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 Rare Rolex Submariner 5512

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 Reason Behind the Watch’s Six-Figure Value

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 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.

Reasons to service your Rolex watch

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:

• If the lubricants seize up, it can augment the friction and eventually, damage the components.
• Earlier, a watch was recommended servicing every year or two.
• However, as the lubricant system or materials improved, the service interval has increased significantly over the decades.

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.

How often should you service Rolex watches?

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.

• However, it is better to get it serviced before it begins to show any problems.
• This will help in minimising wear and keep your timepiece in the best condition as much as possible.

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.

The Rolex Servicing Process

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.

• Thus, service your Rolex timepiece only by a professional or by Rolex itself.
• While servicing, the watch is entirely disassembled, including its case and movement.
• Everything is cleaned, oiled and then, re-assembled.

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.

Watches Online: The Dubai Edit – Highlights

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.

• For instance, the watch features a legible symbol for the radioactive isotope Tritium. It is indicated as a circled T.
• Moreover, this Submariner Milsub comes with a marked case-back, displaying a Ministry of Defense unit number, issue numbers and military broad arrow symbol.

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.

• Listed as lot 132, Rolex made this Reference 326934 for the UAE Ministry of Defense.
• And it is estimated to fetch between £19,162 and £38,324.

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 Rolex Reference 18238 of 1995 is listed as Lot 23 and was made for the UAE Armed Forces.
• However, this “very rare” watch comes with a champagne dial that flaunts the UAE flag complete with a golden eagle in the centre.
• The dial also displays a star for all seven emirates.

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.

• However, the dial exhibits two lines of gilt printing.
• While a watch like this can be very rarely spotted in the market, its demand is expected to be higher.
• It is evaluated to fetch between £22,990 and £38,317.

Other Unique Watches on Christie’s Dubai Watch Sale

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.

• The first one, Lot 90, is a 1980s keyless, skeleton timepiece (Reference 912), embellished with gold, pearls, rubies and diamonds.
• This unique, ornate Patek is one of the only five iterations known to have been ever produced, having an estimate of £26,819 – £38,314.

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!

• It is the only Submariner to feature “SUBMARINER” text in red

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.

• It is the first Submariner to receive a date functionality

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.

• It is the only Submariner Date model to sport an acrylic crystal

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.

• The Red Rolex Submariner 1680 is available in seven dial types

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.

• The Red Sub 1680 originally featured a Fat-Font bezel

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.

Significant Features of the Rolex “Red Submariner” Reference 1680

• Made of Stainless steel and comes with 40mm case diameter
• Features a matte black dial with the name “SUBMARINER” engraved in the red hue
• Fitted with Acrylic crystal and Cyclops lens above the date aperture
• Comes with a 60-minute rotating bezel and the signature Oyster bracelet
• Powered by Rolex Calibre 1575 movement
• Water-resistant up to 200m (660ft).

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.

Among the most awaited 2020 releases of Rolex are the four new Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31 watches. Rolex unveiled the new Datejust references with 31mm case size, targeting a female audience.

Moreover, these new watches are encased in the signature “Rolesor” that merges 18ct white gold with Oystersteel. The elite Swiss watchmaker also offered them in different colourways. The Rolex Datejust 31 of 2020 is indeed becoming a more popular model in the range of women’s watches.

It is considered as an extremely versatile watch that comes with a wide range of options. Continue reading below to explore all the essential features of the new Rolex Datejust 31 watches of 2020.

New Vibrant Faces

Among the recent Datejust 31 models, the first reference sports a gem-set bezel and a sunray-finished aubergine dial. It also features Roman numeral “VI” embellished with diamonds at 6 o’clock position.

• However, the other three references come with white gold fluted bezels.
• Rolex offered them in three dial options – a sunray-finished mint green dial, sunray dark grey dial and a white lacquer dial.

Moreover, each model features index hour markers, Roman numerals and hands, made up of 18ct white gold.

