Tag: sell vintage Rolex

It was pretty surprising to see how the luxury watch industry reacted instantly to the Covid-19 crisis. The leading Swiss giant Rolex saw a dramatic increase in its watch sales amidst the pandemic. And the good news for Rolex watch collectors, fans and owners in 2021 is that the market of vintage Rolex watches is booming.

Rolex is among the most famous luxury watchmakers in the world. All Rolex models have incredibly high demand in the second hand market. However, vintage Rolex watches have a different fan base, and they are indeed the best investment pieces. One of the significant reasons behind it is the principle of demand and supply.

Factors that Make Vintage Rolex watches Good Investment

Let’s continue with the principle of demand and supply. The Rolex models that are still in production are easy to get. However, in the case of discontinued models, it naturally becomes quite challenging to get the timepiece.

Rolex produces some models in limited numbers, and their demand is comparatively higher than others. They can be difficult to secure from an authorised dealer. Nonetheless, these timepieces are yet possible to get in comparison to the discontinued ones.

The significant factors that influence the price increase and investment potential of a Rolex watch include –

• Limited production, Low Supply and High demand
• Specific models like vintage Rolex Submariner, vintage Rolex Datejust and Rolex Daytona vintage have deep, storied history, celebrity association and the public’s fascination.

For example, the Rolex Paul Newman Daytona gained more recognition and desirability after the legendary actor and racer Paul Newman was spotted with one on his wrist. Thus, the watch also became historically significant.

• Moreover, rare iterations with minute differences also play a significant role.

For example, the Rolex “Red” Submariner stand apart from the standard Submariner models. This is because it has the “Submariner” text inscribed in red rather than white as found in the traditional Sub watches.

The Condition

Another significant factor taken into consideration when it comes to vintage Rolex is the condition. With time, watches get signs of wear and tear (if you wear it regularly). Moreover, they also often break or undergo significant damages. However, in many instances, owners send their watches for repairing and servicing. And often old parts are replaced with new parts.

All these factors influence the value of vintage Rolex watches. However, keep in mind that vintage watch collectors always look for entirely original models – watches with all original parts.

However, due to wear and services, the number of vintage Rolex watches with entirely original parts and in good condition tends to decrease with time. Eventually, they get increasingly difficult to get hold of, and their prices increase as time passes.

Thus, if you buy a vintage Rolex for investment reasons, choosing a model with all original parts is essential. Otherwise, it may have a negative impact resale value of your vintage Rolex.

On the other hand, if you own a Rolex Air-King vintage, a vintage submariner or any vintage Rolex watch, make sure to ascertain its wear and tear before heading out to sell your vintage Rolex.

If you decide to sell your vintage Rolex, make sure to ascertain its wear and tear primarily. Suppose your watch, Rolex Air-King vintage or a vintage Rolex Explorer, retain all its original parts and is in good condition. In that case, it can fetch you a premium from professional Rolex buyers like The Luxury Hut.

Vintage Rolex Watches with All Original Parts Are the Best Investment Pieces

A Rolex watch with exchanged parts like bezel and hands and the same timepiece with original parts usually have a significant price difference. This is because of mainly two reasons –

• The original vintage Rolex models are usually less in the market, and their number will only decrease over time.
• Secondly, the non-original parts change the look and feel of a vintage timepiece.

However, the accessories that come with a vintage Rolex timepiece at the time of purchase also affect its value in the second hand market. The accessories include a cardholder or a hand-tag or so. In most instances, owners unwittingly miss or lose these accessories.

Once a watchmaker discontinues a model, it becomes difficult to get the original parts. Thus, getting a vintage Rolex in its original state is challenging. However, they make excellent investments.

Also Read: 3 Best Vintage Rolex Watches that Won’t Break the Bank

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 best vintage Rolex watches 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.

1. Rolex Air-King Reference 5500

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 5500 comes with a stainless steel case of 34mm and acrylic crystal.
• However, while the brand produced this watch as a more affordable edition, the movement powering the Reference 5500 was not COSC-certified.
• The timepiece housed either the Rolex’s in-house Calibre 1530 or 1520 movement.

