What's Selling Here - December 13, 2024
By Charlie Dunne
Rolex GMT-Master Reference 1675 w/ Papers and Booklet
The Rolex GMT-Master was originally designed for Pan Am pilots in the 1950s and continues to be a flagship model for Rolex to this day. The reference 1675 was introduced in 1959 and remained in production until 1980.
This example features a 1.72M serial number, dating to circa 1967. The case has been polished, but it is strong with good form. The aluminum bezel insert has taken on a very nice fade and complements the puffy lume. The watch comes a stamped booklet and chronometer papers (which are dated to February of 1968. It is paired on a 7206 Rolex rivet bracelet with 80 end links (dated to the first quarter of 1968). It was just serviced by Dr. Greg Petronzi (@truepatina) and is running great.
To learn more about the Rolex GMT-Master you can watch the ‘Reference Points: Understanding The Rolex GMT-Master' video and corresponding article I produced. You can also read our comprehensive article ‘Collector's Guide: The Rolex GMT-Master Reference 1675 In Steel’.
Cartier Tank Louis Jumbo Automatique in 18K YG Unpolished
The Cartier Tank Louis is one of the most sophisticated dress watches and these models have grown to become highly collectible over recent years. It is a great contrast to many sports Rolex models within a collection and can be worn in both a casual and dressed up state.
This example dates to circa 1970s. It features an 18K yellow gold case. We believe the case is unpolished. These are the largest vintage Tanks. The case measures 28mm in diameter and 35mm in length. The dial is very nice and without any signs of wear or crazing. Often, these have crazing.
The watch does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well.
To learn more about the spectacular watches from Cartier, read our article My Dream Cartier Collection.
Patek Philippe Reference 5270P-001 Full Set Unpolished
The Patek Philippe reference 5270 is a remarkable grand complication reference introduced by Patek Philippe in 2011. The perpetual-calendar chronograph is powered by the calibre CH 29-535 PS Q. We believe the watch is in unpolished. The platinum case wears incredible on the wrist. It features the highly attractive salmon dial. It has an exhibition case back and a platinum case back.
The watch comes full set with box and papers. It was sold in 2021.
Movado M95 Chronograph Reference 95-224-568 in 14K YG
This is a very cool vintage Movado M95 chronograph. The watch is in fantastic condition. The case has been lightly polished. The 14K yellow gold case measures 35mm in diameter (42mm lug-to-lug). It is FB (Taubert/Borgel) case and these are incredibly well made chronograph cases. It features a beautiful vertically silver dial.
This watch does not include box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running very well.
Cartier Baignoire 7743-1 on Cuban Link Bracelet
This Cartier Baignoire is a very elegant timepiece produced in the 1970s. The watch features a very cool and uncommon Cuban link bracelet. The 18k yellow gold case measures 22mm in diameter by 30mm in length. We believe the case is unpolished. It features a manual wind Bueche Girod movement.
This watch does not include the original box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running great!
Piaget Polo W/ Diamonds Reference 350234 Unpolished
This Piaget Polo Date reference 350234 is an incredible timepiece with a diamond set case and bracelet.
The watch is powered by a Quartz battery and it was just replaced. The case is made of 18K gold and is in a remarkable, unpolished state. It measures 30mm in diameter. The bracelet is in awesome condition and can fir a wrist as big as 7.5 inches.
Learn more about the exciting designs and movements of vintage Piaget in the article ‘Undervalued: Vintage Piaget Watches’.
The watch does not come with box and papers.
Patek Philippe Reference 5320G-011 Full Set Unpolished
This Patek Philippe reference 5320G-001 is a great modern complicated Patek Philippe. It is powered by the calibre 324 S Q. The white gold case has beautiful stepped lugs. We believe the case is unpolished. It measures 40mm in diameter.
The watch dates to 2022. It comes with box and papers.