The Case

Rolex introduced the new Datejust 31 offering a 31mm case size. However, the watch comes with the brand’s patented Twinlock water-resistance system. Overall, it is water-resistant up to 100m (330ft).

• What protects the case and the dial of the new Datejust 31 is a scratch-resistance sapphire crystal.
• It is further equipped with a Cyclops lens over the signature date window at 3 o’clock side.

Moreover, Rolex forged the new Datejust references out of the signature “Rolesor” – a unique combination of Oystersteel and 18ct gold.

The Movement

Rolex equipped the new Datejust 31 watches with the self-winding Calibre 2236 movement.

• However, this movement is further fitted with Rolex’s patented syloxi hairspring, made up of silicon oxide and silicon.
• When it comes to shocks, the syloxi hairspring is 10times more precise in comparison to a standard hairspring.
• Moreover, the new Calibre 2236 movement also comes with a nickel-phosphorus paramagnetic escape wheel.

And the brand’s proprietary paraflex shock-absorbers help in boosting the shock resistance ability of the movement. The movement offers 55hours of power reserve.

The Bracelet

Rolex offered every reference of the white “Rolesor” Datejust 31 two bracelet options – the dressier Jubilee five-link bracelet or a sportier Oyster three-link bracelet.

• The new Rolex Datejust 31 versions with white lacquer and aubergine dials are fitted with the Oyster bracelet.
• However, Rolex equipped the Oyster bracelet with Oysterclasp and Easylink extension.

On the other hand, the ones with dark grey and mint green-coloured dials come with the Jubilee bracelet and a concealed “Crownclasp”.

Significant Features of the New Rolex Datejust 31 Models

• Each model comes in White Rolesor
• New dial options include Aubergine, White Lacquer, Mint Green and Dark Grey
• The model featuring Aubergine dial sports diamond bezel and Oyster bracelet
• Other references come with 18ct white gold fluted bezel
• The white lacquer dial model is fitted with Oyster bracelet; whereas, grey and green versions come with Jubilee bracelet
• A new Rolex Calibre 2236 self-winding movement with Syloxi hairspring.

However, the new Rolex Datejust 31 with aubergine dial and diamond bezel retails for about £12,399. While the dark grey and mint green models are available for nearly £6,219, the white lacquer dial reference retails for about £6,026.

Regardless, are you looking to sell Rolex watches for the best price? Fill up our online form now to get a free competitive quote immediately.

Explore More:

Rolex Announced Its New 2020 Watches

New Rolex Oyster Perpetual Watches for 2020

A Guide to New Rolex Sky-Dweller Watches for 2020

Due to the global pandemic COVID-19, trade shows in the spring were cancelled, and production also ceased in the summer. However, there were lots of speculations and anticipation on the debut of new Rolex watches and the discontinuation of some models. Finally, the wait is over. Rolex has declared its new watches for 2020, and all eyes are today on it.

Every year new watch releases from Rolex results in a ruckus. In 2018, when Rolex introduced the current GMT-Master II “Pepsi” in stainless steel, it was instantly priced at double its retail price. Moreover, it was almost impossible to get hands-on it.

And the new Rolex watches of 2020 are expected to be even more challenging to get because of their scarcity. So the handful of new 2020 Rolex watches include new Submariner, Sky-Dweller, Datejust and Oyster Perpetual watches. Let’s explore them now.

New Rolex Submariner 2020

It is ideally the most significant gift for divers’ watch community and also, sporty watch lovers. The new 2020 Submariner collection includes many new Submariner Date versions and one Submariner No-Date.

No doubt, the brand has met up the expectation of its enthusiasts by unleashing this new generation of Rolex Submariner. However, what boosts the excitement is the fact that the new 2020 Submariner comes with a few incredible upgrades.

• Rolex offered the new Sub a 41mm case, replacing the standard 40mm case.
• Moreover, the watch features more slender lugs and also, a little bit broader bracelet with wider centre links.

All these features together make the new Submariner watch less square-looking than its previous sibling.

