Considering its illustrious history, classic design and excellent value retention, the Rolex Submariner is undoubtedly one of the best watches to invest to date. Watch enthusiasts are well-conversant with the extreme popularity and desirability that this luxury sports dive watch has worldwide. Arguably, the Submariner is the most famous Rolex watch.
Since its inception, the watch has broken records with its unique design, functionality and aesthetics, thereby making its way to conventional pop culture. Rolex designed the Submariner initially, keeping divers’ needs in mind. However, it has become more than a mere purpose-built timepiece gradually over the years.
Today, the Rolex Submariner is perceived as a significant milestone that any serious watch collectors can own. This iconic watch bears an undeniable legacy, lure and value, be it is a vintage Sub with patina or a sleek new model.
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The Rolex Submariner is a quintessential sports dive watch – simple, sophisticated and genuinely functional. Indeed, Rolex has upgraded this line but has made minimal changes in styling over the last 50years or more. So what are features that remain the same?
The features include the waterproof Oyster case, a 60-minute rotatable bezel, screw-down crown, luminescent hour markers and hands and a robust case-back.
The changes made to the Submariner’s structure over the years are indeed slight. However, Rolex has boosted this iconic dive watch’s allure, upgrading its aesthetic and making significant alterations.
For example –
Moreover, Rolex has also changed and updated the luminous component on the dial as technical functionalities developed. Well, a few vintage Rolex Submariner models like the ‘Red Sub’ Reference 1680 are specifically more valuable. Why? This is because of their slight difference in the dial design.
It is significant to note that sometimes the slightest variations on the dial can escalate a Submariner’s price, eventually increasing excitement among collectors. Interestingly, some details can secure you thousands of pounds in value. These variations, coupled with the iconic design, make the Submariner one of the world’s most coveted watches.
The Submariner was a milestone release from Rolex that has achieved an iconic status today. The watchmaker has made various alterations and some significant upgrades to the watch that eventually influenced its value. The Submariner is today a highly collectable watch and an excellent Rolex to invest.
Rolex introduced the Submariner in 1953 as the ever first diver watch to reach 330ft (100m) depth underwater. However, what cemented the Submariner position more in the luxury watch industry is its appearance in James Bond movies.
Author of James Bond, Ian Fleming even clearly stated in the books that Agent 007’s watch of choice was Rolex. In Casino Royale, he wrote –
“He could not just wear a watch. It had to be a Rolex…..a gentleman’s choice of timepiece says as much about him as does his Savile Row suit.”
Interestingly, Ian Fleming is known to wear a Rolex Explorer himself. But his watch of choice for the Bond in the movie was the Submariner. Watch enthusiasts still recall Sean Connery wearing a Submariner in the first Bond movie in 1962. From that point, the watch set its foot into a more glorious future, and since then, it appeared in many other James Bond films over the years.
Now, let’s look forward to another breakthrough for the Submariner – the 50th-anniversary version of Submariner with an iconic green bezel.
In 2010, Rolex made the most significant upgrades to the Submariner by offering a ceramic Cerachrom bezel. The Cerachrom is fade and scratch-resistant. Bezels on the earlier models faded over the years. However, you can consider fading as a ‘flaw’, but many collectors lookout for this flaw in watches.
Finally, the year 2020 saw an upgrade in the size of the Submariner series from 40mm to 41mm. Rolex made a change in case size for the first time since 1959, moving into a new era. Keeping such a rich history and ingenious creations in mind, the Submariner is indeed a fantastic Rolex that money can buy, pre-owned or brand new.
Also Read: Is A Rolex Watch A Good Investment
The answer is yes! The Rolex Submariner is a classic watch with a fascinating history, timeless design and exceptional ability to hold its value with time. Rolex has introduced Submariner models in different colours and materials over the years. But the iconic diver timepiece has remained faithful to its original design and aesthetics.
Prices of the Submariner have been increasing steadily over the last century. The Submariner is today one of the most famous and sought-after watches in the world. And its desirability is not likely to diminish any time soon.
Do you want to sell your Rolex watch for the best price? Get a free competitive valuation today.
In the vintage Rolex collecting world, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona holds a significant place. Vintage watch collectors are incredibly passionate about the manual-wound Daytona chronographs that eventually fetch astronomical prices at auction.
Several vintage Rolex Daytona models have gained iconic levels of collectability. However, one of the most coveted vintage Daytona of all time is the Reference 6263. Let’s take a look at this iconic Daytona ‘Big Red’ reference of the vintage Rolex family.
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The Rolex Daytona 6263 was in production from the late 60s to nearly 1988. The watch features the second generation of screw-down chronograph pushers and the text ‘Oyster’ on the dial indicate its water-resistance ability.
