Posts Tagged ‘rolex’
Special Preview: Fellows & Sons Watch Auction Featuring Some Rare Timepieces
Auctions and vintage watches in general are typically not an area we are well versed in, and so often we prefer to leave the topic to our far more enlightened friends over at Hodinkee.com. However, recently we became privy to some exclusive news that has not yet been formally announced to the public and so we felt the need to share it with you. Whilst it won’t appeal to all our readers, we know that we have at least one Rolex fan here on The Watch Lounge and so if nothing else, this is for him.
So What’s The News?
The upcoming auction presented by the UK-based auction house, Fellows & Sons, of course! The auction is scheduled for the 5th of July and will include a number of exceptional second-hand timepieces from well-known brands such as Patek Philippe, Breitling, Cartier, Omega and of course Rolex. The full catalog is available to view on-line here, and we highly recommend you check it out.
Of special note for us are a couple of very well-known vintage Rolex timepieces which we think are sure to generate some buzz amongst collectors and enthusiasts alike. First is a 1973 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Explorer II superlative chronometer, with an estimate of between £8,000 and £12,000.
Although it’s probably not widely known outside of collector circles this particular model was often unofficially referred to as the Steve McQueen Explorer, which was in fact rather misleading (click here to read why). Still, misconception or not, this misnomer did cause the value of these Explorers to sky-rocket and they are still very popular with collector’s today, meaning that it may just increase in value as time goes on and so could possibly be construed as “a good investment.” (Just in case you needed a reason to buy it.)
Rolex had originally designed the watch specifically for adventurers and cave explorers, introducing more complex distinctions such as a 24 hour fixed bezel. This stainless steel 1655 model, with black matt dial and luminescent markers, is also one of the few Rolex watches which can also be used as a compass making it one of the first ultimate precision time pieces.
However, don’t put away you cheque book again just yet, as also up for auction is this superb and not to mention quite rare 1977 Rolex Comex (Compagnie Maritime d’Expertise) Diver Superlative Chronometer with an estimate of £20,000 – £30,000.
This special version of the 1665 Rolex Sea-Dweller model was created for the French commercial diving company after they experienced a technical problem with a previous model . This very special watch is suitable for some of the greatest sea beds with a depth rating of 2000 feet and was (and still is) highly regarded for its unique Triplock crown which protects the movement. Another one sure to be a big hit with collectors the iconic ‘COMEX’ logo is displayed prominently on the dial.
The Final Word
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a novice enthusiast the Fellows & Sons watch auction is sure to have something for you. So don’t delay, check out their on-line catalog now and start making your list of all the pieces you want to add to your collection! No matter where you are in the world the excellent people at Fellows will ensure that you can participate in the auction and will not be disadvantaged in any way by distance. And don’t forget, as the saying goes, you have to be in it to win it!
Happy bidding and good luck!
1 Excellent Comment | Filed under Exclusives and Previews, New This Week, Recommended Reading
My Watch: Victor Martinez, Dominican Republic
For our inaugural reader profile in the “My Watch” series, Victor Martinez from the Domingo Republic tell us about his favorite piece.
My name is Victor Martinez and I’m the Operations Manager for FedEx Express in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. I own a couple of time pieces such as Tag Heuer, Cartier, Rolex, and Panerai. The one I wear the most, however, is my Stainless Steel Rolex Submariner Date 16610 Z serial.
In my opinion this is kind of the perfect watch, I can wear it on any occasion and it will look great. Be it with a tuxedo, a suit or just in my bathing suit, it’s a mix of a sport watch and a dress watch…
It has a date window and a bezel where I can measure elapsed time…I chose the Sub date because is one of the most popular of the Rolex and it would never be out of fashion, now with the new submariner 2010 the 16610 will become a grail for lots of collectors.
For me this is one of the most perfect watches and it meets all of my needs, if I had to get rid of all my other watches and just keep one, this would be the one.
Rolex Daytona Series 2 and 3 by Project X Designs
Admittedly I am not the biggest Rolex fan and to be perfectly honest there are a number of other brands out there that I would probably be more inclined towards. Having said that, the Rolex Daytona has always, and will always have, a special place in my heart and hopefully one day on my wrist! As such I cannot deny that my curiosity was piqued then when I heard about Project X Design’s take on this timeless classic.
Project X Designs
In a similar vein to Bamford & Sons, Projext X Designs offers both bespoke and limited edition watches, with the latter being created in highly limited runs of just 24 watches which will not be repeated once sold out. Most recently the company has released the Series 2 and 3 Limited Edition Rolex Daytonas which will soon be followed by the release of the Series 2 and 3 Limited Edition Submariners (apparently Series 1 is quite popular with Mr Bond himself Daniel Craig, although he’s supposed to be an Omega man, but that’s another story entirely!).
Series 2
Highly reflective of current trends the Series 2 (pictured above) appears to be the more customized of the two editions, having received the full PVD treatment. I must admit it is quite a stunning piece, if lacking somewhat in creativity, and the red highlights provide an excellent contrast. The rear has also been fitted with a sapphire exhibition case back so that the wearer can peer in at the inner workings of the superb Rolex movement.
Series 3
Series 3 is somewhat a more subdued affair and non-enthusiasts may be forgiven for not realizing that this is a customized piece. Whilst it also looks quite nice with its monochrome design, brushed case finish, carbon coated bezel and white chronograph hand vaguely reminisce of the iconic ‘Paul Newman’ Rolex Daytonas of the 1970s, in my opinion you’re better of with Series 2. The reason being that if you are going to go the extra effort and pay the additional cost to acquire a limited edition piece you might as well get one that people realize has actually been customized! Otherwise you’re better investing in an original.
The Final Word
As far as customized Rolexes go these two are certainly quite nice. They have maintained enough of the watch’s original character that they are easily recognizable and the quality of the work is excellent. Personally I probably would not wear either simply because I am still not convinced about paying a premium for a customized luxury watch you have already paid a premium for in its original form and because I feel that I feel these pieces lose a certain amount of credibility once they are customized.
Nonetheless, I can still recognise and appreciate the quality of the finish on these pieces although I do wonder what it does to the re-sale value?
For more information check out the official website.
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