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 vintage Rolex watches (models with four-digit model numbers) handled by Commit Ginza (hereinafter referred to as our store) in the first half of 2024! Please enjoy reading the list while imagining the rankings together with us.
5th place: Daytona "Ref.6263"
In fifth place is the final model of the manual-winding Daytona, Ref. 6263 , which features a plastic bezel and was produced from around 1969 to 1988 .
The push button has been changed to a screw-in type, and the waterproof performance has been upgraded from 30m to 50m, and the word "Oyster" has been printed on the dial for the first time on a Daytona. The movement is equipped with the high-precision "Cal. 727" inherited from the second generation . There are fewer and fewer watches that retain the originality that matches 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 particularly rare and have become auction pieces. They are rarely available on the market, but if you find one, it is important to first ask the store staff about the compatibility, rather than buying it immediately.
4th place: Submariner "Ref.1680 "
In fourth place is the Submariner Date "Ref. 1680," which was manufactured from around 1969 to 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". This vintage model is a perennial favorite among the "Submariner", which has improved convenience by displaying the date. Why not try it out for yourself?
3rd place: "GMT Master" "Ref.1675 "
Coming in third place is the Ref. 1675, the second generation model of the GMT Master, which was manufactured from around 1959 to 1980 .
These are roughly divided into two categories: early gilt dials and later matte dials. Early models have many rare features such as pointed crown guards (PCG), while matte dials tend to change less over time and attract more attention from practical users. The most attractive feature of the GMT Master is its "appearance", which changes dramatically depending on the color of the bezel, so why not try looking for your favorite one, from colorful ones to ones with a subtle vintage look?
2nd Place
Explorer Ref.1016
In second place is the long-selling model "Explorer" Ref. 1016 , which was manufactured for about 30 years from around 1960 to around 1990 .
The early models had a glossy mirror dial with a gold minute circle, commonly known as the "MM dial", but from around 1967 it was changed to a matte dial with no gloss. There are two types of movement: the early model was the "Cal. 1560" with 5 vibrations per second and the company's unique adjust screw type time adjustment function, and from around 1965, the "Cal. 1570" was used, which increased the vibration frequency to 5.5 vibrations to improve accuracy. Its universally simple design is 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 that was manufactured from around 1963 to around 1990, and the differences in specifications due to minor changes make it a very attractive model. It seems that many people are particularly looking for models with the waterproof rating at the 6 o'clock position written in meters and feet (ft) order, commonly known as "meter first," and models with dots touching the minute index, which look like candy, commonly known as "lollipops." In addition, since there are relatively many models in circulation, many people not only enjoy searching for their favorite specifications, but also look for birth year models. This melancholy appearance condenses the charm of vintage, and it is a model that every man would want to get his hands on at least once.
summary
What did you think.
Vintage Rolexes, which have a unique atmosphere due to aging, are often smaller in size than current models, and are chosen by people of all ages and genders. Another stylish way to choose a watch is to choose one based on the year you were born. In the future, the number of watches will decrease even more, so if you have a hunch, we recommend that you get your hands on one as soon as possible.
We hope this article will be helpful for your buying and selling. Please look forward to the next article and the ranking of the number of items handled!