What's Selling Here - April 19, 2024

By Charlie Dunne

Rolex Monoblocco Rolex Non-Luminous Oyster Chronograph Reference 3525 Unpolished

This is an incredible watch for either a sophisticated Rolex or chronograph connoisseur. Often referred to as the "Monoblocco" the case body is an incredible creation from a single piece of steel. It features a fantastic luminous dial and syringe hands. These models are also synonymous and nicknamed P.O.W.s for the models which were sent to Allied prisoners in German P.O.W. camps. Hans Wilsdorf signed a letter to one prisoner stating “you must not even think of settlement during the war.”

We believe this example is unpolished. It measures 35mm in diameter by 41.5mm lug to lug. The dial is particularly nice in that it is a non-luminous example with the arched Rolex Oyster font. The dial has developed a beautiful patina and is stunning.

It does not come with box and papers. It was recently serviced and is running well.

Abercrombie & Fitch Reference 2447SF Unpolished On GF Bracelet

I’m thrilled to offer exceptional vintage watches that I personally would love to own. This Abercrombie & Fitch reference 2447SF is just outstanding. These watches are extremely rare, and only around 20 are known.

This example dates to circa 1966 with a T dial. It is paired on a Gay Freres bracelet for Carreras. These were likely not sold on bracelets, but it looks amazing. We believe the case is unpolished. The watch is an outstanding example.

The watch does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well and keeping good time.

Rolex Daytona Reference 6239 “Big Daytona” Unpolished

The Rolex Daytona reference 6239 is the original and earliest reference of the Daytona. This example features a “Big Daytona” logo where DAYTONA is large and underneath COSMOGRAPH on the dial. I really love the way the ROLEX / COSMOGRAPH / DAYTONA text lines up in descending order like a pyramid in shape.

This example also has the original early “300” Mark 2 reference 6239 bezel, which differs from later examples by having 300 on the tachymeter bezel and “UNITS PER HOUR” between 12 and 2 o’clock, whereas later bezels have it by 3 o’clock. This is the second version of the steel bezel found on the reference 6239 and the earliest Mark 1 examples have a 275 and dashes rather than dots next to the numbers.

This particular example is weathered, but it is unpolished. It had spent some years in a safe without a crystal on it after suffering some damage until I purchased it, so the dial has some scratches and the central hour, minute, and seconds hands are replacements. The central seconds hand has a slightly longer triangle at the tip and originally it would have had a shorter triangle at the tip. The register hands are all original and have the flared minute and hour hands plus thin subsidiary or running seconds hand.

The case features a 1.6 million serial number dating it to circa 1966. The watch does not come with box and papers. It was recently serviced and is running well.

This is a really cool survivor of a Daytona and presents much more attractive in person than in the photos under strong light. It’s certainly the kind of Daytona that would be a dream to inherit - a watch that looks like it has lived a life and seen some things.

Rolex "Big Red" Daytona Reference 6265

I’m excited to offer another awesome Rolex Daytona reference 6265. This particular example features the earlier floating “Big Red” dial which commands attention upon first glance. The luminous plots on the dial remain intact, which is oftentimes not the case as these would be susceptible to damage during service. This watch is from circa 1978, with a serial number in the 5.2 million range.

The case is lightly polished, but has maintained a strong form. It features the original Mark 2 pushers and measures 37mm in diameter. It is paired on its original US made C+I bracelet for Rolex (also dating to 1978). The movement is a manual wind calibre 727 made by Valjoux.

The watch does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well.

Rolex Gilt Explorer I Reference 1016

The Rolex Explorer reference 1016 is one of the purest expressions of watch design, and it is for this reason that I am probably asked for vintage Explorer reference 1016s more than any other watch. This model features a gilt type 6 dial and dates to circa 1966. The dial is extremely attractive and the lume is original. The case is 36mm in diameter. It is in very strong condition, although has been lightly polished. For those looking for an outstanding gilt 1016, this is a fantastic option!

The watch does not include box or papers, has an automatic movement (Caliber 1570 made by Rolex). We do not know the service history, but it is running well.

