What's Selling Here - February 13, 2025
By Charlie Dunne
Rolex GMT-Master Reference 16758 in 18K Yellow Gold Unpolished w/ Box
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 is an extremely attractive 16758 featuring an 8.3M serial number, dating to circa 1984. The aluminum bezel insert is a beautiful brown. The case appears to be unpolished. The dial is incredible and in fantastic condition.
It does not come with papers. It does come with a box and catalog. We do not know the service history, but it is running well. It recently passed a 5 bar water resistance test.
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 Charlie Dunne’s comprehensive article ‘Collector's Guide: The Rolex GMT-Master Reference 1675 In Steel’.
Rolex Steak & Ale Datejust 16220 w/ Papers
This Rolex Datejust reference 16220 is an incredibly cool example with an attractive blue dial. The dial features the corporate stamp for the American chain of restaurants Steak & Ale! The logo is incredibly large and takes up much more real estate on the dial than the font. The case has been lightly polished. The watch measures 36mm in diameter and the X serial dates to circa 1991. It is paired on a 62510H bracelet with 555 B end links. The engine turned bezel is made of stainless steel.
This watch does not include a box. It does come with papers. The service history of this watch is not known, but it is running well. The watch recently passed a water resistance test of 3 bar.
For those looking for an incredibly cool and unusual Rolex Datejust, look no further!
Rolex Gilt Dial GMT-Master Reference 1675 Unpolished
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 is an exceptional Rolex GMT-Master 1675 example that has been in my personal collection for several years. It has a 1.42M serial number dating to circa 1966. It features an incredible gilt dial which is extremely well preserved. The luminous material is puffy. Finding great gilt-dial GMT-Masters and Submariners is very difficult, and I consider this to be one of the nicest examples a collector could aspire to own.
The aluminum bezel insert features a beautiful sky blue and autumn red color which is one of my favorites of all time..The case appears to be unpolished. It is paired on a tight 7206 Rivet bracelet dating to 1966.
It does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well.
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 Charlie Dunne’s comprehensive article ‘Collector's Guide: The Rolex GMT-Master Reference 1675 In Steel’.
Colonel Pogue’s Rolex Thunderbird Datejust 6605 in 18K Yellow Gold
This Datejust reference 6605 is a special example. It previously belonged to Colonel William Reid "Bill" Pogue the iconic American astronaut and pilot who served in the United States Air Force (USAF) as a fighter pilot and test pilot and was a member of the USAF Thunderbirds. It features his name engraved on the case back.
The case has been polished in the past. The dial was reprinted in the past. It features a small circle mark near the Datejust font. The watch dates circa 1957 and features an 253,XXX serial. The case measures 36mm in diameter. The watch came from Pogue family.
A similar example owned by Thunderbird Pilot Herman E. Griffin with reprinted dial recently sold at Heritate for $35,000, which featured the same engraver’s work.
It does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history of this watch, but it is running well.
Rolex Daytona Reference 116588SACO Full Set Brand New Stickered
This Rolex Daytona reference 116588SACO is an extremely special Daytona with incredible orange sapphire bezel and hour markers. It features a black dial and is paired on black Oysterflex strap. It is powered by the Rolex calibre 4130 automatic movement.
The watch comes with box and papers. It was sold in 2024. It is fully stickered and in brand new condition. This is the best price on the planet.
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 one of the nicest Explorer II reference 1655 I have had the pleasure of offering. It dates to circa 1984 (8.09 million serial number). We believe this example is unpolished. It has outstanding lume. The paint in the bezel may have been refilled, but this is not a big deal at all in our opinion and perfectly acceptable. The watches are not nearly as attractive with missing black paint in the bezel and it is acceptable to fill that just as it is acceptable to replace worn and broken crystals to both preserve the watch and allow it to look its best. Not replacing a worn or broken crystal would be the equivalent of not replacing original tires on a vintage car that are totally slick - it would jeopardize the safety of the passengers and the car itself.
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 of 3 bar.
