Showing posts with label Rolex Submariner. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rolex Submariner. Show all posts

Monday, May 22, 2023

Back to business

https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/rolex-milgauss-auction-1234843638/
Last weekend, a Rolex Milgauss sold at Phillips Auction Geneva for $A3,750.000.
Almost four million dollars! Yes it was a complete set in very fine condition, showing very little wear. But my goodness, that is absolutely crazy money for a vintage Rolex.

As reported: "A bidding war ensued between an American collector and a buyer who was, reportedly, shopping on behalf of Rolex. Seemingly determined to add the watch to their private collection, it was the unidentified buyer who secured the lot for more than double the estimate. While it's an astonishing amount of money, it is but a crumb to Rolex (if they were indeed the buyer) who Morgan Stanley estimated made CHF 9.3 billion in sales in 2022."

It is no secret that record auction prices are often the result of brands biding on their own watches. The benefit is clear: massive advertising exercise, literally free publicity, and the opportunity to take the brand's image and prestige to the next level. 

About ten years ago, I was offered an almost identical Milgauss, a complete set, for $40,000. I said no, thanks. It was later sold to an overseas dealer for $70K. I guess I should have said yes. Damn!

Should you invest in a vintage Rolex? As they say, only bet what you can afford to lose. But buying a vintage watch - of any brand - could be a smart decision: assuming you really like the look, stylistically the watch fits your wrist perfectly, and the watch is your birth year. If it ticks those three boxes, you can't go wrong.

On today's offer: 1959 Rolex Submariner Ref 5512

What makes this piece special is that it was made in 1959, the year when reference 5512 was actually released. This was the first no-date submariner with crown guards, first issued with gloss dial and a few years later with matte. 

To say that a 1959 5512 is actually quite rare would be an understatement. Don't take my word for it - do your own research and feel free to make me an offer. This watch comes from my private collection, with original box and papers (manufactured in 1959 sold new in 1961) so as you would imagine, I am not a desperate seller. On the contrary - quite happy to take it back to my deposit box and remain it's guardian for years to come. 

Wednesday, September 16, 2020

You may find this disturbing -


but quite frankly, this is not uncommon for almost all watches fitted with a rotating bezel, regardless of brand.

ONE MINUTE video: https://youtu.be/FlrvPZKg0D4

A quick polishing job - the removal of a rather nasty chip on the plexi glass. The goal of this project is to preserve the original glass, clean the case and bezel externally before removing the caseback and assessing the movement.

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

What are the case dimensions of a Rolex Submariner 116610LN ?

*** How large is the "new" Submariner?

This is one of the most commonly asked questions (along with: would it fit my wrist nicely?)

Answer: this depends on what and where you measure.

To avoid any confusion, here is the case size chart you'll be looking for.

I've measured it myself, assuming 1/10th of mm would be close enough.