What's Selling Here - January 12, 2024
By Charlie Dunne
Rolex Explorer II Reference 1655
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.
It dates to circa 1982 (7.36 million serial number). It features the automatic calibre 1575 made by Rolex. The case has been lightly polished but is very attractive.
It does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well. It was just pressure tested and passed 5 bar.
LeCoultre Polaris Reference E 859 Unpolished w/ Extract
In my early days of collecting, these LeCoultre Polaris watches were a grail. Still to this day, whenever I come across a vintage Polaris I am so excited and it brings me back to the days of admiring them online. The E 859 is the ultimate JLC sports model with the iconic automatic-alarm calendar calibre 825 movement. It is one of the legendary dive watches, and it began production by Jaeger-LeCoultre in 1965. This example is really special. The dial is signed simply “LeCoultre” for the American market while European market models are signed “Jaeger-LeCoultre”. I love the American market dials, and the stylized “Automatic” script. The case is made by Ervin Piquerez (EPSA). It is super attractive and we believe it is unpolished.
This example was produced in circa 1968. It features one of my favorite dial configurations with the matte dial and luminous 6, 9, and 12. It wears so nice at 42mm in diameter and 47mm lug-to-lug. It is paired on the JB Champion bracelet which were sold in the American market on. It could likely be its original bracelet.
The watch does not come with box or papers. It does come with an Extract from The Archives. We do not know the service history, but it is running well. It comes with a Tropic strap.
Rolex Datejust Reference 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 a 9.5M 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 with an unpolished case. 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.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Automatic Time-Only Reference E 326 in 18K Yellow Gold Unpolished w/ Extract
I am very excited to offer this super attractive automatic time-only Jaeger-LeCoultre from the mid 1950s. The reference is designated as E 326 (E standing for Entache or waterproof). The watch is powered by the automatic calibre 812 (a bumper system which Jaeger-LeCoultre was known for during the 1950s-1960s). This example dates to 1956. It has a very warm-toned dial which is great. We believe the 18K yellow gold case is unpolished. It features a monobloc case with an outstanding angular bezel. It measures 34mm in diameter and 41mm lug-to-lug.
It does not come from with box and papers. It was just serviced and it is running well. It comes with an Extract from The Archives. For those who adore the 1950s JLC timepieces, this is an outstanding example.
Rolex King Midas Cellini Reference 4017 in White Gold Unpolished
This Rolex Midas Cellini reference 4017 is absolutely incredible. The watch is in outstanding condition. We believe the white gold case is unpolished. It measures 28mm in diameter (28mm lug-to-lug). The watch dates to circa 1974 with a 3.6M serial.
We do not know the service history, but it is running great. It does not come with box or papers.
Rolex Sea-Dweller Reference 126600 Full Set Unpolished
This Sea-Dweller reference 126600 is an awesome modern watch. The watch was sold in 2018. The case is 43mm in diameter.
The watch comes full set with box and papers.
TUDOR Chronograph Reference 79280 Unpolished
Let’s talk about that sweet spot in TUDOR’s chronograph history between the Big Block and the Prince Date (+/-Tiger) - from 1995 to 1997 there was this - the Oysterdate “Small Block”. It retained all of the Rolex markings - case and crown - packaged in a smaller, Daytona-sized stainless case. The dial at 3 o’clock still read “Oysterdate” just like the Big Block. We have seen several examples of 1995 Big Blocks and of 1997 Prince Dates. So we know there was a very short run of this model - the best of both chronographs sandwiched in a brief window.
The tachometer bezel is clearer, more modern than that of the Big Block. And the hour markers are no longer trapezoidal in shape. So it takes specific transitional design cues from the chronos that bookend it. To me, it’s the most like a Daytona that TUDOR ever made. I don’t know how many were made in this form, but I know that 1996 is the most consistent year I see on their birth certificates. This example has a B631xxx serial so we believe it is a 1995 watch.
The watch is super mint with very little signs of wear. The watch does not come with box or papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well. The watch has outstanding provenance.
Rolex Cellini Reference 5240 in Platinum Unpolished Full Set
This Rolex Cellini is a very cool and interesting timepiece. The watch dates to 2000 with a K serial. The platinum case measures 35mm in diameter (38mm lug-to-lug). We believe it is unpolished.
It comes with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well.
Longines Turkish Wristwatch Retailed by Nacib K. Djezvedjian & Son, Constantinople
This Longines is a very interesting and early wristwatch which was for the Turkish market. It was retailed by Nacib K. Djezvedjian & Son, Constantinople. The case is made of steel. The dial appears to have been cleaned of the luminous material and was restored.
It does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well. An Extract has been ordered.
Vulcain Cricket Sensilarm Unpolished
This Vulcain Cricket is a super cool and uncommon model which was designed for the hard-of-hearing as the vibrations on the wrist were more noticeable than previous iterations. This Sensilarm is in exceptional condition and was in my personal collection for a long time. It is unpolished. It measures 34mm in diameter and 42mm in length.