It is so hard to find an Explorer II reference 1655 in this condition - it is absolutely jaw dropping. We average finding about one unpolished reference 1655 a year, so don’t move too slow to get this one if you are ready to get one of the best.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Géophysic Reference E 168
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Géophysic is one of the great mid-century JLC wristwatches. Designed to withstand high magnetic fields and introduced in during the “International Geophysical Year” that ran from July 1957 to December 1958, the Geophysic was introduced primarily in steel with a few made in gold. This stainless steel example measures 35mm in diameter and 44mm lug to lug. The case has been lightly polished, but is attractive. It is powered by the calibre 478/BWSbr. It features a non-luminous dial with luminous hands.
The watch does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well.
Rolex Meters First Submariner Reference 5512 Unpolished Full Set
This Rolex Submariner reference 5512 is an incredibly attractive example with puffy warm colored lume. The watch has a 1.47M serial dating to circa 1966. It is an early matte dial by serial and the chronometer papers date to January 1968. It features the original bezel insert. The case appears to be unpolished. It is was paired on a C&I bracelet dating to 1968. It is so hard to find great Submariners like this, particularly with the box and chronometer papers!
This watch comes with box and papers. It features a TrueDome D 19 crystal. We do not know the service history, but it is running great! It recently passed a water resistance test of 3 bar.
Learn more about the iconic Submariner within Charlie Dunne’s comprehensive article “Collector’s Guide: Understanding The Rolex Submariner Reference 5512’.
To learn more about the Rolex Submariner, you can read my ‘Reference Points: Understanding The Rolex Submariner’ article and corresponding video.
Rolex Fat Lady GMT-Master II Reference 16760 Like New
This Rolex GMT-Master II reference 16760, also referred to as the “Fat Lady” is an incredible example. It is in like new condition and the case is unpolished. The bezel insert is superb. The lume is attractive and has warm colors. It dates to circa 1987 with an R8 serial.
To learn more about the Rolex GMT-Master, you can watch my ‘Reference Points: Understanding The Rolex GMT-Master' 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.
Vacheron Constantin Phidias 16510/967J-7 Full Set
This Vacheron Constantin Phidias reference 16510/967J-7 is a sophisticated and elegant dress watch. The 18k yellow gold case measures 24mm in diameter. It features an extremely attractive integrated bracelet. it is in like new condition. The watch is powered by a quartz movement. It was sold in May 1995.
The watch comes with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well.
IWC Fliegerchronograph IW3705 Full Set
The IWC Ceramic “Fliegerchronograph” was produced for only two years (1994-1996). Of the collectible IWC models, many consider the IWC Fliegerchronograph IW3705 to be one of the greats. The 39mm case is made of ceramic zirconium oxide. It features an engraved stainless-steel case back. It is powered by an IWC modified Valjoux (ETA 7750).
The watch comes with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well. The crown appears to be a newer service crown.
Piaget Polo Fortyfive Chronograph G0A34002
The Piaget Polo Fortyfive G0A34002 is a great modern watch. It measures 45mm in diameter. It is made of titanium. It features a great flyback chronograph, GMT and date movement.
The watch does not come with box and papers. It comes from the original owner who estimates he got it around 2010.
Rolex Datejust Blue Dial Reference 16234 Unpolished
This Rolex Datejust reference 16234 is an awesome example with an attractive blue dial. The case appears to be unpolished. The watch measures 36mm in diameter. The S serial dates to circa 1993. It is paired on a 62510H bracelet with 555 B end links. The fluted bezel is made of white gold.
This watch does not include a box and papers. The service history of this watch is not known, but it is running very well.
Vulcain Cricket Black Textured Dial Unpolished
This is a rare Vulcain Cricket with black textured dial. It dates to the late 1950s and is one of the coolest models of the early Crickets. This example is paired on a bracelet that it was likely sold on. The watch is chrome plated and measures 34mm in diameter. The case appears to be unpolished.
The watch does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well.
Rolex Submariner Mk I Ref 5513 Unpolished
The Rolex Submariner is one of the most iconic sports watches and a model that represents the greatest attributes of the manufacturer.
This Submariner reference 5513 is a cool Mk I Maxi dial which is outstanding. The case appears to be unpolished. This example has a 5.2M serial number dating the watch to circa 1978.
