[2024 Edition] Rolex Vintage and Semi-Vintage Models "Top 5 Recommended Models by Price Range" <3-5 Million Yen Edition>

Today, we will be sending you the 2024 edition of the Rolex vintage and semi-vintage models "Top 5 recommended models by price range" (3 to 5 million yen edition) .

Vintage and semi-vintage models each have their own unique charm. Individual differences are likely to be evident, so it can be hard to know which one to choose. So, from the perspective of a professional who has handled many models, I would like to introduce a selection of models that I really recommend, sorted by price range!

This time, we have selected watches in the 3 to 5 million yen price range, which is often searched for by people who are thinking of purchasing a vintage or semi-vintage model for the first time, so please enjoy until the end!

* Selection is based on the following conditions.
・Vintage model: No warranty, parts are in good condition
・Semi-vintage: Warranty included, parts in good condition

If you are interested in any of the watches, please register your interest in them now.

① "Daytona" "Ref. 16520"

The third generation Daytona, released in 1988, is the Ref. 16520, one of the most popular models in the luxury watch industry.

When it comes to chronographs, the first thing that comes to mind is the Daytona. The movement is the Cal. 4030, a detuned version of the Zenith El Primero by Rolex, and is therefore known by the nickname El Primero. What I would like to recommend this time is the S series (around 1993) to U series (around 1998) with tritium luminous and double buckle. The Brown Eye, commonly known as Patrizi, from the W series (around 1994-1995) is expensive, but I think that the ones with slightly burnt subdials and tritium luminous are especially good to look for. In recent years, the number of these watches has been gradually decreasing, so this is one of the models to look forward to in terms of asset value.

② 『Explorer II』 「Ref.16550」

The Explorer II "Ref. 16550" was manufactured for only four years from around 1984 to 1988, and is a highly practical watch with a unique design and GMT function and date display.

Among the stainless steel professional models, this is the only model with a white dial, along with the Daytona, but this "Ref.16550" only has an "ivory dial" and is available in three colors: black and white. And what I would like to recommend this time is the only ivory dial available in this generation. The ivory color, which seems to have changed over time, has a unique atmosphere that cannot be experienced in current models, just like the change in color of the tritium luminous material. Although it is classified as a semi-vintage model, it is expected to be classified as a vintage model in the future, and it may have the potential to become even more popular .

3. Explorer II "Ref. 1655"

The "Ref. 1655" is a long-selling model that was manufactured for approximately 13 years from around 1971 to around 1984, and is a favorite among connoisseurs of vintage Rolex .

At the time of its release, sales were low due to its unique design, and it was far from being a popular model, but its presence gradually gained recognition, and it is now highly regarded, especially in Japan. There are up to five types of dials, including different fonts and logos, and up to four types of bezels (excluding service dials and bezels), and the deep nature of the model may have captured the hearts of enthusiasts. The rare MK1 x straight hands and the "albino" model, where the orange 24-hour hand has faded to white over time, are beyond your budget, but they are expected to become increasingly rare and valuable in the future.

④ "GMT Master" "Ref. 1675"

The GMT Master is synonymous with models equipped with a GMT function, and is popular among the many Rolex models due to its wide range of colors .

This long-selling model was manufactured from around 1959 to around 1979 , and is the second generation "Ref. 1675", which was the first to feature a crown guard and a larger tip for the GMT hand. What we would like to recommend this time is the radial dial, which is characterized by the fact that each index is closer to the center of the dial. It is only seen on the MK3 dial, and the crown mark gives a sharp impression. It has the highest secondary market price among matte dials, and is very rare in circulation. Another point is that you can fully enjoy the vintage texture, such as the bezel fading due to aging.

⑤ "Submariner" "Ref.1680"

Finally, we have the Ref. 1680, the first Submariner model to feature a date display, which was produced from around 1969 to the mid-1970s.

This is a popular model known as the "Red Sub" because the "SUBMARINER" markings are in red. The dials range from MK1 to MK6, and are deep models with dials that become tropical with age. What I would like to recommend this time is the feet-first model found in MK4 to MK6. Some of these models also have faded bezels and ghosted dials due to age, giving them a unique atmosphere not found in current models. It seems that there are fewer good ones available every year, so I recommend getting one early.

summary

What did you think?

These are all classic, popular models that have been featured many times on our YouTube channel and in columns, but on the other hand, that also means they are so popular that we would like to recommend them.

If you own one of the models introduced here and are considering selling it, we would be delighted if you would take advantage of our store's storage and purchase services.