However, the hallmark that distinguishes the Daytona 6263 from its siblings is the black acrylic bezel.
So the signature acrylic black bezel framing the round watch’s face changes the aesthetic, offering a little larger appearance overall.
Rolex offered the Daytona Reference 6263 in different dial variations, attaining names like Paul Newman dials and the ‘Big Red’ dials. No doubt, the Reference 6263 featuring the Paul Newman dials receive more collectors’ attention and thus, sell for astronomical prices at auction.
However, the ‘Big Red’ dial type of this iconic Daytona watch is also highly sought-after among collectors.
However, all examples of the Reference 6263 do not feature the bright red ‘DAYTONA’ name on the dials.
Some Reference 6263 models even do not have the name ‘Daytona’ engraved on the dial, depending on production year and dial style. On the other hand, some watches may flaunt the red ‘Daytona’ name on them, but they can vary in the font size.
Thus, the terms ‘Big Red Daytona’ and ‘Small Red Daytona’ are frequently used within vintage Rolex collecting circles, indicating different font sizes of the red ‘Daytona’ text engraved on the dial.
Moreover, the dials also vary based on the red Daytona name’s position above the sub-dial at the 6 o’clock side. For instance, the Rolex Daytona Floating Big Red Ref. 6263 has the red ‘DAYTONA’ name printed further away from the sub-dial in comparison to other examples.
The Daytona Reference 6263 represents a perfect combination of vintage and modern Rolex chronograph features. And this makes the watch so collectable. Rolex designed and produced this timepiece just before upgrading the Daytona series offering a contemporary touch.
Overall, Rolex Cosmograph Daytona is one of the mainstay collections in the brand’s catalogue. And the Daytona Reference 6263 Big Red is one of the most sought-after vintage watches of all time.
Want to know how much your Rolex is worth? Fill up our online form now and get a free competitive quote. Or call us on 0207 242 9160. Sell Rolex watches, vintage or contemporary for the best possible price to The Luxury Hut.
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5 Unknown Facts about the Vintage Rolex “Red Submariner” 1680
The vintage market for Rolex watches has been blooming in recent years and last year saw an unexpected upsurge despite the impact of COVID-19. Interestingly, rare and also the most common vintage sports watches are now fetching five-figure price levels.
However, not every vintage Rolex watch carries astronomical levels of resale value. But there are a few vintage Rolex models that serve as excellent entry points. Let’s here explore three of the excellent and popular vintage Rolex references that will not break your bank.
Nonetheless, if you want to ascertain your vintage Rolex worth, fill up our online form today and get a free accurate quote. Sell your vintage Rolex watch to The Luxury Hut and get the best possible price. Certain gold variants and rare dial models can fetch you a premium.
In 1958, Rolex produced the Air-King series as a subtle, durable entry-level watch. Without a date mechanism, the Air-King is among the most affordable Rolex timepieces. Whether vintage or contemporary, these watches offer some of the best value for money.
The Rolex Air-King flaunts minimalist features and a classic styling instead of flashy design, heavy-text dials and added functions. Many collectors relish the series’ simple, reliable design with a perpetual movement and a water-resistant Oyster case.
Moreover, the Rolex Air-King is available in various dial colours and two bracelet options – a dressy Jubilee or a sporty Oyster bracelet. The Air-King Reference 5500 enjoyed an astoundingly 37-year long production run. Eventually, the Reference 5500 model exists in the market today in decent numbers.
The Rolex Datejust 1601 was in production throughout the 1960s and 1970s. However, the unique vintage feel and appearance make the Reference 1601 a prototypical Datejust. The watch features a 36mm case size, fluted bezel and acrylic crystal with Cyclops lens above the date display.
Rolex also offered this ‘pie-pan’ dial style to the Day-Date models from the same period. The fact is that this dial design is symbolic of an earlier era in the history of Rolex, and it offers a vintage aesthetic to the Reference 1601.
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1002 watch houses a time-only movement and flaunts a 43mm case and smooth bezel. Moreover, the dial displays the “Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified” text. Well, Rolex produced the Reference 1002 in the 1950s and 1960s.
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1002 is available in different metal and dial options. For example, there are yellow gold, stainless steel and bi-tone models. Among the different dial colours available, champagne and silver-tone dials are the most common in the second hand market.
Are you looking to sell vintage Rolex watches? Call on 0207 242 9160 to get an instant valuation over the phone or fill up our form. The Luxury Hut can provide you with the best possible price for your vintage Rolex based on its model, condition, age, current market price and other essential features.
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The Vintage Rolex Submariner 1680
8 Vintage Rolex Models that Can Fetch a Premium in Pre-owned Market
Gardiner Houlgate auctioneers in Wiltshire sold a rare Rolex Submariner Reference 5512 for £210,000 to a collector based in Hong Kong. This Submariner 5512 features an incredibly rare “3-6-9” dial.