To learn more about the history and evolution of the Rolex Explorer I, you can see the video and corresponding article I produced with HODINKEE:

Rolex Explorer I Reference 1016 R Serial

The Rolex Explorer reference 1016 was introduced in 1960 and marked the first Explorer with “Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified" printed on the dial. The 1016 is one of the purest expressions of watch design, and it is for this reason that I am probably asked for vintage Explorer reference 1016s more than any other watch. The case is 36mm in diameter (43mm lug-to-lug). The case is lightly polished, but very strong. This example features a Mark 3 dial and has a R serial dating to circa 1987-1988. It is paired on a Rolex 78360 bracelet with 580 end links.

To learn more about the history and evolution of the Rolex Explorer I, you can see my video and corresponding article Reference Points: A Comprehensive Collector's Guide To The Rolex Explorer I.

The watch does not come with box and papers.

Corum Rolls Royce in 18K Gold Unpolished

This Corum Rolls Royce is a very fun and interesting timepiece. The watch dates to the 1980s. The case is made of 18K yellow gold and we believe it is unpolished. It is paired on the original strap and buckle.

The watch does not come with box and papers. The battery was just replaced and it is running well.

Movado Baignoire in 18K Yellow Gold Unpolished

This Movado is an incredibly cool example which mirrors the Cartier Baignoire design and is a fraction of the price. The watch dates to the 1960s-1970s. The case is made of 18K yellow gold and we believe it is unpolished. The crown appears to be missing the sapphire cabochon. It is paired on the original strap and buckle.

The watch does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well.

Rolex Explorer II Reference 216570 Full Set Unpolished

This Rolex Explorer II reference 216570 is an awesome example. The case measures 42mm in diameter (and 50.5mm lug-to-lug). This example remains unpolished and dates to circa 2020

This watch comes “full set” with box or papers and comes from the original owner.

Breitling Gilt Glossy Reference 777 Chronograph Unpolished

This Breitling chronograph reference 777 is an awesome example. The gilt glossy dial is very attractive and has an attractive and small “ANTI-CHOC” signature above 6:00 for the anti-shock capabilities of the Venus movement. We believe the case is unpolished. The watch dates to circa mid 1944.

The watch does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well.

Tudor Submariner Reference 7016 Unpolished

This Tudor Submariner is a fantastic sports watch. The watch was made in circa 1970. The watch is in excellent condition. We believe the case is unpolished. The bracelet is period correct Rolex C&I bracelet. it features a TrueDome crystal. The lume in the handset has been stabilized.

It does not come with box and papers. It was serviced in November 2023 by TruePatina for $2,200 and it is running well.

Rensie Clamshell Chronograph Unpolished

This Rensie Clamshell chronograph is an awesome vintage watch from the 1940s. The cases on these chronographs are among my favorite designs and are the earliest waterprotected chronographs. The case is unpolished and measures 34mm in diameter (42mm lug to lug). We believe it is powered by a Venus movement.

It does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well.

Rolex Blue Dial Datejust Reference 1600

The Datejust is an iconic watch introduced in 1945. This Datejust reference 1600 is defined by the smooth bezel. It has a beautiful blue sunburst dial. The case is lightly polished but strong. It dates to circa 1976.

The watch comes does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well.

Heuer Carrera Reference 3647N Unpolished

This Heuer Carrera reference 3647 is a very nice example. We believe the case is unpolished. It dates to circa 1965 and has an original hexagonal case back.

You can read more about the origins of the Carrera in the in-depth article that I wrote back in 2013.

The watch does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well

Universal Genève Ladies Reference 15534 2 In 18K Gold Unpolished

This is a super cool Universal Genève from the mid century. It has super cool lugs. The case is 18K gold and is unpolished. It is 18mm in diameter.

The watch does not come with box and papers. It was just serviced and is running

Racine Ladies Watch Unpolished

This is a super cool Racine watch from the mid century. The case is unpolished. It is 26mm in diameter and 39mm lug to lug.

The watch does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well.

Tavannes Stanless Steel Unpolished

This Tavannes is a super cool tank style wristwatch from the 1930s-1940s. The watch is unpolished. It measures 24mm by 39mm.

The watch does not come with box and papers. It was just serviced and is running well.