Sunday Rewind: The Basics Of Buying Vintage Rolex
A thoughtful primer to help you better understand just how bad you might need that vintage Rolex.
2,491 articles · 2,002 videos found · page 64 of 150
Every Rolex Submariner from 1953 ref. 6204 to today: years, dials, bezels, movements, nicknames.
The 1953 Rolex diver. James Bond's watch and the template every dive watch copies.
A thoughtful primer to help you better understand just how bad you might need that vintage Rolex.
SJX Watches
If I had a million dollars, or maybe two, to buy a Rolex chronograph, I could perhaps buy one of the five unique “Zenith” Daytonas in platinum, a Datocompax “Jean-Claude Killy” (as Davide Munari did), a “Paul Newman” Daytona (not), or a ref. 4113 split-seconds. Of the many ways to spend that much money on a Rolex chronograph – and not any other complication – the ref. 4113 is the most unusual, interesting and horologically complex. At the same time, the ref. 4113 was also a dead-end for Rolex, because it never furthered development of the split-second chronograph and instead relied on standard chronographs for all its auto-racing activities. Produced in 1942 in a run of just 12 watches – with case numbers “051’313” to “051’324” -the ref. 4113 is the only split-seconds, or rattrapante, chronograph ever made by Rolex. Phillips will soon sell ref. 4113 with case number “051’318” – the watch pictured here – at its upcoming November watch auction. Ref. 4113 with case number “051’318” The Valjoux 55 inside The racing connection Though formal documentation as to its origins no longer exist or are unknown, the story behind the ref. 4113 is by now familiar thanks to research over the years as examples emerged at auction. In 1991, a pair of these emerged at Christie’s, at its Geneva and London salerooms respectively. The first, with case number was “051’313”, was sold in May 1991 at Christie’s in Geneva for 82,500 Swiss fr...
SJX Watches
A year after the opening of the Rolex Building in Dallas, designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, London-based David Chipperfield Architects just announced it won an international design contest for the new Rolex skyscraper in New York City, beating out big names like Foster+Partners and Bjarke Ingels Group (which designed the new Audemars Piguet museum), according to industry publication Architects’ Journal. “Our team is committed to creating an exemplary building befitting the heritage and culture of the Rolex brand, as well as its prominent 5th Avenue location,” says Mr Chipperfield, speaking in the press announcement. Modernist and fronted entirely in glass, much like the rest of its work, the Chipperfield design will replace the watchmaker’s existing building located at 665 5th Avenue, on the corner with 53rd Street. Originally built for Danish silversmith Georg Jensen in 1924, the 12-storey building was revamped with a glass and aluminium facade when Rolex acquired it in 1977 for its American headquarters. The current Rolex Building, home to the company since the 1970s. Image – Google Maps A rendering of the new Rolex Building. Image – David Chipperfield Architects According to industry lore, the then chief executive of Rolex, Andre Heiniger, decided to buy the 5th Avenue building during a visit to the United States, closing the deal before getting the approval of the company’s board. Heiniger also led Rolex to acquire several dozen lo...
SJX Watches
The most talked-about watch at Sotheby’s upcoming Important Watches auction in Hong Kong is lot 2300, a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona powered by a Zenith El Primero movement that’s described as “a possibly unique… chronograph wristwatch with a red dial”. And as with all high-profile watches, the auctioneers have given the watch an Italian nickname, “Luna Rossa”, which translates as “red moon”. The reason the “Luna Rossa” is controversial is because such a red dial has never ever been seen before. Usually unicorns are known and whispered about, even if seldom seen, but the “Luna Rossa” has surprised everyone. Experts and insiders I approached have neither encountered nor heard of such a dial, which makes it quite a revelation. But they all agree it is correct – in the sense that all elements are identical to known Rolex dials of the period – though of unknown origin. Sotheby’s itself hasn’t provided much background about the watch, either officially or unofficially. Unlike the unique platinum Daytona “Zenith” that Sotheby’s sold last year, setting a record price for a modern Daytona, which had a backstory that was I managed to uncover, the “Luna Rossa” remains a mystery. The dial is glossy red lacquer, with gold indices and sub-dials When such unusual dials emerge, the immediate question is one of authenticity. The “Luna Rossa” passes the test – the dial is correct in its details. The element usually regarded as crucia...
