2023 Edition [Rolex] Sports Model Birthday Watch <30s Edition>

Whether you already own a luxury watch or are planning to buy one for the first time, you have probably thought at least once that you would like to have a watch from the year you were born! Of course, all luxury watches are wonderful, but a watch that has been around for the same number of years as you have will be deeply moving and you will feel even more attached to it.

However, there may be many people who are wondering, "What kind of models are there for watches based on the year of birth?" So, this time, we will introduce Rolex sports models manufactured between 1984 and 1993 (ages 30 to 39) for people in their 30s. Please read to the end.

First of all, for Rolexes made before the 2010 G series, you can find out the approximate year of manufacture by the serial number. Check to see which model number corresponds to the year you were born.

【example】
"A ＊＊＊＊＊＊ " = "1999"

*Since 2010, the composition has been randomized, making it impossible to guess the year of manufacture from the serial number.
*This data is based on our research.

Now, let's take a look at the Rolex sports models manufactured between 1984 and 1993.

① "Daytona" "Ref.6263"

Produced from around 1969 to around 1988 (R series), this is the final model of the hand-wound "Daytona", Ref. 6263 , which features a plastic bezel .

The push buttons are now screw-in type, the water resistance has increased from 30m to 50m, and the dial is the first Daytona to have the word "Oyster" printed on it. It is equipped with the high-precision movement "Cal.727" inherited from the second generation . There are very few watches that still 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 highly rare and have become auction pieces. They are rarely available on the market, but if you find one, it is best to ask the store staff first rather than buying it immediately.

If you are looking for "Daytona" for sale, click here

② "Daytona" "Ref.6265"

The final model of the hand-wound Daytona, Ref. 6265, was produced from around 1971 to around 1988 (R series) .

The "Ref.6265" has the same basic specifications as the aforementioned "Ref.6263", but with a metal bezel. It is classified into four types, MK1 to MK4, depending on the position of the bezel and the typeface, and this model is unique in that it shows the differences in various details. As expected, it is extremely difficult to find a model with consistent parts, and beginners will not be able to tell the difference. It is also expensive, so if you find it, we recommend that you take a break before purchasing it.

If you are looking for "Daytona" for sale, click here

③ "Daytona" "Ref. 16520"

The Ref. 16520 is the fourth generation Daytona, manufactured from around 1988 (R series) to around 2000 (A series) .

This model is equipped with an automatic movement based on Zenith's El Primero, a famous chronograph movement, and is one of the most popular Rolex models. The previous models, Ref. 6263 and Ref. 6265 , were equipped with manual movements, but this is the first model to be equipped with an automatic movement. There are individual differences depending on the time of production, and many models are rare and trade at high prices.

If you are looking for "Daytona" for sale, click here

④ "GMT Master" "Ref. 16750"

The third generation "GMT Master" " Ref. 16750 " was produced from around 1980 to around 1988.

Equipped with the high-beat movement "Cal.3075" that vibrates at 28,800 vibrations per hour, and equipped with a "Datejust function" that instantly changes the date at around midnight and a "quick-change mechanism," this watch has become more convenient and has gained a lot of support. It is classified into early and late models based on whether the dial index is "borderless," which has no border, as seen in the "Submariner" "Ref.16800" and "Ref.5513," and the "Sea-Dweller" "Ref.16660," or has a metal border. Both have their merits, but for those who want a more vintage feel, we recommend the "borderless" model.

If you are looking for a "GMT Master" for sale, click here

⑤ "GMT Master II" "Ref. 16760"

The first GMT-Master II, Ref. 16760, was produced from around 1982 to around 1988 .

This model, also known as the "Fat Lady," is characterized by its thick case, as its name suggests, and was only available with a red and black bezel called "coke." The successor model, Ref. 16710, appeared around 1988, and since it was only manufactured for about six years, it is assumed that there were not many of them. It seems that there are very few of them on the market in recent years, so if you're interested, we recommend that you get one now.

If you are looking for a "GMT Master II" for sale, click here

⑥ "GMT Master" "Ref. 16700"

The final model of the GMT Master was the Ref. 16700 (the predecessor to the GMT Master II), which was produced from around 1988 (R series) to around 1999 (A series).

The red and blue two-tone bezel, commonly known as "Pepsi," is popular, and the soft tritium luminous finish and single buckle give it a semi-vintage feel that makes it stand out from the crowd. With each passing year, there are fewer and fewer of these watches in circulation, making this a watch that is sure to become a valuable investment.

If you are looking for a "GMT Master" for sale, click here

⑦ "GMT Master II" "Ref. 16710"

The Ref. 16710 was produced from around 1988 (R series) to around 2008 (M series) as the successor to the original GMT-Master II, Ref. 16760.

While the first model only had a red and black bezel color, the Ref. 16710 has been revived in the discontinued black and red and blue bezel colors, which has once again garnered attention. The first Ref. 16760 had such a thick and impressive case that it was nicknamed the "Fat Lady," but the Ref. 16710 has been changed to a case with a sharper, more sleek silhouette that fits better on the wrist.

If you are looking for a "GMT Master II" for sale, click here

8. Submariner Date "Ref.16800"

The Submariner Ref. 16800 is the successor model to the Ref. 1680, which was manufactured from around 1980 to around 1988.

The windshield has been changed from plastic to hard sapphire crystal, and this model has improved both scratch resistance and water resistance . It also has a rotating bezel with anti-reverse function, and the movement uses "Cal.3035" with a "quick change function" for date display. In later years, the so-called "Triple Zero" with "168000" engraved on the case was also released, making this a model full of highlights.

If you are looking for a Submariner for sale, click here

9. Submariner Date "Ref.16610"

The long-selling model "Ref. 16610" was manufactured from around 1988 (R number) to around 2010 (random number).