Rolex also paired the new generation of Submariner with coloured bezels framing the classic black dials.

• For instance, the new steel Submariner Reference 126610LV features a black dial and green bezel.
• On the other hand, the new Submariner Reference 126619LB in 18ct white gold sports a black dial framed by a blue bezel.

Now:

It should not come as a surprise that Rolex also equipped the current Submariner watches with new automatic movements.

While the Submariner no-date watches house the Calibre 3230 movement, the Submariner Date is powered by Calibre 3235.

Moreover, both the brand’s patented movements offer an increased power reserve up to 70 hours.

Thus, the significant upgrades for Rolex Submariner 2020 are –

• A new case diameter of 41mm and slimmer lugs
• New generation movements – Calibre 3235 (Submariner Date) & Calibre 3230 (Submariner No-Date)
• Stainless steel Submariner with green bezel and black dial.
• 18ct white gold Submariner now with blue bezel and black dial.
• The Submariner “Hulk” and Submariner “Smurf” discontinued.

New Rolex Datejust 2020

Another new addition to the brand’s catalogue is the Datejust 31 in White Rolesor versions. Traditionally, the white Rolesor timepieces sport only the bezels made of 18ct white gold.

However, the new Datejust 31 references are available in different dial colours, from green, grey to muted silver and aubergine.

Also, you can choose between a dressy Jubilee bracelet and a sporty Oyster bracelet.

Moreover, the new Rolex Datejust 31 watches house the Calibre 2236 movement.

It comes with a Syloxi hairspring and has 55hours of power reserve.

Thus, the significant upgrades for new Rolex Datejust 31 are –

• White Rolesor version of Datejust 31
• A new Datejust 31 with diamond bezel
• New Datejust 31 watches in White Rolesor featuring fluted bezels.

New Rolex Oyster Perpetual 2020

The new Rolex 2020 watches also include the largest version of Oyster Perpetual to date. The new Rolex Oyster Perpetual watch comes with a 41mm case diameter, and it is the biggest size available currently in the Oyster Perpetual lineup.

In addition to this, Rolex has also upgraded the Oyster Perpetual 36 collection by offering new movements and dials.

However, Rolex offers the new Oyster Perpetual 41 and Oyster Perpetual 36 versions the choice of vibrant coloured dials.

• You will notice notable changes on the silver dial of the new Oyster Perpetual watches.
• The dial flaunts yellow gold hands and hour markers in place of white gold accents that are typically found in Oyster Perpetual dials.

Moreover, both the new Oyster Perpetual references sports the latest generation automatic Calibre 3230 movement.

Thus, the significant upgrades for new Rolex Oyster Perpetual are –

• New Oyster Perpetual 41.
• The Oyster Perpetual of 39mm discontinued
• Updated Oyster Perpetual 36 lineup
• New vibrant coloured dials
• New generation Calibre 3230 movement.

New Rolex Sky-Dweller 2020

Rolex equipped the new Sky-Dweller watches the ever first time with Oysterflex bracelets. The Oysterflex bracelet appeared in 2015 with the then-new Yacht-Master in Everose gold. Later, some solid gold Daytona watches were also fitted with this bracelet.

However, the Oysterflex bracelet may appear like a standard rubber strap, but it has a metal blade interior and sheathed in the black elastomer.

Rolex unveiled an Everose gold version and yellow gold version of the new Sky-Dweller.

Besides these, other features in the new Sky-Dweller watches remain the same, including Ring Command fluted gold bezel, 42mm case size, the signature annual calendar functionality and dual time-zone.

Thus, the significant upgrades for new Rolex Sky-Dweller are –

• Rolex Sky-Dweller watches now with Oysterflex bracelet
• New 18ct yellow gold Sky-Dweller with Oysterflex bracelet and three dial options
• New 18ct Everose gold Sky-Dweller with Oysterflex bracelet and the choice of three dials.

Are you looking to sell Rolex watches for the best price? Get a free competitive quote today from the professional watch buyers at The Luxury Hut.