Commit Ginza's Top 5 Item Selections for the Second Half of 2025 - [Rolex] "4-Digit Vintage Models"

Whether you own a luxury watch or not, I'm sure everyone has wondered at least once, "Which models are popular?" While everyone has their own motivations, such as "I want a popular, classic model!" or "I want a model that no one else has!" , it's difficult to know which models are actually popular unless you get real-time information.

So, this time, we will be revealing the top 5 vintage Rolex watches (models with four-digit model numbers) available at Commit Ginza (hereafter referred to as our store) for the second half of 2025! Please join us in imagining the rankings and enjoy the read!

5th place

Explorer II "Ref. 1655"

In fifth place is the first model of the Explorer II, Ref. 1655, which was manufactured from around 1971 to 1983 as a higher-end model of the Explorer.

Equipped with a large orange 24-hour hand and a 24-hour scale engraved on the bezel, this model allows you to distinguish between day and night. The bases of the hands are painted black, creating a "phantom effect" that makes the luminous hands appear to emerge in the dark, and the indices are small to make the 24-hour scale easy to read. This model was highly designed for a Rolex of its time. It also comes with a wide variety of dials, making it an immensely popular vintage model.

4th place

GMT-Master "Ref. 1675"

Coming in fourth place is the second-generation GMT-Master model, Ref. 1675, which was manufactured from around 1959 to 1980.

These watches are broadly divided into two categories: early gilt dials and later matte dials. While early models have many rare features such as pointed crown guards (PCG), matte dials tend to change less over time and are more popular with practical users. The greatest appeal of the GMT-Master is its "appearance," which changes dramatically depending on the color of the bezel, so why not try searching for your favorite model, from vibrantly colored ones to ones with a subtle vintage look?

3rd place

Submariner "Ref. 1680"

Coming in third place is the Submariner Date "Ref. 1680," manufactured between 1969 and 1980, the first watch to feature a calendar function.

It features a plastic crystal with a 2.5x magnifying cyclops lens, and early examples have the model name logo printed in red, commonly known as the "Red Sub." There are currently six types of Red Subs, with early examples being particularly rare. 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." This vintage model, which boasts improved convenience with the addition of a date display, is a particularly enduring favorite among the "Submariner." Why not try one out for yourself?

2nd place

Explorer "Ref. 1016"

In second place is the long-selling Explorer model, Ref. 1016, which was manufactured for approximately 30 years from around 1960 to around 1990.

Early models featured a glossy mirror dial with a gold minute circle, commonly known as the "MM dial," but from around 1967 this was changed to a matte dial. There were two types of movement: the early "Cal. 1560" with its unique adjustment screw timekeeping function and a frequency of 5 vibrations per second, and from around 1965 onwards the "Cal. 1570" with an increased frequency of 5.5 vibrations per second for improved accuracy. Its timeless, simple design has made it immensely popular with everyone from first-time luxury watch buyers to enthusiasts who have owned numerous luxury watches.

1st place

Submariner "Ref. 5513"

Taking the honorable first place is the Ref. 5513, which has attracted a lot of attention as an entry-level model for vintage Rolex.

This is a long-selling model manufactured from around 1963 to 1990, and its appeal lies in the differences in specifications resulting from minor changes. Many people seem to be particularly searching for examples such as the "meter first" model, where the water resistance indicator at 6 o'clock is written in meters and feet (ft) order, and the "lollipop" model, where the dots touch the minute index, resembling a candy. With a relatively large number of examples in circulation, many people are not only looking for their preferred specifications, but also for birthday models. This nostalgic appearance embodies the charm of vintage watches, and it's a model that every man would want to own at least once.

summary

What did you think?

Vintage Rolex watches, which develop a unique look as they age, are often smaller in size than current models, making them popular with people of all ages and genders. Another stylish way to choose a watch is to choose one based on the year you were born. As the number of vintage Rolex watches continues to decrease, we recommend that you grab one as soon as possible if you find one that catches your eye.

We hope this article will be helpful for your buying and selling. Please look forward to the next article and subsequent rankings!