What's Selling Here - December 13, 2023

By Charlie Dunne

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 dates to circa 1984 with an 8.2M serial number. It features the automatic calibre 1575 made by Rolex. It comes from the family of the original owner. It is paired on its original Jubilee bracelet. We believe this example is unpolished.

It does not come with box and papers. It was just serviced for the first time.

Rolex King Midas Reference 4315 in 18K Yellow Gold Unpolished

The King Midas was the most expensive Rolex by far at retail in the 1960s and 1970s. Starting in the 1970s, Rolex changed the dial to have Cellini instead of Midas in Greek on the dial and also introduced the smaller Queen Midas model. The King Midas has been closely associated with Elvis Presley, who is photographed holding one, and more recently with Rihanna, who wore a customized model for her pregnancy announcement.

It is said that Gérald Genta designed these watches and they certainly seemed to be part of the evolution of integrated watch design that led to the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, IWC Ingenieur 1832, and Patek Philippe Nautilus.

This example is 18k yellow gold and we believe it to be unpolished. It is a fantastic timepiece.

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

A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Stealth Reference 101.025 in Platinum

This A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Stealth reference 101.025 is a super attractive timepiece. The platinum case is very nice and appears to be unpolished. It measures 38.5mm in diameter.

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

We do not know the date of production. An Extract can be ordered for an additional charge.

Rolex Ladies Datejust Reference 69178 Diamond/Ruby Bezel in 18K Gold Unpolished w/ Box

We are thrilled to offer this very exceptional Rolex Datejust reference 69178. It features a stunning diamond dial, as well as a diamond and ruby set bezel by Rolex. For those that appreciate gem-set watches, these are such beautiful examples.

This example is 18k yellow gold and we believe it to be unpolished. The case is 26mm in diameter and 33mm lug-to-lug. It is an absolutely stunning timepiece. It features an L serial dating to circa 1989.

The watch does not come with papers. It does come with a briefcase jewelry box, which is absolutely incredible and a dream piece of ephemera from Rolex. We do not know the service history, but it is running well.

Rolex Day-Date Reference 18038 in 18K Yellow Gold Like New Full Set

This Rolex Day-Date reference 18038 is a spectacular watch in pristine condition. It was rarely worn. It has an an 18K yellow gold case. We believe the case is unpolished. The watch features an 8.9M serial number dating to circa 1986.

It comes with box and papers. We do not know the service history of this watch, but it is running well.

Rolex Ladies Yacht-Master Reference 69628 Unpolished w/ Box

This Ladies Yacht-Master Reference 69628 is a beautiful watch. It has an 18K gold case. We believe the case is unpolished. The watch features an W serial number dating to circa 1995.

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

Rolex Yacht-Master II Reference 116688 Full Set Unpolished

This Rolex Yacht-Master II reference 116688. It was rarely worn. It has an an 18K yellow gold case. We believe the case is unpolished. The watch features an Z serial dating to circa 2006-2007.

It comes with box and papers. We do not know the service history of this watch, but it is running well.

Rolex Day-Date Reference 18238 in 18K Yellow Gold Unpolished w/ Box

This Rolex Day-Date reference 18238 is a super nice watch in pristine condition. It has an an 18K yellow gold case. We believe the case is unpolished. The watch features an L serial number dating to circa 1989.

It comes with box. It does not come with papers. It comes with a notepad and booklet. We do not know the service history of this watch, but it is running well.

Rolex Daytona Reference 116520 Full Set Unpolished

This Rolex Daytona 116520 is a super nice sports watch. It has an an stainless steel case. We believe the case is unpolished. The watch features an K serial number dating to circa 2000-2001.

It comes full set with box and papers. We do not know the service history of this watch, but it is running well.

Rolex Day-Date Diamond/Baguette Dial Reference 18238 in 18K Yellow Gold Unpolished Full Set

This Rolex Day-Date reference 18238 is an exceptional example. It has an an 18K yellow gold case. We believe the case is unpolished. The watch features an E serial number dating to circa 1990.

It comes with box and papers. We do not know the service history of this watch, but it is running well.

Rolex Day-Date Diamond Dial and Diamond Bezel Reference 18238 in 18K Yellow Gold Unpolished w/ Box

This Rolex Day-Date reference 18238 is an exceptional example. It has an an 18K yellow gold case. We believe the case is unpolished. The watch features an E serial number dating to circa 1990.

It comes with box. It does not come with papers. It comes with a notebook and catalog. We do not know the service history of this watch, but it is running well.

Patek Philippe Aquanaut Reference 5165A-001 w/ Service Papers

This Patek Philippe Aquanaut reference 5165A-001 is a spectacular sports watch and one of the most beloved models from PP. The stainless steel case has been polished in the past service from Patek Philppe. It measures 38mm in diameter.

This watch comes with service papers. It does not come with the original box or papers. We do not know the date of production. It was serviced by Patek Philippe in 2021.

Gallet MultiChron 12 w/ Luminous Dial Unpolished

Gallet has made some of the greatest chronographs of all time and the Multichron 12 is among the most special watches from the manufacturer. The steel case is unpolished and measures 38mm in diameter (44mm lug-to-lug). The watch is powered by the Excelsior Park 40. It features a luminous dial and luminous hands.

It does not come with a box or papers. The service history is unknown, but it is running well.

Chronoswiss Cabrio Unpolished Full Set

This Chronoswiss Cabrio is a super cool interactive case deisgn from the 1990s. We believe the case is unpolished.

It comes with box and papers. We do not know the service history of this watch, but it is running well.

Blancpain in Steel Full Set Unpolished

This is a super attractive Blancpain watch from the 1990s. The case is steel and measures 34mm in diameter. We believe the case is unpolished. It dates to circa 1993.

It comes with box and papers. We do not know the service history of this watch, but it is running well.

Rolex Submariner Reference 14060M Unpolished W/ Box

This Rolex Submariner reference 14060 dates to 2003-2005 with an F serial. The case is unpolished and measures 40mm in diameter. It is in mint condition.

To learn more about the Rolex Submariner, dive into ‘Reference Points: Understanding The Rolex Submariner’ video and corresponding article.

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