2023 Edition [Rolex] Sports Model Birthday Watch <40s Edition>

Whether you already own a luxury watch or are planning to buy one for the first time, you have probably thought at least once that you would like to have a watch from the year you were born! Of course, all luxury watches are wonderful, but a watch that has been around for the same number of years as you have will be deeply moving and you will feel even more attached to it.

However, there may be many people who are wondering, "What kind of models are there for watches based on the year of birth?" So, this time, we will introduce Rolex sports models manufactured between 1974 and 1983 (ages 40 to 49) for people in their 40s. Please read to the end.

First of all, for Rolexes made before the 2010 G series, you can find out the approximate year of manufacture by the serial number. Check to see which model number corresponds to the year you were born.

【example】
"A ＊＊＊＊＊＊ " = "1999"

*Since 2010, the composition has been randomized, making it impossible to guess the year of manufacture from the serial number.
*This data is based on our research.

Now, let's take a look at the Rolex sports models produced between 1974 and 1983.

① "Daytona" "Ref.6263"

Produced from around 1969 to around 1988 (R series), this is the final model of the hand-wound "Daytona", Ref. 6263 , which features a plastic bezel .

The push buttons have been changed to screw-in type, the water resistance has increased from 30m to 50m, and the dial is the first Daytona to have the word "Oyster" printed on it. It is equipped with the high-precision movement "Cal.727" inherited from the second generation . There are only a few watches that retain their originality according to the year of manufacture, and the "Big Red" with a red logo on the subdial at 6 o'clock and the rare dial "Paul Newman" are highly rare and have become auction pieces. They are rarely available on the market, but if you find one, it is best to ask the store staff first rather than buying it immediately.

If you are looking for "Daytona" for sale, click here

② "Daytona" "Ref.6265"

The final model of the hand-wound Daytona, Ref. 6265, was produced from around 1971 to around 1988 (R series) .

The "Ref.6265" has the same basic specifications as the aforementioned "Ref.6263", but with a metal bezel. It is classified into four types, MK1 to MK4, depending on the position of the bezel and the typeface, and this model is unique in that it shows the differences in various details. As expected, it is extremely difficult to find a model with consistent parts, and beginners will not be able to tell the difference. It is also expensive, so if you find it, we recommend that you take a break before purchasing it.

If you are looking for "Daytona" for sale, click here

3. "GMT Master" "Ref. 1675"

The second generation model of the GMT Master, Ref. 1675, was manufactured from around 1959 to 1980 .

They are roughly divided into two categories: early gilt dials and later matte dials, but the early models have many rare features such as pointed crown guards (PCG). On the other hand, matte dials change relatively little over time, and are gaining attention from practical users. Speaking of the GMT Master, the most attractive feature is its "appearance", which changes greatly depending on the color of the bezel, so why not try looking for your favorite one, from colorful ones to ones with a light vintage look?

If you are looking for a "GMT Master" for sale, click here

④ "GMT Master" "Ref.1675/3"

The Ref. 1675/3 is a combination model of the GMT Master that was manufactured from the late 1960s to around 1979 .

The dial color is available in two variations, brown and black, and the bracelet is available in two variations, oyster and jubilee. The index features a protruding index, commonly known as a "barnacle index." The brown and gold bezel is known overseas as "root beer," and is popular among watch enthusiasts. This design combines glamor with a vintage aura, and I think it will continue to be loved by people of all ages and genders.

If you are looking for a "GMT Master" for sale, click here

⑤ "GMT Master" "Ref.1675/8"

The solid gold GMT-Master model " Ref. 1675/8" was manufactured from the 1950s to 1979 .

As with the combination model, the dial comes in two different colors, brown and black, and the bracelet comes in two different types, Oyster and Jubilee, with barnacle indexes. Among these models, the early models that do not have a crown guard and use the original hands are particularly rare. This model is hard to find on the market, so if you come across it, we recommend that you grab it as soon as possible.

If you are looking for a "GMT Master" for sale, click here

⑥ "GMT Master" "Ref. 16750"

The third generation "GMT Master" " Ref. 16750 " was produced from around 1980 to around 1988.

Equipped with the high-beat movement "Cal.3075" that vibrates at 28,800 vibrations per hour, and equipped with a "Datejust function" that instantly changes the date at around midnight and a "quick-change mechanism," this watch has become more convenient and has gained a lot of support. It is classified into early and late models based on whether the dial index is "borderless," which has no border, as seen in the "Submariner" "Ref.16800" and "Ref.5513," and the "Sea-Dweller" "Ref.16660," or has a metal border. Both have their merits, but for those who want a more vintage feel, we recommend the "borderless" model.

If you are looking for a "GMT Master" for sale, click here

⑦ "GMT Master II" "Ref. 16760"

The first GMT-Master II, Ref. 16760, was produced from around 1982 to around 1988 .

This model, also known as the "Fat Lady," is characterized by its thick case, as its name suggests, and was only available with a red and black bezel called "coke." The successor model, the Ref. 16710, appeared around 1988, and since it was only manufactured for about six years, it is assumed that there were not many of them. It seems that there are very few of them on the market in recent years, so if you're interested, we recommend that you get one now.