Hodinkee
A unique, complicated Rolex with a diamond dial and a strange history? Yes, please.
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Hodinkee
In vintage Rolex collecting, what you see may not be what you get.
Time+Tide
It was a long time between drinks. An epic 200 years. And both beverages were served in Britain. We are talking about the invention of the lever escapement, the ‘beating heart’ of the mechanical watch, by British clockmaker Thomas Mudge around 1775. The only successful alternative, the co-axial escapement, was unveiled nearly two centuries later … ContinuedThe post INSIGHT: The Great Escapement – Explaining the Rolex with an Omega heart appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
SJX Watches
Those unfamiliar with the world of ultra-bling Rolex watches must wonder – who are they catered to? Dictators? Drug dealers? Nightclub owners? Instagram influencers? But the answer is actually something more common. All of us inevitably know someone like this: the middle-aged man usually in athletic wear by Louis Vuitton and Gucci, and whose idea of formal wear is an embroidered velvet suit from Dolce & Gabbana that resembles curtains from a chateau. He’ll probably drive a super car that is “stickered”, either the whole car wrapped in a matte, metallic finish, or worse, “stickered” with flames and stripes on the sides. Then this gentleman will probably be wearing a watch like this. And if he isn’t, he will really want one. It’s easy to poke fun but the nattily dressed gent is enjoying himself and who can fault that? And so it is with this watch, which has certain, look-at-me appeal that is just calling out to be enjoyed. This is the new and uncommon Daytona ref. 116578SACO with an orange sapphire-set bezel. Cosmograph Daytona ref. 116578SACO Each year Rolex unveils a handful of bejewelled watches that are shown to the press and public at Baselworld – last year’s was the Daytona “rainbow” and this year had the Day-Date “rainbow” – while also releasing a smaller number of gem-set models on the quiet, which are usually only shown to retailers. This year’s hush-hush launches included the GMT-Master II “SARU” in Everose gold, but als...
Time+Tide
Editor’s pick: Whenever I pop into an op shop (or thrift store for our American readers), I always make sure to have a look at the watches, JUST IN CASE. Because you never know, you might just have the level of luck of this guy who, in 2016, picked up a Panerai that turned out … ContinuedThe post Remember when that guy bought a broken Rolex-made Panerai at a car boot sale for £10? appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
It may come as news to you (but not to our second biggest audience group by city, after Sydney) that people from Melbourne have a thing for wearing black. Some say it’s an inherently arty nature. You never know when you’re going to be invited to a gallery launch, after all. Being from Melbourne, we … ContinuedThe post The best watches to wear with black – Part 1, featuring Rolex, Omega, Hublot and Panerai appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
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Time+Tide
Editor’s note: Timekeeping standards are suddenly cool again. Omega has been steadily touting the benefits of their Master Chronometer certification, Patek has their own standards, and Rolex recently upped their game with the Superlative Chronometer Standard. But what is it? This article from a while back explains everything you need to know. Since 1951, nearly … ContinuedThe post What is the Rolex Superlative Chronometer Standard and why does it matter? appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
I feel that I need to briefly explain when these videos happen, and what’s going on with us at these points in time. They are filmed on our last day at Basel. They are filmed without an autocue (I know, unbelievable!). They are filmed with zero access to any illegal substances. And they ALL contain … ContinuedThe post VIDEO: Andrew’s top 3 Basel 2019 watches between $10,000 and $35,000 inc. Zenith, Bulgari and Rolex appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Formula 1 champ Nico Rosberg talks about his love for Rolex, and where things went wrong with “best friend” Lewis Hamilton.
