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 5411 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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Rolex makes its watches using the highest quality components and maintaining the highest standards. They are robust and durable, ensuring to last a lifetime.
However, like any other mechanical items, a Rolex watch also needs periodic maintenance and proper care. So experts recommend servicing your Rolex watch regularly at its specified service intervals.
This will keep your luxury timepiece in its perfect mechanical condition, retaining its sheen at the same time for many years. And it will add to the overall value that you are likely to obtain when you sell your Rolex watch in the pre-owned market.
Generally, mechanical watches need servicing because lubricants break down with time. While the primary motive is to reduce friction, watchmakers use various specialised lubricants throughout their watch’s movement.
Eventually, the movement functions smoothly with little friction as much as possible. Now:
Today, Rolex uses modern movement designs and new lubricants. Thus, the service interval of a Rolex watch has increased to at least every ten years for ensuring top-notch performance.
All contemporary Rolex watches require servicing about every ten years. While they are built to last for years, your Rolex watch may function smoothly far longer than its recommended service time.
On the contrary, you may require servicing an old or vintage Rolex watch more frequently, especially if you wear it daily.
However, many vintage Rolex watches are highly collectable. And their collectability and value is significantly dependant on their main features being original.
With this in mind, servicing a vintage Rolex model is often a dubious matter. In that case, it is recommended that owners should at least store their vintage watches in a secure box, preferably in its original box.
It would help if you never try to service your Rolex watch by own at home. Keep in mind that your luxury watch houses a highly precise automatic movement and other delicate components. It needs specialised equipment as well as substantial knowledge for proper servicing.
If ever you decide to sell your Rolex watch to raise fast cash, make sure to provide the service receipt along with other essential documents (if any). This may increase the value and eventually, the final price that you are likely to receive for your pre-owned Rolex watch.
Want to sell Rolex watches in London for the best price? Fill up our online form now to get a free competitive quote shortly. Or call on 0207 242 5411 for an instant valuation over the phone.
Christie’s will carry out the special “Watches Online: The Dubai Edit” digital auction for the UAE market between October 15 and 29. The auction event will provide customers with the opportunities of virtual viewings and online bidding.
Moreover, people who want to see the watches in person can book an appointment at the Dubai office of Christie’s in Dubai International Financial Centre. The timepieces on sale will be available for viewings between 10 am and 8 pm until October 14.
The Dubai Edit watch sale consists of 161 lots, and Christie’s billed it as “the most valuable online watch sale ever” with a total estimate of about £3.84million.
However, this particular auction for the UAE market will feature unique Rolex watches that will not only appeal to dedicated auction-goers but also the first-time bidders.
The director of Christie’s watch department in Dubai, Remy Julia, will turn up with a Rolex that was exclusively created for the British Royal Navy in 1977 for serious collectors.
The steel Rolex Submariner Milsub Reference 5513/17, enlisted as the lot 155, was equipped with specifications of British Ministry of Defense.
It is one of the most valuable timepieces on sale at this Christie’s Dubai auction, having an estimate between £107,278 and £183,920.
Another Rolex watch as chosen by watch experts of Christie’s is a steel and white gold Sky-Dweller.
However, Lot 127 consists of white gold and diamond Rolex Day-Date. This Rolex Reference 1803, sporting an oxblood dial, was developed for the Sultanate of Oman. The auction house estimates it to fetch from £38,324 to £61,306.
Another Rolex at Christie’s The Dubai Edit auction is a steel Daytona, also created for the Sultanate. Enlisted as Lot 128, this Daytona Reference 116520 has an estimate between £22,984 and £50,000.
Another unique Rolex watch with military provenance as chosen by watch expert Mathieu Ruffat is an extremely rare gold Day-Date.
This gold Rolex Day-Date Reference 18238 is estimated to sell for £9,194 – £13,792.