This model was released before the now-mainstream Cerachrom bezel was introduced, and is a popular model that boasts outstanding visibility, robustness, and status. The "date display" makes it suitable for everyday use. Depending on the era, there are models with tritium luminous and Luminova luminous, but the ones with a slightly burnt tritium luminous finish are particularly popular.

If you are looking for a Submariner for sale, click here

10. Submariner Date "Ref.5513"

The Ref. 5513 is one of the Submariner's longest-selling models, having been manufactured from around 1963 to around 1990 .

There are many differences in specifications due to minor changes, which is a major attraction of this model and makes it immensely popular. The dial comes in circle mirror, mirror, and matte dial, and shows a completely different look depending on the specification. The movement of the initial model was "Cal.1530", and later it was equipped with the high-beat "Cal.1520". There are relatively many units in circulation, so why not look for one that has aged to your liking?

If you are looking for a Submariner for sale, click here

⑪ "Submariner No Date" "Ref.14060"

The non-date type "Submariner" "Ref. 14060" was manufactured from around 1990 (E series) to around 1999 (A series).

This model is the successor to the "Ref. 5513," which uses a sapphire crystal windshield and has water resistance increased to 300m. Its clean, symmetrical design without a date display and its versatility for wearing both on and off the job has made it a perennially popular model. The "tritium" on the hands and indexes has beautifully discolored over time, making it especially popular. (LumiNova, which does not change color, is used in models manufactured after 1999.)

If you are looking for a Submariner for sale, click here

12. Explorer I "Ref. 1016"

The long-selling model "Explorer I" " Ref. 1016 " was manufactured for approximately 30 years from around 1960 to around 1990.

Dials are broadly classified into three types: circle mirror, mirror, and matte. The early model was known as the "MM dial," which had a glossy mirror dial with a gold minute circle, but from around 1967 it was changed to a matte dial with no gloss. There are two types of movements: the early model was the "Cal. 1560," which had Rolex's unique adjust screw time adjustment function and 5 vibrations per second, and from around 1965 it was the "Cal. 1570," which increased the vibration frequency to 5.5 vibrations to improve accuracy. It reigned as the ultimate simple watch, and even now that it has been discontinued, it is still extremely popular.

If you are looking for the "Explorer I" for sale, click here

13. Explorer I, Ref. 14270

The Explorer I, Ref. 14270, was produced from around 1990 (E series) to around 1999 (A series) and is one of the most popular classic models from Rolex.

It is the ultimate simple watch with no date display, only black dials, and only stainless steel case. Because of its simplicity, it goes well with any outfit, and many people rate it as the most user-friendly Rolex. The " early model" with a single buckle and a side hole on the side of the case is especially popular, and has the potential to become the leading stock of the next vintage model.

If you are looking for the "Explorer I" for sale, click here

14. Explorer II "Ref. 16550"

The Explorer II "Ref. 16550" was a short-lived model that was produced for only four years from around 1984 to around 1988.

The Ref.16550 has been reborn with a modern design, featuring Mercedes hands, metal framed indexes, and a GMT hand with a red triangular pointer. The dial is available in three colors: black, white, and ivory, and the ivory dial is particularly rare, so if you see it, you should grab it. It's a wonderful model that has a modern design but also has a vintage feel to it.

If you are looking for the "Explorer II" for sale, click here

15. Explorer II "Ref. 16570"

The long-selling model "Explorer II" "Ref. 16570" was manufactured from around 1988 (R number) to around 2010 (random number).

The popular semi-vintage model "Ref.16570" has undergone many minor changes and its appearance changes with each generation. In addition to the date display, it has a full range of functions such as GMT function and is characterized by a classic design, but since there is a "hole" next to the lug that fastens the case and bracelet, it is easy to "change the strap", so it seems that many people enjoy changing it to the popular NATO strap. The case size of the successor model has been enlarged to 42mm, so it is also recommended as it is the last model with a 40mm size that is familiar to Japanese people.

If you are looking for the "Explorer II" for sale, click here

16. Sea-Dweller "Ref. 16660"

The second model of the Sea-Dweller, "Ref. 16660", was produced from around 1978 to around 1988.

This model, commonly known as the "Triple Six " because it has three consecutive "6s" in the model number , has been changed from a plastic windshield to a hard sapphire crystal windshield, just like the Submariner "Ref. 16800", improving scratch resistance and water resistance. The rotating bezel also has a reverse rotation prevention function, and the movement uses "Cal. 3035" with a "quick change function" for date display. Although it has a simple design that can be used both on and off, many of them have burnt tritium luminous paint, making it a popular model that shows off a beautiful expression.

If you are looking for a "Sea-Dweller" for sale, click here

⑰ "Sea-Dweller" "Ref. 16600"

The "Ref. 16600" is a long-selling model that inherited the specifications and design of its predecessor, the "Ref. 16660," and was manufactured from around 1988 (R series) to around 2009 (V series).

The appearance is not so different from the previous model "Ref.16660", but the "Ref.16600" is equipped with the new movement "Cal.3135", which improves durability and maintenance efficiency. It is a popular model that combines a design that can be used both on and off, while being a diving tool for professional divers, with features such as a "flip lock" (extension of the bracelet) that allows it to be worn over a diving suit and a "helium escape valve" that releases helium gas that gets mixed in during saturation diving.

If you are looking for a "Sea-Dweller" for sale, click here

What did you think.

The models we are introducing this time fall into the "semi-vintage" to "vintage" era and have a unique atmosphere not found in current models, so if you are wearing one in your 30s, you will definitely stand out from the crowd.

Luxury watches have many different aspects, such as design, functionality, and asset value, but why not take this opportunity to add another option to your collection, and choose a watch from the year you were born?