Time+Tide
As we embark on the 50th anniversary edition of the US Open, all eyes are on the new official timepiece of the tennis tournament, Rolex. Rolex is replacing Citizen, which had been a sponsor of the US Open for more than two decades. Rolex is already the official timekeeper of the Australian Open and has … ContinuedThe post NEWS: The watches of the US Open, featuring Rolex, Richard Mille and more appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
Last weekend we saw Geneva play host to a handful of watch auctions, with the likes of Christie’s, Phillips, and Sotheby’s descending on the city and dropping some hammers. As the dust settled, it yet again became clear that vintage Rolex reigns supreme, with the Daytona Ultimatum sale at Phillips selling all 32 of its lots, … ContinuedThe post OPINION: Sky-high Rolex prices are the best thing to happen to vintage and modern Omega since Bond appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
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Deployant
We take a quick look at the two Pepsi GMT watches launched in Baselworld 2018, from Rolex and Tudor. Click here to find out what are the reasons that makes these two GMT watches tick!
Time+Tide
In an opening salvo of releases that instantaneously became the first buzz topic of Basel 2018, Rolex and Tudor have simultaneously released ‘Pepsi’ GMTs; Rolex with a GMT-Master II with two-colour blue and red Cerachrom bezel and the Tudor Black Bay GMT, with two-colour red and blue aluminium bezel. The Rolex is one of three new versions … ContinuedThe post NEWS: Tudor and Rolex in the battle of the Pepsi GMTs gives Basel 2018 its first big moment appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
It’s that time of year again where Tinseltown rolls out the red carpet for an evening of self-congratulatory grip-and-grinning, closing out the award season run with the Academy Awards, affectionately known by the name given to its ‘Academy Award of Merit’ prize in 1939 – the Oscars. Hollywood scandal and politics aside, the Oscars does produce … ContinuedThe post WATCHSPOTTING: 11 watches worn at the 2018 Oscars, feat. Montblanc, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Piaget, Apple and Rolex appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Deployant
We spotted Actor and Comedian, Kevin Hart rocking a Rolex Cellini Moonphase. The less known Cellini range is starting to get the attention it deserves.
Time+Tide
Andy Zhang is among Australia’s most high-profile collectors - and highly active on social media. His pieces tend to inhabit the top end of town, and statements such as “I thought I’d wear Richard Mille for life” should not surprise. There are some horological heavyweights appearing on his Instagram account, daily. Which was where we noticed the … ContinuedThe post WHY I BOUGHT: The 2017 Rolex Sea-Dweller ref. 126600 appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
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Time+Tide
Editor’s Note: This year the watch that had tongues wagging at Baselworld was, without doubt, the Tudor Black Bay Chrono. Last year it was the Rolex Air-King, with its bold minute track and cheerful green and gold logo. Now that the Air-King is on wrists all over the world I’m struggling to justify the fuss. … ContinuedThe post EDITOR’S PICK: Looking back at Basel 2016’s bad boy – the Rolex Air-King appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
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And here we go for Part 2, in which we share our infinite wisdom (and more often our wild guesses) about what might be coming in the next week of watch releases. What, you missed Part 1 of our predictions? Here you go.The post VIDEO: Our Basel 2017 predictions Part 2, including Seiko, Grand Seiko and Rolex appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
It’s very easy to say, on day two of Baselworld, “oh yes, I saw that one coming”. It’s much harder to get it right two days before the big dance. Which is what we’re attempting to do in these two, probably ill-fated videos. Part one features Omega, Patek Philippe, TAG Heuer, and Longines. In part … ContinuedThe post VIDEO: Our Basel 2017 predictions for Rolex, Hublot, Tudor, Patek Philippe and more… appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
While most eyes were on Roger Federer and the Rolex GMT Master-II BLNR he strapped on to hoist his 18th grand slam trophy at the Australian Open in Melbourne on Sunday night, there were other watches nearby worth noticing. Yes, there was the Richard Mille RM 27-02 tourbillon worn by Nadal throughout all five sets – … ContinuedThe post WATCHSPOTTING: Forget Roger Federer’s Rolex Batman – his wife Mirka’s Day-Date is the real champion appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Deployant
A showcase of an unusual Rolex Daytona Cosmograph 11650 equipped with an after market sapphire caseback to show off the C.4130 inhouse chronograph.
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