The watch does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history but it is running well.
Aquastar Celsius Dive Gauge
This Aquastar Celsius dive gauge is an awesome accessory for the vintage dive watch enthusiast. To learn more about these amazing dive gauges, read Scott Sawaya’s article ‘Collector's Guide: Vintage Dive Gauges’!
Aquastar Celsius Black Dive Gauge
This Aquastar Celsius dive gauge is an awesome accessory for the vintage dive watch enthusiast. To learn more about these amazing dive gauges, read Scott Sawaya’s article ‘Collector's Guide: Vintage Dive Gauges’!
It does not come with box and papers.
Scubapro by Aquastar Fahrenheit Dive Gauge
This is a super cool double-signed version of Scubapro by Aquastar Fahrenheit dive gauge. It is an awesome accessory for the vintage dive watch enthusiast. To learn more about these amazing dive gauges, read Scott Sawaya’s article ‘Collector's Guide: Vintage Dive Gauges’!
It does not come with box and papers.
Scubapro Fahrenheit Dive Gauge
This Scubapro Fahrenheit dive gauge is an awesome accessory for the vintage dive watch enthusiast. To learn more about these amazing dive gauges, read Scott Sawaya’s article ‘Collector's Guide: Vintage Dive Gauges’!
It does not come with box and papers.
Aqualung U.S. Divers Fahrenheit Thermometer Dive Gauge
This Aqualung U.S. Divers Fahrenheit Thermometer Dive Gauge is an awesome accessory for the vintage dive watch enthusiast. To learn more about these amazing dive gauges, read Scott Sawaya’s article ‘Collector's Guide: Vintage Dive Gauges’!
It does not come with box and papers.
Aquastar Fahrenheit Dive Gauge
This Aquastar Fahrenheit dive gauge is an awesome accessory for the vintage dive watch enthusiast. To learn more about these amazing dive gauges, read Scott Sawaya’s article ‘Collector's Guide: Vintage Dive Gauges’!
It does not come with box and papers.
Dacor Fahrenheit Dive Gauge
This Dacor Fahrenheit dive gauge is an awesome accessory for the vintage dive watch enthusiast. To learn more about these amazing dive gauges, read Scott Sawaya’s article ‘Collector's Guide: Vintage Dive Gauges’!
It does not come with box and papers.
Scubapro Fahrenheit Dive Gauge
According to Scott Sawaya “This Scubapro Fahrenheit dive gauge is special! It is a Scubapro branded only and one of the only blue dial with steel backing I have ever seen. Most are black plastic!”
It is an awesome accessory for the vintage dive watch enthusiast. To learn more about these amazing dive gauges, read Scott Sawaya’s article ‘Collector's Guide: Vintage Dive Gauges’!
It does not come with box and papers.
Black Compass Dive Gauge
This black compass dive gauge is an awesome accessory for the vintage dive watch enthusiast. To learn more about these amazing dive gauges, read Scott Sawaya’s article ‘Collector's Guide: Vintage Dive Gauges’!
It does not come with box and papers.
Rolex Submariner Starbucks 126610LV Unpolished
This Rolex Submariner reference 126610LV is an awesome sports watch. We believe the case is unpolished. The watch is like new.
The watch does not come with box and papers. We do not know the date of production.
To learn more about the Rolex Submariner, you can read my ‘Reference Points: Understanding The Rolex Submariner’ article and corresponding video.
Rolex Submariner Feet First Reference 5512 Full Set
This Rolex Submariner reference 5512 is a super cool watch. It features a 3.3M serial dating to circa 1973. The hands are likely replacements and there is a small patching in the hour hand for stabilizing from a later date.
It features the original bezel insert. The case has been polished in the past. It is paired on a period correct C&I bracelet which it was likely sold on.
This watch comes with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running great! It has been pressure tested and passed a 5 bar test.
To learn more about the Rolex Submariner, you can read my ‘Reference Points: Understanding The Rolex Submariner’ article and corresponding video.
Jules Jurgensen Nautical Cricket by Vulcain Unpolished
This Jules Jurgensen is a super cool and uncommon Cricket Nautical by Vulcain. The case is well worn but unpolished. It measures 42.5mm in diameter (47mm lug-to-lug).
This watch comes with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well.
Tudor Submariner Reference 79090 Unpolished
This Tudor Submariner reference 79090 is an exceptional example. We believe the case is unpolished. The watch dates to circa 1992. The case measures 38mm in diameter (47mm lug-to-lug).
The watch does not come with box and materials. It has outstanding provenance.
Fortis Spaceleader Unpolished
This Fortis Spaceleader is a super cool and rare model. It has an amazing crosshair crystal. The PVD case is in excellent condition.
The watch does not come with box and materials. It has outstanding provenance.