What's Selling Here - August 3, 2023

By Charlie Dunne

Rolex Explorer I Tropical Dial Reference 1016 Unpolished

Introduced in 1960 an icon was born in the Rolex Explorer reference 1016. It was produced until circa 1989. This example is a spectacular Explorer 1016 with an amazing tropical dial. It features a 1.04M serial dating it to circa 1964. The case remains unpolished and measures 36mm in diameter (43mm lug-to-lug). It is paired on a 7206 Rivet bracelet by Rolex with correct 58 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. It has recently been serviced by Dr. Greg Petronzi which cost over $1,000 and is running great. It has just passed a 3 bar water resistance test. It features a TrueDome D22 crystal.

Scott Carpenter's Aquadive Watches Unpolished

I’m thrilled to offer two extremely cool Aquadive watches with fantastic provenance being previously owned by the iconic astronaut, aquanaut, test pilot, and Naval officer and American icon, Scott Carpenter. The Aquadive 1000 in blue has an extremely attractive and clean design with pale luminous plots and teal accents on the bezel. It appears this watch was well worn and perhaps used frequently by Carpenter back in the day during dives. It is paired on the original bracelet which appears to be made by NSA. The Aquadove Time-Graph Electronic has a multi-colorerd dial and bezel which is unlike any other watch. It is paired on the original bracelet with a super cool Favre Leuba logo on the buckle.

Both watches come from the family of Carpenter. Both watches do not come with any box or papers. The watches have recently had the batteries changed and are running great!

Rolex Explorer I Reference 1016 R Serial Unpolished

Introduced in 1960 an icon was born in the Rolex Explorer reference 1016. The 1016 was produced until circa 1989. This example features an R serial dating it to circa 1987-1988. The case is unpolished and measures 36mm in diameter (43mm lug-to-lug). The lume is pale which is found in models from the mid-late 1980s. It is paired on a correct Rolex 78360 bracelet with 580 end links.

The ref. 1016 marked the first Explorer with “Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified" printed on the dial. It is one of the most desired timepieces and for great reason. The 1016 is one of the purest expressions of watch design and for this reason that I am probably asked for vintage Explorer reference 1016s more than any other watch.

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. We do not know the service history and is running great. It features a D22 TrueDome crystal.

Heuer Camaro Reference 7220N Unpolished

Heuer is renowned for its rich history with automotive raving, and one of the great models from the golden age of the brand is the Camaro. The Camaro line has always been a sleeper when compared to the more discussed siblings such as the Autavia and Carrera.

The reference 7220N is powered by the manual wind calibre Valjoux 72. The N in the reference designates the black dial, however it is a nice brown color. The case is unpolished and the watch is paired on a nice brown strap. The case measures 37mm in diameter (43mm lug-to-lug). The watch dates to circa 1971.

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

Moser & Cie Dead Seconds Unpolished

Many are only aware of modern pieces from H. Moser Cie, so here we offer a chance to expand your appreciation of the brand’s history and excellence in classical watchmaking.

This extremely rare midcentury gem embodies the essence of a classic vintage timepiece. The dial has a very attractive honey comb pattern that has aged with the warm glow of a golden patina. The hands show light patina.

The case is very strong and unpolished measuring 35 mm in diameter and 43 lug to lug. The proportions of the diameter to the thickness of the case make this piece are pleasing to the eye and enjoyably wearable for all.

The winding of the deadbeat movement is crisp and protected from the effects of magnetism by an incabloc shield. The watch does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running great!

Vulcain Grand Prix Reference 6417 Unpolished

This Vulcain Grand Prix is a super cool time-only model from the manufacurer dating to the late 1950s. The watch features a super cool honeycomb dial with beautiful patina. The case is unpolished and measures 35mm in diameter (41mm lug-to-lug). The crown is a replacement.

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

Heuer Carrera Reference 3647S Eggshell Dial

This Heuer Carrera reference 3647S is a very cool and early example with a rare and early “eggshell” white dial. Later examples had silver dials The case lightly polished. It features a SWISS only dial and Heuer buckle.

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 strong.

Heuer Yacht-Timer On Original Strap

I've always had a penchant for vintage Heuer. I love to both hunt and collect the stop watches and other ephemera from the brand. This particular Heuer Yacht Timer wristwatch is one of those timepieces I obsess over and have several examples in my personal collection. The stopwatch is powered by the calibre 7710! It is such a fun timepiece to play with in the office, or wear on the wrist with a nylon strap! The case is quite a big one at 52mm in diameter! It is paired on the original strap. If you are interested in entering the world of vintage Heuer, this is certainly a great place to start!

The watch does not come with box or papers.

Breguet Reference 3210 Unpolished

This Breguet wristwatch is a very cool and interesting timepiece. The case measures 31mm in diameter (36mm lug-to-lug). The white-gold case is unpolished. It is paired on the original strap and buckle.

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

Chopard L.U.C Classic GMT in 18K White Gold Unpolished Full Set

Chopard is a great independent manufacturer with exceptional contemporary timepieces. This L.U.C. Classic GMT is a very nice timepiece that wears excellent on the wrist. The applied markers and refined guilloche makes for a very attractive dial. The white-gold case is unpolished and measures 40mm in diameter (46mm lug-to-lug). It is paired on an aftermarket strap and the original buckle.

The watch comes with box and papers with Certificate of Origin. We do not know the service history, but the watch is running well.