The original owner of the watch worked as a medical attendant at the former Shirebrook Colliery, Mansfield. He is known to purchase the Submariner on his 40th birthday.
However, the fascinating fact is that the miner purchased this Rolex Submariner with a rare dial only for £70 in 1964. And today, the watch fetched more than £200,000 at auction.
The auctioneer and director at the Wiltshire auction house, David Hare, was extremely contented by the result. He asserted that –
The sum of £210,000 is overwhelming for a timepiece that cost only £70 nearly 54years ago.
Moreover, this Rolex Submariner watch had much sentimental attachment with the family of the late owner. Eventually, the family was overjoyed with the price that their sentimental piece fetched at auction.
It was unexpected for them as the family never confronted anything like this ever before.
The Rolex Submariner Reference 5512 featuring the unique “3-6-9” dial layout is indeed rare. However, Gardiner Houlgate has earlier sold nine iterations of this particular model. In May 2016, a Rolex Submariner with the similar Explorer 3-6-9 dial hammered down for £ 192,000.
However, the daughter and son-in-law of the original owner who also resides in Mansfield sold this rare Rolex Submariner.
David Hare said in a statement –
“It never ceases to amaze me that, after 60years, we are still able to discover such rare pieces.”
The coal miner at the Shirebrook Colliery in Mansfield purchased this unique Submariner 5512 in 1964 as his 40th birthday present. After he died in 1995, the timepiece passed down to his daughter and son-in-law.
And this sentimental piece sold for £210,000 in total that left the miner’s family elated. However, the most significant reason behind the new six-figure price of the timepiece is the scarce 3-6-9 Explorer dial.
Rolex produced the Submariner 5512 versions with this face during the early 1960s for a shorter period. So the Submariners flaunting this unique Crown 62 dial type is very limited in numbers.
The fact is that when Rolex received these watches for servicing, they replaced the original dial with a new one. So Submariners featuring their original “3-6-9” dial are extremely rare to find.
And fortunately, the Mansfield miner’s Submariner Reference 5512 is one of those that retain it, contributing to its new six-figure value. Additionally, the watch had its original box, booklet and also, the original owner’s scanned pictures strapping his pride and joy.
The son-in-law of the miner stated –
“Things like this just don’t happen to us. Having worked all our lives to be able to enjoy retirement, this will give my wife and I the added financial security we’ve dreamt of”.
The original owner actually shifted to Mansfield for working in the mines during the Second World War as a part of the then-government conscription programme “Bevin Boys”.
However, he then worked as a bus driver of East Midlands for a time. Later, he rejoined as a medical attendant in the mines. In 1955, the miner died.
David Hare added, “This sale proves it’s worth checking through your drawers to see what’s there”. And it is indeed a piece of wise advice.
Check through your drawers too to see whether there is an old or vintage Rolex watch that you no longer intend to use. Instead of letting it gather dust lying in the drawer, you can decide to sell your Rolex watch and raise cash that you can further use to invest in a new one or any other things.
Your old Rolex timepiece can fetch you hundred thousands of pounds. So get a free valuation today from trusted Rolex watch buyers in London at The Luxury Hut.
Fill up our online form, providing all details on your watch and get a free quote shortly. Or call on 0207 242 9160 now for an instant appraisal over the phone.
Rolex is synonymous to luxury and fame. It is allegedly the most esteemed watch brand that has set a standard in the horology industry with its avant-garde creations over the years.
However, it is indeed a matter of patience to acquire a Rolex watch. The most sought-after Rolexes can have you on a waiting list of up to nearly 5 to 6 years. And it is obvious as demand surpasses supply.
Why Rolex has so much craze? This Geneva-based Swiss watchmaker produces timepieces with incredible durability and precision. They are Superlative Chronometer certified. However, another significant fact that escalates the demand of Rolex watches is –
Rolex is one of the few watch brands whose watches retain value and also, appreciate over time, making them worthy of investment.
Nevertheless, the brand introduced its new 2020 watches that come with the incredible power of attraction, and you cannot afford to miss it. So let’s take a look at the most popular Rolex watches that are on the trend this year.
Rolex has a wide array of iconic watch collections in its catalogue. However, the models that are evoking the most vehement passion from collectors in 2020 are the Rolex Submariner and the GMT-Master. These are two of the cornerstone and ultimate professional watches available in the brand’s catalogue.
Rolex revived the Submariner lineup and introduced the new 41mm Submariner versions. Eventually, the 41mm size has become one of the most famous case diameters, appealing to both men and women.
The new Rolex Sky-Dweller also comes with equally attractive features to lure its global enthusiasts.