Rolex John Bull Purple Dial Submariner Reference 16803 Two Tone
The Rolex Submariner is one of the most renowned sports watches of all time. This reference 16803 features a 9.4M serial number dating to circa 1987. The case was hand finished / carved at time of purchase at the Bahamian official Rolex retailer John Bull by their master watchmaker Günter Miethe. This was a popular request by the Bahamian retailer throughout the 1980s and these watches are highly prized by collectors for their unique look and island vibes. Our understanding is that Rolex gave their blessing to their official retailer John Bull to customize these watches for the local Bahamian market at the time. While most of the John Bull watches with a bark carved finish were all-steel Submariners and a few were all-steel GMT-Masters. This example features a very attractive purple dial which we see in examples from the 1980s into circa 1990.
To learn more about the Rolex Submariner, you can watch my ‘Reference Points: Understanding The Rolex Submariner’ video and read the corresponding article.
The watch does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well.. The watch and bracelet have not been polished since new beyond the John Bull finish, so it has its full proportions.
I fell in love with this watch when I first saw it and I think any buyer that gets this can have a watch they will never see on another person’s wrist. I can’t imagine a more fun watch to wear on a trip to The Bahamas!
Rolex Gilt Dial Explorer I Reference 1016 w/ Papers
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 example dates to circa 1963 with a 901,XXX serial. The gilt dial is very attractive and the lume is original. The case is 36mm in diameter. The case has been polished.
It does not include box but it does come with papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well. It recently passed a water resistance test of 3 bar.
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:
Vulcain Cricket with Luminous LBJ Dial Unpolished
This is a spectacular cricket with a beautiful patina to the dial and hands. It features the original or “OG” style case. It measures 34mm in diameter (just under 43mm lug-to-lug). The steel case features drilled lugs and the dial has the distinct diamond hour marker at 12:00 o'clock (the earliest dial variant). The crown and pusher are original.
The early crickets had serial numbers on the case backs before they switched to reference numbers on the case backs. The case remains unpolished. The watch is powered by the calibre 120, and has an exceptional and loud alarm.
Overall, this is an extremely beautiful example
Vulcain Black Dial Cricket Reference 303000 Unpolished
This Vulcain Cricket is an awesome example with a rare black gilt dial. The reference 303000 is an angular 33.5mm diameter case (41mm lug-to-lug). The case is unpolished and features the original signed crown. The watch is powered by the calibre 120.
The watch does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well.
Vulcain Cricket Honeycomb Waterproof Dial in Steel Unpolished
This Vulcain Cricket is an early waterproof model from the brand. The dial features a very rare honeycomb texture with the earlier “waterproof” font. The case is unpolished and measures 34mm in diameter. The watch is powered by the Calibre 120’s successor the MSR S2. For those looking to add a rare Vulcain Cricket to their collection, this is an awesome example.
The watch does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well.
Rolex Inverted 6 White Dial Zenith Daytona Reference 16520
The “Zenith Daytonas” have appreciated significantly the last few years as people respect the modified Zenith El Primero movements that Rolex used for their first automatic Daytonas starting in 1988. This is an outstanding example of a Rolex Daytona reference 16520. It is an early example with the inverted 6. It has a n S serial dating it to circa 1993-1994. The case has been polished. It measures 40mm in diameter (46mm lug-to-lug).
This watch does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well.
Rolex Daytona 116518LN in 18K Yellow Gold on Oysterflex Full Set Unpolished
This Rolex Daytona is a very cool example on Oysterflex rubber strap. We believe the case is unpolished. It is made of 18k yellow gold and was sold in 2020. It features the attractive yellow and black dial with red accents.
The watch was sold in 2020. It comes with a box or papers. It is partially stickered and that is awesome!
Charlie Dunne met a vintage watch dealer who wears this watch on a bracelet. He refused to allow Charlie to shoot a photo of it for a photo report because “It was too rare” and Charlie thought this was a very weird interaction.
Rolex Turn-O-Graph Reference 6202 w/ Waffle Dial
This Rolex Turn-O-Graph reference 6202 is a super cool Rolex sports watch from the 1950s. The Turn-O-Graph is the precursor to the mighty Rolex Submariner which was introduced in circa 1953-1954. They are uncommon and a bit mysterious to some, but for those who appreciate Rolex’s historic models the Turn-O-Graph is certainly one to admire.