The watch does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well. New gaskets and TrueDome crystal were installed last year. It recently passed a water resistance test of 5 bar.
Learn more about these watches within Charlie Dunne’s article “Collector’s Guide: Understanding The Rolex Submariner Reference 5512’.
To learn more about the Rolex Submariner, you can watch my ‘Reference Points: Understanding The Rolex Submariner’ video and read the corresponding article.
Vacheron Constantin Overseas 5520V/210A-B148 Full Set
Vacheron Constantin is 1/3 of The Holy Trinity and is renowned as one of the best complicated watch specialists. This VC chronograph is one of the most beautiful watches in their catalog. The dial is outstanding with a piercing blue color. The case features some wear, but the stainless steel case appears to be unpolished. It measures 42.5mm in diameter.
The watch comes with box and papers. It was sold in 2024. It comes from the original owner.
Rolex Black Dial Datejust 16030 Unpolished
I absolutely love steel Rolex Datejusts. 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. I have found the Rolex Datejust to be one of the most versatile watches a person can have and the simplicity in this black-dial reference 16030 is so beautiful.
The watch dates to 1987 and features an R2 serial. The case measures 36mm in diameter and is paired on a 62510H Rolex Jubilee bracelet and 555 end links.
The watch is in excellent condition. The case appears to be unpolished. It does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history of this watch. It recently passed a pressure test of 5 bar.
Rolex Yacht-Master 42 226659 in 18K White Gold Full Set
This Rolex Yacht-Master 42 reference 226659 is an awesome watch in white gold. The watch is 42mm in diameter. The case and deployant have some wear, but the case appears to be unpolished. It comes from the original owner. He bought it in 2024.
The watch comes with box and papers.
Vulcain Cricket Non-Luminous Fab Suisse Dial Unpolished
This is one of the nicest early Vulcain Crickets with a beautiful non-luminous 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. It is a Fab Suisse dial for the European market and is quite rare. 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 one of the best Vulcain Cricket models out there.
Abercrombie & Fitch Alarm Watch Unpolished
This Abercrombie & Fitch alarm watch is a super cool timepiece. The watch is powered by the A. Schilds movement. The case appears to be unpolished. It measures 34mm in diameter. These dials are very special and found on Rolex Pre-Daytonas, Movado chronographs and more.
The watch does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well.
LeCoultre Polaris Reference E 859 on Bracelet Unpolished
Since my early days of collecting, the Polaris E 859 has been a grail. The Polaris is one of the legendary dive watches, and it began production by Jaeger-LeCoultre in 1965. The dial is signed simply “LeCoultre” for the American market while European market models are signed “Jaeger-LeCoultre”. The case is made by Ervin Piquerez (EPSA). It is massive and measures 42mm in diameter. It appear to be unpolished.
This is an early Polaris E 859 that was produced in circa 1965. The early examples feature chrome case backs without perforations. It is powered by the automatic Calibre 825 made by Jaeger-LeCoultre. This version is very interesting in that it has a gilt glossy dial with a matte center disc. The watch also is very dressy with applied numerals. The watch is paired on a JB Champion bracelet.
The watch does not come with box or papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well.
LeCoultre Polaris II Ref E 870 Unpolished
Along with the Atmos clock and Reversos, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s advancements in alarm timepieces throughout the 20th century are certainly one of the most iconic genres from the Le Sentier manufacturer. This Polaris II E 870 is a super funky and cool alarm-dive watch. It dates to the 1970s and you can tell this off first impression. The reference’s “E” stands for Etanche, which indicates the case is a water-resistant model. The pastel blue bezel insert and dial make the Polaris II one of the most unique looking watches. It is such a futuristic design and fun watch to admire on the wrist.
It is paired on an NSA bracelet from the period. This is a similar style bracelet it would have been sold on, but instead signed JLC.
The case measures 43mm in diameter and 49mm lug to lug. We believe the case is unpolished. The luminous material on the dial and hands are super attractive with a slight amount of loss in the hour markers. The watch is powered by the calibre 916, a high-beat automatic alarm wristwatch to incorporate the calendar complication.
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.