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.

2. Rolex Datejust Reference 1601

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 unleashed the Datejust Reference 1601 in Rolesor or solid gold version for men.
• However, you will find this vintage Datejust housing either Calibre 1575 or 1565 movement depending on the production year.
• Nonetheless, the Reference 1601 is instantly recognised for its pie-pan dial.

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.

3. Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 1002

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 watch features an old-style case, bracelet and acrylic crystal over the dial.
• However, in the early years of production, the Oyster Perpetual Reference 1002 housed the Calibre 1560 movement, beating at 18,000bph.
• But the Calibre 1570 movement replaced this movement in the mid-1960s.
• While the Calibre 1560 offers a 42-hour power reserve, the Calibre 1570 offers power reserve up to 48-hour.
• Additionally, Rolex also fitted the Calibre 1570 with a feature of hacking seconds. With this feature, wearers can pull out the crown to stop the seconds-hand.

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

Rolex introduced the Submariner Reference 1680 in the late 1960s – nearly a decade after the brand unleashed its first Submariner. However, Reference 1680 was the first Submariner to feature date functionality.

More significantly, with the launch of this Submariner Date, this mainstay Rolex lineup started to diverge from its original roots and paved its way to becoming a status symbol.

Rolex also introduced precious metals to the Submariner collection with the Reference 1680 along with an 18ct yellow gold version. However, this Submariner is often considered as controversial, but its unleashing is fascinating as it divided the series into two. And the result is that the Submariner collection had both no-date and date versions.

Today, the Rolex Submariner 1680, especially the early rarest editions are among the most coveted vintage Rolex watches. So let’s today explore this iconic vintage Rolex Submariner watch.

Nonetheless, if you are planning to sell a vintage Rolex watch, fill up our online form to get a fair and competitive quote immediately.

Rolex Submariner 1680: The History

The Rolex Submariner 1680 is a significant launch in the realm of sports watches. However, it is known to have some disparities on the officially debuted time of this watch. Rolex had most probably unleashed this Submariner in 1969.

But the serial numbers of many Submariner Reference 1680 models are known to date back to 1966. If this is the fact, then the Reference 1680 should belong to the era of the two Submariner No-date watches that were in production at the time – the Reference 5512 and 5513.

• However, the most significant difference between these two Submariner references lay in their movement.
• While the Reference 5512 housed a COSC-certified movement, the Reference 5512 was powered by non-chronometer calibres.

Well, the Reference 1680 was the third Submariner version that was available concurrently with these other two. When it comes to design, you won’t find any differences between them.

The fact is that the first few years of production were turbulent. Rolex was going through a continuous process of upgrading and revising, thereby launching and quickly ceasing the production of many versions.

However, after a time, the watchmaker finally offered an accepted form to the Submariner and released the Reference 5512 in 1959. The watch features a 40mm case, serrated bezel and crown guards.

Most significantly, the design became an instant hit, and Rolex kept this basic shape of the Submariner unaltered until 2010.

Different Versions of the Rolex Submariner 1680

Rolex continued the production of the Submariner 1680 till 1979.

• The brand released a stainless steel version of the Reference 1680, featuring a black bezel and dial.
• However, another example of this Submariner also made its debut in 18ct yellow gold as the Reference 1680/8.
• The yellow gold Submariner 1680/8 initially sported all-black elements.
• But Rolex unleashed another version in 1971 that featured a bright blue dial and bezel.
• The brand equipped both the references with ‘nipple dials’ that are highly sought-after today among vintage collectors.

However, the gold editions flaunted applied luminescent gold index hour markers rather than the usual mixture of baton and dot hour markers.

Regardless, when it comes to vintage Rolex sports timepieces, gold versions are not much value in the second hand market. The fact is that the steel editions enjoy an extreme following from enthusiasts and command an excellent resale value.

With this in mind, if you own a vintage Rolex Submariner and want to raise some extra cash instantly, you can choose to sell your Rolex with full confidence. Vintage Rolex buyers at The Luxury Hut can offer you the best possible price for your vintage Rolex watch right away. Fill up our online form today or call on 0207 242 9160 now to get an accurate quote immediately.

