[2025 Edition] "Scratches are cool!" 5 Rolexes you can wear as much as you want - Vintage models

Today, we will be bringing you the 2025 edition of 5 Rolexes that look cool even when scratched - Vintage models .

It is no exaggeration to say that Rolex is the face of luxury watches, and it is a well-known brand. In recent years, the prices of all models have skyrocketed, and more and more people are owning them as assets. There are probably many people who only use their watches on special occasions, saying, "It's a shame to get them scratched, so I can't use them..."
However, as someone who would like to say loud and clear that "Rolexes are coolest when they are scratched," I have picked out five vintage Rolex models that can be used in any situation!!!
Please enjoy until the end!

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

① Explorer II "Ref. 1655"

The first-generation Explorer II, Ref. 1655, was manufactured from around 1971 to around 1983.

It was released as a higher-end model of the Explorer, developed for cave explorers. It is designed with durability and functionality in mind, and is equipped with a date function, crown guard, and a distinctive orange 24-hour hand. The sturdy Oyster case and stainless steel bezel with a 24-hour scale design are distinctive, and its rugged impression makes it a very popular model among the previous Explorer II models as a design that gives it a particularly vintage feel. The dial and bezel are evaluated differently depending on the era, and the earliest models are very rare, making it one of the models that have risen in price considerably among vintage Rolexes. Another interesting thing about this model is that there are many rare models, such as the "frogfoot" where the crown mark on the dial resembles a frog's footprint, the "straight hand" where the second hand does not have luminous paint, the "center split dial" where the space between the letters of the chronometer notation is aligned at the top and bottom, and the "albino" where the luminous paint on the dial and the 24-hour hand have faded and lost their color. The design prioritizes robustness, and the more scratches it gets, the more flavor it will have. This is a must-have watch for anyone looking for a vintage Rolex that is easy to wear.

② 『Explorer』 「Ref.1016」

The third generation Explorer "Ref. 1016" was produced from around 1959 to around 1989.

This model was developed for explorers who are challenging uncharted territory. It is a watch that prioritizes ultimate simplicity with the utmost importance on practicality, has high visibility that allows you to check the time accurately, and continues to work even in harsh environments. It has undergone various minor changes over the years, and there are a wide variety of dials, such as the "mirror dial" with a glossy dial and gold letters, and the "matte dial" with a matte texture, making it extremely popular as an entry-level vintage watch. The Arabic numerals 3, 6, and 9 indexes are distinctive, and the "fat font" dials present in the early and final matte dials are particularly rare. It can be worn in a variety of situations, from suits to casual wear, and is a model that is loved by many celebrities. It is recommended for those who want to use it regardless of the situation !

3. Submariner "Ref.5513"

The Submariner Ref. 5513 was a long-selling model in the lineup, with a production period of approximately 27 years.

This model was the world's first diver's watch with a rotating bezel to measure dive time, and was developed for true professional divers who work in harsh environments. The dials have been subdivided due to various minor changes, and there are various types such as the glossy "mirror", the "meter first" that exists during the transition period from mirror dials to matte dials, the "Singer", "Stern", and "Lemlich" designs that differ slightly depending on the dial manufacturer, and the "lollipop" named after the minute line and large indexes that look like candy. The plastic windshield is dome-shaped, and the fact that the dial looks curved when viewed from the side is also a point that tickles the hearts of vintage fans. The Submariner's attractive feature is its completed design that has not undergone any major design changes up to the current model, and it is sure to be useful in a variety of situations .

④ "Sea-Dweller" "Ref. 1665"

The first Sea-Dweller, Ref. 1665, was manufactured from around 1967 to around 1983.

The Sea-Dweller is a diver's watch with the ultimate waterproof function, developed in partnership with the diving research company COMEX as a tool for deep sea expeditions. It is equipped with a special mechanism called a "helium gas escape valve" that automatically releases helium gas during saturation diving, and the patented trademark "ROLEX PATENT OYSTER GAS ESCAPE VALVE" is engraved on the back cover. There are two main types of Sea-Dweller "Ref. 1665": the "Red Seed" with red "SEA-DWELLER" written on the 6 o'clock side of the dial, which was manufactured from around 1967 to around 1977, and the "White Seed" with white "SEA-DWELLER" written on the dial, which was manufactured from around 1977 to around 1983. The "Red Seed" has a high price due to the small number of units manufactured, and is a popular model that is in high demand among vintage Rolexes. The case is thick because it is waterproof, and it has a masculine, rugged design. It has a similar design to the Submariner, but the differences in the fine details are also attractive, making it a versatile watch that can be worn in a variety of situations .

⑤ "GMT Master" "Ref.1675/3"

The last model we would like to introduce is the first combination model of the GMT-Master, the Ref. 1675/3, which was produced from around 1970 to 1979.

Developed as a watch for pilots who fly freely around the world, its functionality, robustness, and instantly recognizable design have fascinated people who travel the world widely. It features a popular brown and gold two-tone bezel, commonly known as "Root Beer". The matte dial is brown and looks like burgundy, and the combination with the brown and gold bezel gives it a vintage feel. The "Ref.1675/3" has an applied 18K gold crown mark on the 12 o'clock side of the dial, while the successor model "Ref.16753" has a printed crown mark, which differentiates it from the others. The index is a spire-shaped applied index, commonly known as the "barnacle dial" because it looks like a shellfish barnacle, and is also called the "nipple dial" overseas.
The brown gold bezel has faded over time, and there are many different colors, so you can have fun searching for the one you like. The yellow gold from this era is not too flashy compared to the current model, and the combination with the brown dial creates a very nice atmosphere, making it a useful accent piece for your wrist. If you want a combination model that you can use as much as you want, this is the perfect watch for you!

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What did you think?

In recent years, Rolex has been attracting attention for its asset value due to its rising price. However, Rolex is an attractive brand that you can enjoy wearing and expect to have a good resale value, so we hope you will enjoy your Rolex life while loving your watch.
In recent years, the demand for vintage models has increased and the number of pieces is decreasing. Commit Ginza handles a large number of vintage Rolexes, so if you are interested after reading this article, please feel free to contact us!