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) handled by Commit Ginza (hereinafter referred to as our store) in the second half of 2023! Please enjoy reading the list while imagining the rankings together with us.
5th place: "Submariner Green" "Ref.16610LV"
In fifth place is the Ref. 16610LV , which was released in 2003 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Submariner and adopts Rolex's corporate color green .
This model, which was manufactured until around 2010, is popular for its textured green aluminum bezel. The green color bezel that has been passed down from generation to generation has been changed to a Cerachrom bezel from the successor model "Ref. 116610LV", so the color of this first model can be said to be one of a kind. In addition, models with features such as "Flat 4" and "Big Swiss" are very popular and often trade at high prices. This is a highly recommended watch not only for its design, but also for its functionality and asset value .
4th place: "GMT Master II" "Ref. 16710"
In fourth 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 2005-2008 (serial numbers D, Z, and M) is particularly popular. While this is one option, if your child was born in this age group, you may want to consider giving it to them as a gift to commemorate their coming of age, after using it yourself. ( 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 "||". )
3rd Place
"Explorer II" "Ref. 16570 "
Coming in third 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.
2nd Place
Explorer "Ref. 14270 "
In second place is the Explorer Ref. 14270, a Rolex model that is both popular and well-known and competes for first and second place.
This model, which caused a huge boom when worn by Kimura Takuya, is relatively affordable among Rolex watches 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 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 did not have the 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."
1st Place
"Daytona" "Ref. 16520 "
Coming in first 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.
summary
What did you think.
Sports models dominated the top five spots, but the top spot went to the Daytona, known as the "King of Rolex." Many semi-vintage models have undergone minor changes, and their atmosphere and value change greatly with each generation. Furthermore, they are "discontinued models with limited numbers" whose prices are unlikely to fall and whose circulation will not increase, so they are a promising candidate for the future. However, of course, not all of them are good, so if you are considering buying or selling, please feel free to consult with us first. We will give you appropriate advice based on your requests and circumstances.
We hope this article will be helpful for your buying and selling. Please look forward to the next article on the number of transactions for the second half of 2023!