Rolex is one of the world’s most famous luxury wrist watch brands that hold the 64th position on the ranking of Forbes. Since its introduction in 1905, the brand has dominated the market producing some of the most iconic watches that represent the ultimate luxury, precision and class. While Rolex watches are known for their top-notch design, high-end technology and eminent heritage, some of the vintage Rolex watches are indeed the most expensive and coveted luxury timepieces in the market.

Here are top five vintage Rolex watches that stand out from others for their superior grandeur and quality:

•    Rolex Submariner 5513

Considered as the archetype of classic divers’ watches, the Rolex Submariner 5513 is one of the most sought-after vintage Rolex watches of all time. The watch’s production started in 1962, but the Submariner 5513 was launched in 1984. Today, this particular Rolex model is considered as an intermediate watch because it featured the original acrylic dome crystal like its previous predecessors in replace of the sapphire crystal glass.

The Submariner 5513 also integrates the new Tritium gloss dial and white gold edgings. However, over the years the white gold edgings have been changing their colour to highlight a rich cream, thereby making it a discerning aspect for collectables.

•    Rolex GMT Master 1675

The Rolex GMT Master is one of the most popular watches that expectedly enjoyed one of the most extended production runs in the brand’s history. While there are many variations of the Rolex GMT Master, the most famous model is the Rolex GMT Master 1675, especially the one that incorporates the red and blue bezel.

However, the pointed crown guards in the GMT Master 1675 offers a compact feel and look, but the most exceptional aspect is the Bakelite bezel. This bezel may not be as stable and rugged as a metal bezel; it is nonetheless highly coveted.

•    Rolex Explorer II

Although closely similar to the GMT Master, the Rolex Explorer II is unique and indeed, a collectable watch. The Rolex Explorer II 16550, in particular, underwent a profound update in its design and style. The timepiece featured an independent hour hand, a sapphire crystal glass, a quickset date component, chain wrist straps and a compact case, offering a rugged feel and look.

However, the most significant feature of the Explorer II 16550 was the dial. This model was introduced in two versions; one that has a black dial and the other with a white dial. But the fact is, today the ones with the white dials are reportedly more expensive than the black dials’ models. A chemical reaction is believed to have changed the dial’s ‘white’ colour to ivory or creamy colour, and most watch collectors consider it to be more alluring than the white dial.

•    Rolex Datejust 1601

Indeed, Rolex Datejust 1601 is one of the best and classiest vintage Rolex timepieces of all time. The watch comes in two versions; one made of gold and another is of stainless steel. In particular, this watch is designed to near-perfect and also, chronometer certified, featuring an efficient and complex movement.

Moreover, the Rolex Datejust 1601 is waterproof and possesses a compact yet sophisticated appearance. Unlike the Explorer II and Rolex GMT Master, the aesthetic appeal of this watch never fades or changes. The timepiece is expensive because of its smooth gold straps and case.

•    Rolex Daytona

The Rolex Daytona is reportedly one of the best Rolex timepieces that yet influence some of the brand’s modern productions. The watch excelled at measuring speed precisely up to 400km/hr. The notable features of the Rolex Daytona include the intricate tachymeter and the detailed-dial that integrates the classic symbol of Rolex.

The straps and the case are built of high-quality material, thereby offering a sturdy look. The complex movement under the hood along with the classic Rolex appearance makes the Rolex Daytona a perfect luxury timepiece.

Looking to Sell your Rolex Watch?

For those who are looking to sell your Rolex, or ‘sell your vintage Rolex watch’, complete our online form, providing all the details of your watch as much as possible and get an initial price quote shortly after. The Luxury Hut offers a quick and secure way to sell Rolex watches for the best market price. We will determine the actual value of your Rolex watch considering all the essential aspects and make a price offer that is ideally the best in the market.

The Luxury Hut ensures to make the process straightforward and hassle-free for you, be it is online or via appointment. Thus, fill up our online form now or call us on 0207 242 5411 today and arrange an appointment to visit us at our Hatton Garden office in London with your luxury watch.