What's Selling Here - March 6, 2025

By Charlie Dunne

Rolex Space-Dweller Reference 1016 w/ Tropical Dial

The Rolex Explorer reference 1016 was introduced in 1960 and marked the first Explorer with “Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified" printed on the dial. It is one of the most iconic timepieces and for great reason. The 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 is an extremely cool watch with the rare Space-Dweller dial. Rolex filed a trademark for the Space-Dweller name in 1968, which indicates the name's first use was in 1967. Rolex applied for the trademark in Switzerland in 1966. The Space-Dweller is in every way a Rolex Explorer reference 1016 but features the silver Space-Dweller text on the gilt dial instead of Explorer. One of the myths surrounding the Space-Dweller was that it was released in the Japanese market to commemorate the arrival of American astronauts in the 1960s. However, it was later discovered that in 2008, Sotheby's auctioned off four of these dials, adding to the accepted theory that these dials were loose and added into 1016s (generally in serials from the 1963 to 1968 range).

This example was previously featured in the Reference Points video of the Explorer I. The dial is very attractive and turning tropical. It features the original lume on the dial and hands. This watch was purchased by a collector who learned the dial was sold separately at Sotheby’s. It features a 1.73M serial dating to circa 1967. It is paired on a Rolex 7206 rivet bracelet with 58 end links. The case is 36mm in diameter (43mm lug-to-lug). The case has been polished, but is attractive. It features a True Dome D22 crystal.

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 of the watch but it is running well. It recently passed a water resistance test of 1 bar.

F.P. Journe Octa Automatique Rose Gold Dial Box and Warranty Card

F.P.Journe has become one of the most sought after and beloved independent watchmakers. Mr. Journe is one of the most significant watchmakers of the past century and the Octa Automatique is among his most iconic models.

This F.P.Journe Octa Automatique Reserve De Marche in platinum measures 38mm in diameter. The case appears to be unpolished. These models were produced from 2001 through 2015. This example dates to circa 2002. The dial is made of rose gold. The movement is made of brass which is found in models pre 2004, so these are highly coveted and admired.

This watch comes with box and warranty papers. We do not know the service history.

Rolex Day-Date 40 White Gold w/ Green Dial Reference 228239 Full Set

This Rolex Day-Date reference 228239 is a super attractive modern watch in white gold. The watch has an extremely beautiful green dial. We believe the 40mm case is unpolished..

It comes from the original owner, and is “full set” with its original box and papers. It was sold in 2022.

Heuer Carrera Reference 2447S Unpolished

This Heuer Carrera reference 2447S is a cool watch with a 2nd execution dial. The case appears to be unpolished. The watch is powered by the Valjoux calibre 72. It has a 103,2XX serial number dating to circa 1967.

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 well.

Heuer Decimal Carrera 3647D Unpolished w/ Sticker & Booklet

This Heuer Carrera reference 3647D is a fantastic watch with a blue decimal dial. These blue accents are incredibly attractive and this is one of my favorites. These were used to track efficiency in work environments.

The case appears to be unpolished. It features a case back sticker which appears to be aftermarket. It has a 72,XXX serial number dating to the mid 1960s.

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 well. It does come with a Heuer sticker and booklet.

Titus “Big Crown” Calypsomatic Reference 7085 Unpolished

This Titus Calypsomatic reference 7085 is an extremely cool vintage dive watch. The watch has a super attractive dial with warm patina on the hands and markers. It is paired on a beads of rice bracelet signed Titus. The case appears to be unpolished and measures 38mm in diameter (48mm lug-to-lug). It is a similar looking watch to the Rolex Big Crown and there is a strong collector community for these watches.

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

Vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso w/ Rose Dial

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso is one of the most iconic timepieces and vintage models are particularly special. This example is no exception. It features a stunning rose or “salmon” dial with applied hour markers. The case measures approximately 23mm by 38mm. The case has been lightly polished in the past, but is very attractive. It is an unbelievably beautiful two-tone dial very special.

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

Rolex Oyster Precision Reference 5025/1 In Rose Gold and Steel

This two-tone Rolex Oyster Precision Reference 5025/1 is a very cool and uncommon vintage watch. The case appears to be unpolished. It is paired on a dark blue Horween leather strap. It features a replacement crown, but is very attractive. The watch features a 612,XXX serial number dating to circa 1950. The case is steel while the bezels, crown, and accents are in rose / pink gold, which is a very attractive combination. The lume is the original radium and is attractive The watch was recently serviced and is ready to wear.

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

Zodiac Exotic Dial Sea Wolf on Bracelet Unpolished

This Zodiac Sea Wolf is an awesome vintage watch with a “orange exotic” gilt dial. The watch features an automatic calibre 72B. The case measures 35mm in diameter (43mm lug-to-lug). It is paired on a Zodiac bracelet likely made by C&I which is very firm. The watch has been in my personal collection for several years, and I love this example.

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

Rolex Air-King Reference Blue Dial 14000 Unpolished

This Rolex Air-King reference 14000 is a superb example with a stunning blue dial. The watch features a U serial number and dates to circa 1997-1998. The case appears to be 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 has just recently passed a water resistance test of 3 bar.

Rolex Explorer Reference 1016 Full Set

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. It measures 36mm in diameter. The case has been polished. It has an 8.1 million serial, dating to circa 1984. The hands were color matched recently by True Patina as there was a patch previously from Rolex service.

The watch includes box and papers, as well as Rolex Service papers from 2012. We do not know the service history, but it is running well. The watch 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:

TUDOR Marine Nationale Submariner Reference 94010 w/ Decommission Papers & Ephemera

This TUDOR Submariner reference 94010 is a cool and attractive watch which was issued to the Marine Nationale. These MN TUDORs are highly admired and the most desired of the Marine Nationale watches. The watch dates to circa 1980 with a 933,XXX serial. It features Snowflake hands. The case has been polished. The case back appears to be unpolished. It features an attractive bezel insert.

It does not come with box and papers. It does come with the decommission papers dating to 1999. It comes with a photograph of the Agosta Submarine, a patch, pin and metal emblem of the ship it spent many years on. The watch features a True Dome D19 crystal. We do not know the service history, but it is running well. It recently passed a water resistance test of 3 bar.

Rolex Submariner Ref 1680 Unpolished

This Rolex Submariner reference 1680 is a fantastic sports watch dating to circa 1975 with a 3.93M serial. The case appears to be unpolished. The dial, minute and hour hand all have the original lume which is attractive.

It 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.

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

Rolex Two-Tone GMT-Master Reference 1675

This is a very cool two-tone GMT-Master reference 1675. The watch features a 2.72M serial dating to circa 1971. The case has been polished. The watch comes from the family of the original owner. The hands were recently relumed - as it was missing the luminous material.

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.

For those looking for a great deal on a GMT, this is a very fun example.

The watch does not come with box and papers. The service history is not known, but the watch is running well. It recently passed a water resistance test of 3 bar.

Patek Philippe Nautilus 5726/1A-014 Blue Dial Full Set Unpolished Full Set

In 1976, Gerald Genta designed the Patek Philippe Nautilus which would go on to becomeone of the most iconic and desirable wristwatches on the planet. Decades later, the Nautilus has taken on many iterations such as this reference 5726/1A-014 incorporating the calendar and mooonphase. The Nautilus 5726/1A-014 is one of the most attractive models on the market with the classic blue dial.

The watch is powered by the calibre 324 QA LU 24H. We believe the case is unpolished and measures 45mm in diameter. For those looking for an incredible and sophisticated sports watch, this is one of the best choices.

The watch comes full set with box, papers and Certificate of Origin. It dates to 2023.