Among the Rolex 2020 launches, the watch that is celebrating unanimous craze and praise across the world is the Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date in stainless steel.
What boosts its appeal is the green Cerachrom bezel encircling the upgraded 41mm case.
On the contrary, the Calibre 3230 made its debut with the updated Oyster Perpetual Submariner version.
Rolex also flashed its popular Oyster Perpetual collection for 2020, introducing it in 41mm size for the first time. And the 41mm is the unmistakably popular diameter for this year.
However, the 36mm Oyster Perpetual version is no lagging behind. The brand unleashed this lineup offering vibrantly colourful dials, including turquoise and coral.
Furthermore, Rolex launched a grey Rolesor edition of the Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31 for 2020. What’s more tempting is that the new Datejust also comes in coloured dials – White lacquer, Anthracite, Mint Green, and Aubergine.
The Calibre 2236 powering the new grey Rolesor Datejust, serves as the cherry on the top. This movement features a Rolex’s patented silicon balance-spring.
So which is your favourite among these Rolex novelties? What model are you looking to own to be on vogue? Well, no matter which one you choose, you will have to wait patiently. The waitlist is as usual long.
However, if you are looking to sell your Rolex watch, fill up our online form now to get a free competitive quote shortly. We buy all genuine and authenticated Rolex watches for a fair and accurate price in the pre-owned market.
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The news and images of the new Rolex 2020 watches spread like a bonfire on all social media platforms. And one of the most significant launches this year is the new Rolex Submariner.
The watchmaker upgraded its iconic Submariner lineup for the first time in eight years. However, while the new 41mm Submariner made its debut, Rolex discontinued the popular Submariner Reference 116610LV or “HULK” along with all previous Submariner generations.
Now:
With the discontinuation of the Submariner Hulk in 2020, the second hand market exploded. And it is turning crazier than ever.
The private sales listing price of Hulk is known to have increased immediately by a skyrocketing £3,867 approx overnight.
The rumours about the discontinuation of the iconic Hulk started at the end of 2019. Since then, the prices of this beloved Submariner began to ascend.
At a time when this rumour was becoming more of a reality, the price of the Hulk Submariners hit a record of nearly £11.99K. And on the eve of the launch of the new Rolex 2020 watches, the prices reached about £12.76K – £13.15K level.
Rolex introduced the Submariner “Hulk” Reference 116610LV at Baselworld watch fair in 2010. And it became an instant hit upon its debut.
While it flaunts a vibrant and instantly-recognisable colour, the Hulk was considered to be a unique and very bold release from Rolex.
Indeed, the bright green colour of this Submariner appeared something novel and different from most of the other Rolexes.
Featuring a stainless steel case of 40mm, a striking green bezel and dial, the Submariner Hulk is a true classic that people have adored throughout its more than 50years long history. It is one of those exceptional Rolex watches that watch lovers will miss dearly, and those who missed the opportunity of buying it will regret forever.
After Rolex unveiled its new 2020 novelties, it has removed the incredibly coveted “Hulk” from its website. And today, in spite of the global pandemic and present global economic downturn, this discontinued Rolex is creating frenzy across various watch forums and on all sale listings.
The day when Rolex officially announced the discontinuation of Hulk, the market price of both unsold and sold listings has escalated overnight. However, the sold listings’ price is much lower in comparison to the unsold listings’ price.
The Rolex Submariner Hulk has caused an outbreak in the “watches internet” after it has been officially discontinued. The new Submariner Kermit is undoubtedly enticing. But the ‘Hulk’ was the Submariner in a championship of its own.
Speculations regarding the discontinuation of Hulk have been passing over for many years. However, this year, it was heavily speculated. In fact, watch enthusiasts pretty much expected that Rolex is going to refresh its Submariner collection this year.
This is because the previous generation Calibre 3135 movement was powering all contemporary Submariners. However, Rolex unveiled the second generation Calibre 3235 movement in 2015 that offers 70-hour power reserve.
And the watchmaker has already equipped many of its mainstay collections with this second-generation movement, including the Sea-Dweller and the Yacht-Master.
Well, not all discontinued watches follow the same trajectory as the Submariner Hulk. The fact is that the Submariner is among the most popular and coveted Rolex collections. It already enjoys strong sales both in the retail and second hand market.
When it comes to the Hulk Submariner, it had appealed to many collectors when it first introduced, with its unique green colour. And over the years, its popularity has grown steadily, and today after discontinuation, the demand of Hulk has increased more. The watch has reached a jaw-dropping price level in the pre-owned market and it is expected that the price will continue to skyrocket.
With this in mind, for those who already own a Submariner Hulk and want to raise extra cash, it is ideally the best time to sell your Rolex watch to potential watch buyers and secure an excellent price.
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