Whether you own a luxury watch or not, you have probably wondered at least once, "Which model is 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 is difficult to know which models are actually popular unless you get real-time information.
So this time, we will be revealing the top 5 semi-vintage Rolex watches (models with 5-digit model numbers) that we have handled at Commit Ginza (hereafter referred to as our store) in the past year! Please enjoy reading this article while imagining the rankings together with us.
5th place: "GMT Master II" "Ref. 16710"
In fifth place is the long-selling model "GMT Master II" "Ref. 16710", which was released in 1988.
The first GMT Master II, Ref. 16760, was only available in red and black bezel colors to differentiate it from the GMT Master that was sold at the same time. However, the Ref. 16710 has been reissued in red and blue and black, which has once again attracted a lot of attention. As it is a long-selling model, it has undergone several minor changes, but the stick dial seen in 2005-2007 (serial numbers D, Z, and M) is particularly popular. If your child was born in this age group, you can use it yourself, and then consider giving it as a gift to commemorate their coming of age. ( Stick dial: The "II" in the model name "GMT Master II" at the 6 o'clock position on the dial has no horizontal lines above or below it and is printed as "||". )
4th place: "Submariner Date" "Ref.16610 "
In fourth place is the Ref. 16610 from the Submariner, a model that is synonymous with diver's watches and one of the most popular Rolex models among all generations.
This model was one step before the now mainstream Cerachrom bezel was installed, and is extremely popular for its visibility, robustness, and status. The center links of the bracelet are hollow, a feature unique to this generation, making it light and easy to wear every day. Depending on the era, there are models with tritium luminous and Luminova luminous, so if you want to enjoy the unique texture of semi-vintage, why not choose a "tritium luminous" model, or if you want a clean, smart look, choose a "Luminova luminous" model?
3rd Place
"Explorer I" "Ref. 14270 "
In third place is the Explorer I, Ref. 14270, a Rolex model that is competing for first and second place in terms of popularity and recognition.
This model, which caused a huge boom when worn by Kimura Takuya, is relatively affordable and has a simple design that can be used both on and off the job, so many people choose it as their "first Rolex," and it still boasts strong popularity even now more than 20 years after production ended. It was released as a full model change from the previous model "Ref. 1016," and in the early stages of production, there were models known as "blackouts" that had no white lines on the "3, 6, and 9" indexes, leaving the metal numbers exposed, as well as rare models with a single buckle and a hole on the side of the case. With its high demand and many rare specifications, it is likely to become the leading "next vintage model."
2nd Place
"Daytona" "Ref. 16520 "
Coming in second place is the "Ref. 16520," which is equipped with the "Cal. 4030," a movement that is a refined version of Zenith's "El Primero."
Since its release in 1988, this watch has long been known as the king of chronographs, with various models with different characteristics depending on the year of production, such as the so-called "Patrizzi" ("Brown Eye" * a model with a faded brown sub-dial). The A and P series models close to the final model number and the combination of tritium luminous material and single buckle are in particularly high demand, and although it is one of the more expensive models from this era, its cool appearance is unmatched. We would highly recommend this watch to anyone who is even slightly interested.
1st Place
"Explorer II" "Ref. 16570 "
Taking the honorable first place is the Explorer II "Ref. 16570," which is highly practical with its GMT function and date display.
Among the stainless steel sports models, this one comes in both black and white dials, just like the Daytona, and you can enjoy searching for your favorite texture from the various differences, such as the texture of the dials depending on the era, or the ones where the luminous material has faded over time. The successor models, the Ref. 216570 and Ref. 226570, have a larger case size of 42mm, so the demand for the 40mm size, which is more comfortable on Japanese wrists, is likely to increase in the future.
summary
What did you think.
The "semi-vintage" models that are starting to gain attention now have a vintage feel, but also have the functionality of current models, and many of them are originals with no parts replaced. As time goes on, they are expected to transition into vintage models and gain even more attention, so why not consider getting one while it's still on the market?
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