Underline Reference 6239
This extremely early Rolex Daytona reference 6239 is a very cool example with a rare “Double Swiss Underline” dial. It was part of the earliest crop of Daytona watches made by Rolex It has the rare and early “Mark 1” 275 bezel with dashes next to the numbers. It is a very honest example which came from the son of the original owner.. The case has been lightly polished, but is in strong shape. The case has a 923,XXX serial and dates to circa 1963.
The watch does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well.
Rolex Patrizzi Dial Zenith Daytona Reference 16520 Unpolished
The adorned “Zenith Daytonas” are certainly among the highly desired neo-vintage Rolex models. It is powered by an automatic Calibre 4030 made by Zenith. We believe the case is unpolished. It measures 40mm in diameter (42.5 including crown) and 47mm lug to lug. The outer ring of the registers have developed a very attractive beige color. Rolex register rings on Daytonas with black dials from the early through middle 1990s would often develop some darkening to the rings. This effect is often given the nickname “Patrizzi” after the legendary auctioneer Osvaldo Patrizzi, who reportedly first identified this patina. It features a W serial and dates to circa 1995.
The watch does not come with box or papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well. It recently passed a water resistance test of 5 bar.
Rolex Submariner Reference 1680 in 18K Yellow Gold Unpolished
The Rolex Submariner reference 1680 in yellow gold has become one of my favorite watches. They are extremely satisfying on the wrist, and are quite rare watches when compared to gold Daytona models from the same era. This example is a spectacular watch. It features a 2.97M serial and dates to circa 1972. We believe the case is unpolished. I love the applied coronet design on this particular example. For those looking for an outstanding Submariner to live it up in, look no further.
To learn more about the Rolex Submariner, you can read my ‘Reference Points: Understanding The Rolex Submariner’ article and corresponding video.
The watch does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well. It recently passed a water resistance test for 5 bars.
Rolex Root Beer GMT-Master Reference 1675/3 w/ Extra Bracelet
This Rolex “Root Beer” GMT-Master reference 1675/3 is an awesome model which has become more appreciated by collectors in recent years. This example dates to circa 1974. The case is lightly polished, but strong.
It does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well. It comes with an additional two-tone US made Jubilee bracelet.
To learn more about the Rolex GMT-Master you can watch my ‘Reference Points: Understanding The Rolex GMT-Master' video and corresponding article. You can also read our comprehensive article ‘Collector's Guide: The Rolex GMT-Master Reference 1675 In Steel’.
Rolex Submariner Starbucks 126610LV Unpolished Box & Papers
This Rolex Submariner reference 126610LV is an awesome sports watch. We believe the case is unpolished. .
The watch comes with box and papers. It was sold in 2022.
To learn more about the Rolex Submariner, you can read my ‘Reference Points: Understanding The Rolex Submariner’ article and corresponding video.
Dunhill Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Reference E855 On Gay Freres Bracelet Unpolished
This is the highly elusive and rare Dunhill Memovox E 855 sold in New York during the 1960s. Very few examples are known to exist. This example dates to circa late 1960s. We believe the case is unpolished. The case measures 37mm in diameter and wears excellent. The dial has a very sophisticated painted Breguet numerals and a blue dial which is super uncommon for the era.
The watch is powered by the calibre 825, the first automatic alarm wristwatch to incorporate the calendar complication. The movement is a bumper-automatic, which means it does not rotate a full 360 degrees. Instead, the oscillating weight will bounce back and forth between two spring sides within the movement.
Along with the Atmos clocks, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s advancements in alarm timepieces throughout the 20th century are certainly one of the most iconic genres from the Le Sentier manufacturer. Perhaps the quintessential Memovox is the reference E 855 from the 1960s. The reference’s “E” stands for Etanche, which indicates the case is a water-resistant model.
The watch does not come with box or papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well and keeping good time.