If you are looking for a "GMT Master II" for sale, click here

8. Submariner Date "Ref.1680"

The Submariner Date "Ref. 1680" was manufactured from around 1969 to around 1980 and was the first model to be equipped with a calendar function.

It features a plastic crystal with a cyclops lens that magnifies the display by 2.5 times, and early models have the so-called "red sub" with the model name logo printed in red. There are currently six types of red subs, and early models are particularly rare. From around 1976, the model name logo was changed to white, and the movement is the "Cal.1570", a high-beat version of the "Cal.1530". Why not try out this vintage model, which is a perennial favorite among the "Submariner" models and has improved convenience with the addition of a date display?

If you are looking for a Submariner for sale, click here

9. Submariner Date "Ref.16800"

The Submariner Ref. 16800 is the successor model to the Ref. 1680, which was manufactured from around 1980 to around 1988.

The windshield has been changed from plastic to hard sapphire crystal, and this model has improved both scratch resistance and water resistance . It also has a rotating bezel with anti-reverse function, and the movement uses "Cal.3035" with a "quick change function" for date display. In later years, the so-called "Triple Zero" with "168000" engraved on the case was also released, making this a model full of highlights.

If you are looking for a Submariner for sale, click here

10. Submariner Date "Ref.5513"

The Ref. 5513 is one of the Submariner's longest-selling models, having been manufactured from around 1963 to around 1990 .

There are many differences in specifications due to minor changes, which is a major attraction of this model and makes it immensely popular. The dial comes in circle mirror, mirror, and matte dial, and shows a completely different look depending on the specification. The movement of the initial model was "Cal.1530", and later it was equipped with the high-beat "Cal.1520". There are relatively many units in circulation, so why not look for one that has aged to your liking?

If you are looking for a Submariner for sale, click here

⑪ Explorer I "Ref.1016"

The long-selling model "Explorer I" " Ref. 1016 " was manufactured for approximately 30 years from around 1960 to around 1990.

Dials are broadly classified into three types: circle mirror, mirror, and matte. The early model was known as the "MM dial," which had a glossy mirror dial with a gold minute circle, but from around 1967 it was changed to a matte dial with no gloss. There are two types of movements: the early model was the "Cal. 1560," which had Rolex's unique adjust screw time adjustment function and 5 vibrations per second, and from around 1965 it was the "Cal. 1570," which increased the vibration frequency to 5.5 vibrations to improve accuracy. It reigned as the ultimate simple watch, and even now that it has been discontinued, it is still extremely popular.

If you are looking for the "Explorer I" for sale, click here

12. Explorer II "Ref. 1655"

The first model of the "Explorer II, " Ref. 1655 , was manufactured from around 1971 to 1983 as a higher-end model of the "Explorer I."

In addition to the hour, minute and second hands, it is equipped with a large orange 24-hour hand, and the bezel is engraved with a 24-hour scale, making it possible to distinguish between day and night. The base of the hand is painted black, creating a "phantom effect" that makes the luminous hand appear to emerge in the dark, and the indexes are small to make the 24-hour scale easier to read, making this a highly designed model for a Rolex of the time. There are also a wide variety of dials, making it extremely popular among vintage models.

If you are looking for the "Explorer II" for sale, click here

13. Sea-Dweller "Ref. 1665"

The Sea-Dweller Ref . 1665 was produced from around 1967 to around 1983 and was based on the Submariner .

It has a water resistance of 610m, which was unusual at the time, and the case is equipped with the world's first patented helium gas escape valve, which was jointly developed by Rolex and Comex (※ Early models without the valve have been discovered) . In addition, the "Red Seed", which has the letters "SEA-DWELLER" and "SUBMARINER 2000" in red, was developed in 1967 and has five types of dials, including prototypes, and three types of back covers. Around 1977, the "Great White", which has the model name logo changed to white, was introduced, and this model also has five dial variations. If you have been considering purchasing a "Submariner", why not consider purchasing this model as well?

If you are looking for a "Sea-Dweller" for sale, click here

14. Sea-Dweller "Ref. 16660"

The second model of the Sea-Dweller, "Ref. 16660", was produced from around 1978 to around 1988.

This model, commonly known as the "Triple Six " because it has three consecutive "6s" in the model number , has been changed from a plastic windshield to a hard sapphire crystal windshield, just like the Submariner "Ref. 16800", improving scratch resistance and water resistance. The rotating bezel also has a reverse rotation prevention function, and the movement uses "Cal. 3035" with a "quick change function" for date display. Although it has a simple design that can be used both on and off, many of them have burnt tritium luminous paint, making it a popular model that shows off a beautiful expression.

If you are looking for a "Sea-Dweller" for sale, click here

What did you think.

The models we are introducing this time fall into the "semi-vintage" to "vintage" era and have a unique atmosphere not found in current models, so if you are wearing one in your 30s, you will definitely stand out from the crowd.

Luxury watches have many different aspects, such as design, functionality, and asset value, but why not take this opportunity to add another option to your collection, and choose a watch from the year you were born?