There is also a highly coveted Rolex Submariner from 1961 on sale. It is a steel Submariner Reference 5512, Lot 154 with pointed crown guards and a rare black gloss dial.
Christie’s “The Dubai Edit” watches sale will also include two Patek Philippe watches and an Omega.
The Omega watch is a pink-gold and diamond Seamaster, flaunting a portrait of Bahrain’s Sheikh Isa Bin Salman AI Khalifa on the dial. It has an estimate of £7,662 – £11,493.
On the other hand, The Dubai Edit is offering two Patek Philippe watches.
Another Patek on sale is a scarce Nautilus in steel and gold from 1982. Patek Philippe has made no significant changes to the Reference 3700/11AJ since its debut in 1976.
However, the more interesting fact is that only 20 of this Patek Philippe Nautilus are known to have popped up in public. Thus, it makes the Reference 3700/11AJ on sale worthy of its estimate £19,149 – £26,809.
For those who are looking to sell Rolex watches in London for the best price, fill up our online form and get a free competitive quote shortly. Or call on 0207 242 5411 now to book an appointment and visit our Hatton Garden office in London to sell your Rolex in person.
The Red Submariner is one of the iconic Rolex watches that virtually all watch enthusiasts want to include in their collection. This rare, coveted vintage Rolex timepiece is difficult to find.
Considered as highly collectable, the Red Rolex Submariner commands a higher price than its non-red siblings. If you ever have the scope to get hands-on an original Red Sub Reference 1680, thanks to your lucky stars. This watch is indeed an excellent investment as it will retain great value with time.
So here we have jotted down some of the facts about the iconic Rolex Red Submariner 1680 that you probably do not know, especially if you are a new collector. However, these facts make the watch hold a historically significant place in the horology industry. Take a look!
Rolex ceased the production of the Red Submariner Reference 1680 in the 1970s. Since then, the brand offered all subsequent editions of the Submariner a wholly black and white dial.
Eventually, it becomes easier to identify the rare Red Sub timepieces. The colour and name instantly show up against the homogenous colour silhouette of the timepiece.
The Rolex Reference 1680 was the first-ever Submariner to sport a date window at 3 o’clock side. Moreover, the Cyclops lens set above the date aperture offered better magnification.
However, while Rolex offered the watch an added date function, the brand also had to equip it with a new movement.
Thus, the Red Rolex Submariner Reference 1680 made its debut, housing the then-new Calibre 1575 movement.
Rolex furnished the Red Submariner Reference 1680 with acrylic crystal. Interestingly, the watchmaker fitted every subsequent Date Submariner versions that start with the Reference 16800 with sapphire crystal.
This means that the Reference 1680 is the only Submariner Date edition to feature an acrylic crystal, thereby making it incredibly unique.
What makes the Rolex Red Submariner 1680 collection more appealing is its dial variations. Indeed, Rolex offered this reference in seven different types of dials.
Rolex unveiled the Submariner Reference 1680 initially offering a “fat-font” bezel. The bezel attained this moniker due to its thicker numerals on it.
However, this “fat-font” bezel showed the tendency of fading with time. Thus, the watchmaker replaced it with “thin-font” bezels during routine servicing.
Regardless, it is evident that spotting a Red Rolex Submariner Reference 1680 with the original “fat-font” bezel will be pretty challenging. However, it will be undoubtedly worth your effort.
Overall, these unique character traits mentioned above make the iconic Red Submariner 1680 one of the most coveted vintage Rolex watches in the world.
However, the market for vintage Rolex timepieces is booming today with surge prices. Thus, for those who are looking to upgrade their watch collection or simply, want to raise some fast cash, can decide to sell vintage Rolex watches with confidence.
Your luxury watch is likely to fetch you a premium from trusted vintage Rolex buyers at The Luxury Hut, especially if it is in excellent condition.
Fill up our online form now and get a free competitive quote. Or call on 0207 242 5411 for an instant appraisal over the phone.
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