Rolex Two-Tone Datejust Reference 16233 Unpolished
I absolutely love the Rolex Datejust. I recently wrote about them in our blog ‘Don't Sleep On This: The Simple Vintage Rolex Datejust In Steel’. I’m constantly amazed by the quality and differentiations of the dials that Rolex used in vintage Datejusts over the decades.
This model 16233 has a brilliant champagne dial set with 18K gold applied coronet and index markers, shielded by a sapphire crystal. It has a very beautiful 18K gold fluted bezel. The watch has an E serial and dates to circa 1990. We believe the case is unpolished.
It does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history but it is running good.
Heuer For Aquastar Regate Reference 4000N Unpolished
This Heuer for Aquastar Regate Reference 4000N is a rare and killer dive watch. It is an awesome alternative for those who appreciate aquatic timepieces. The watch is unpolished and features a great angular case design. It measures 37mm in diameter (47mm lug-to-lug).
The watch does not come with box and papers. The watch was recently serviced.
Rolex Two-Tone Bubbleback Reference 5010
I have a great appreciation for the history and design of Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches. This is one of the great innovative watches dating to circa 1948. This two-tone Bubbleback reference 5010 is a super cool and uncommon model in gold and steel. The case has been lightly polished in the past. The dial is unrestored and features a very cool even-applied Arabic numeral layout with alpha hands. It measures approximately 32mm in diameter (39mm lug-to-lug).
The watch does not come with box and papers. The watch was recently serviced.
Rolex Coin Watch Reference 3612 in 18K Yellow Gold Unpolished
Coin watches are remarkable creations which are both extremely uncommon and very difficult to create. Made from two coins, they are an interesting blend of horology, numismatics, and history. More often than not, these coins would begin as legal tender, then would require a skilled coin maker to dissect two sides, carve an interior within each to house the timepiece, and finally reconstruct the two sides in a hinged fashion. The most sophisticated watchmakers and case makers were involved in creating these timepieces.
This Rolex reference 3612 is an exceptional example of this art. The coin is in outstanding condition with minimal signs of wear.
These are the ultimate horological accessories, and I would love to own one in my personal collection one day. I have owned a sterling silver Movado coin watch, but the craftsmanship from the $20 gold coin watches are on a much different level. We are elated to offer this timepiece.
We do not know the service history, but it is running well. It does not come with box or papers.
To learn more about vintage coin watches read Charlie Dunne’s authoritative article 'An introduction to coin watches: Where craftsmanship meets currency'!
Grönefeld 1941 Principia Automatic Salmon Dial Full Set
The Grönefeld 1941 Principia Automatic is a very cool model. The case is made of sterling silver. It features the extremely attractive salmon dial with flamed blue hands. The case is unpolished. The diameter is 39.5mm and 47mm lug to lug.
The watch comes from the original owner and is full set with box and papers. It was sold in 2023.
Ikepod Black Dial KAWS NOS w/ Box & Warranty Card
Ikepod is renowned for their incredible designs and founder Marc Newson. This Ikepod is a very rare example produced with American artist and designer KAWS. Kaws is a world-renowned artist. Exhibitions, events and sales around his work attract an ever-growing audience.
“The KAWS Album,” his most accomplished work on canvas” was sold by Sotheby’s in 2019 for 14.8 million dollars. A retrospective exhibition was held in Melbourne in 2020 at the National Gallery Victoria.
These were produced in 2012. Only 100 examples were produced. The watches are powered by the ETA 2892. The watch is in NOS condition.
Ikepod KAWS NOS w/ Box & Warranty Card
Ikepod is renowned for their incredible designs and founder Marc Newson. This Ikepod is a very rare example produced with American artist and designer KAWS. Kaws is a world-renowned artist. Exhibitions, events and sales around his work attract an ever-growing audience.
“The KAWS Album,” his most accomplished work on canvas” was sold by Sotheby’s in 2019 for 14.8 million dollars. A retrospective exhibition was held in Melbourne in 2020 at the National Gallery Victoria.
These were produced in 2012. Only 100 examples were produced. The watches are powered by the ETA 2892. The watch is in NOS condition.