This example dates to circa 1953 with a 950,XXX serial. It features a beautiful gilt dial with “waffle” texture. It measures 36mm in diameter. The case is probably unpolished. It is paired on a Gay Freres Rivet bracelet with straight end links dating to 1969. It also comes with a Jubilee bracelet from the 1960s.
This 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 of 3 bar.
Universal Genève Golden Shadow in 18K Yellow Gold Unpolished
This Universal Genève Golden Shadow is a very cool and uncommon model in 18K yellow gold. We believe the case is unpolished. It measures 32mm in diameter (37mm lug to lug).
The watch does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well.
Heuer Solunar Unpolished
This Heuer Solunar is a super nice example has a spectacular colors in the dial. The minute register is designated for tide changes. The chrome plated case is unpolished and measures roughly 36mm in diameter. The watch dates to the early 1950s. It features a service crown.
The watch does not come with box or papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well.
Audemars Piguet Coin Watch 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 and this Audemars Piguet is an exceptional example of this art.
The movement is signed Andemars Piguet. It is crafted from the 1904 $20 “Liberty Head” designed by James Barton. The case and dial are both very well preserved. The numerals and hour makers have a beautiful gold foil. It dates to circa 1949.
These are the ultimate horological accessories and way cooler than any Audemars Piguet that you could purchase today. We are elated to offer this timepiece.
We do not know the service history, but it is running great. 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'!
Rolex Air-King Black Dial Reference 14000 Unpolished
This Rolex Air-King reference 14000M is an awesome example with a rare and beautiful black dial. The watch features a P serial number and dates to circa 2000. We believe the case is unpolished. This Air-King is an awesome wristwatch for both casual and formal attire.
We do not know the service history, but it is keeping excellent time It does not come with box and papers. It recently passed a 3 bar water resistance test.
Rolex by Tom Sachs GMT-Master II Reference 16718 Unpolished Full Set
The Rolex GMT-Master was originally designed for Pan Am pilots in the 1950s and continues to be a flagship model for Rolex to this day. This particular example a reference 16718 in spectacular condition. The watch features an A serial dating to 1999. The 18K yellow gold case is unpolished and measures 42.5mm in diameter including crown (47.5mm lug-to-lug).
Tom Sachs made two of the most desirable Nike shoes ever: the Mars Yard and Mars Yard 2.0 and his art commands a strong following. Tom is known for deconstructing regular items and in circa 2002 he decided to take a crack at deconstructing a gold Rolex GMT-Master II that he purchased new at retail. He painted the watch black and the black paint wears off with wear. He made 5 examples and this is number 3 of 5. It has been in a private collection of a prominent art dealer since new. A standard Rolex GMT-Master II reference 16718 with box and papers would likely be around the $30,000 price point - adding $19,000 for the provenance.
To learn more about the Rolex GMT-Master you can watch the ‘Reference Points: Understanding The Rolex GMT-Master' video and corresponding article I produced.
The watch comes with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well.
Rolex Saudi Arabian Datejust 16220 w/ Letter of Provenance & Box Unpolished
A steel Datejust is an essential for anyone who loves Rolex. I’m constantly amazed by the quality and differentiations of the dials that Rolex used in vintage Datejusts over the decades. I have found the Rolex Datejust to be one of the most versatile watches a person can have. This reference 16220 is an awesome Datejust with the rare Saudi Arabian crest dial with a very special palm tree and swords. These crests can be seen on models such as Universal Geneve, Rolex and others. These watches were often gifts from a member of the royal family to diplomats.
This Rolex features an E serial and dates to circa 1990. The case measures 36mm in diameter. The condition is excellent. It features the original case back sticker. We believe the case is unpolished.
The watch comes from a collector who purchased it from the original owner. It with the box and letter of provenance. It comes with papers - but they do not correspond to the serial number on the watch which occasionally happens. It recently passed a water resistance test of 3 bar.