Rolex Submariner 14060M (4 Liner)

Till today, I still regret selling my Rolex Submariner 5512. As some feel that the '4 liner' 14060M is the spiritual successor to the 5512, it was only inevitable that one found it's way into my collection.

Rolex 16800 Submariner (matt)

It took a long time but a correct full set Rolex 16800 (matt) finally popped up and I jumped on it immediately. Typically, the transitional Subs and GMTs tend to have badly corroded hands and lume so I was very pleased with the condition of this one.

Rolex 'General Motors' Presentation Submariner

Purchased from the original owner who was a top salesman for GM in the 90s. Interestingly, the watch was actually presented to his manager who in turn gave it to him in recognition of his hard work.  All original with box and papers and what provenance!!

Tudor Hydronaut Arab crest

Another lucky find to enhance my collection of presentation and issued watches - Tudor Hydronaut Prince Date, ref 89190, with caseback engraving of the Dubai crest. I would love to know its history but I've yet to see another example!

Certina DS Diver made for the Syrian Armed Forces

Vintage Certina divers tend to be uncommon timepieces, particularly complete examples. This particular DS diver, reference 5601 113, has got to be one of the rarest vintage dive watches to surface in recent times. It is all complete with original dial, hands, bezel, crown and GF bracelet and in a very nice patinated condition too. What is strikingly unique about this piece is the presentation caseback with an Arabic crest. I presume this was specially made for the Syrian Armed Forces and I doubt another will surface anytime soon.

Omega Seamaster for the Special Air Service

An Omega Seamaster that was made specifically for members of the Special Air Service is surely a desirable beast! I think it complements very nicely the Royal Navy Clearance Diver Seamaster that is already in my collection. It's always a bonus whenever anyone stumbles upon a rare timepiece with a military connection! Who Dares Wins!!

'Rolex Cup' Explorer 2

This is a very rare Rolex Explorer 2, model ref 16570, which was an official Rolex presentation piece to members of the winning yacht 'Magic Carpet' at the 19th Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup held in Porto Cervo, Sardinia, Italy in September 2008. It is in excellent condition and is accompanied by both inner and outer boxes, official Rolex guarantee and all booklets. As official Rolex presentation pieces rarely find their way into the collectors' market, I was naturally very excited to have this exceptional complete set in my collection.

The AC Milan Air King

The highlight of 2015 has been the addition of this very rare Rolex Air King that was commissioned for the AC Milan football team. This watch is the first I've ever seen offered for sale in over 10 years of collecting. This particular piece was presented to Mr Jean Pierre Papin who played for the club from 1992 to 1994. During his illustrious career, he was the recipient of the Ballon d'Or in 1991 and also voted one of the top 100 FIFA players of all time. The watch has the AC Milan crest on the dial and also elaborate engravings on the caseback signifying the achievements of AC Milan till 1993/4. The jersey with number 14 signified the 14 'Serie A' titles and the trophy with number 5 signified the 5 Champions League titles that AC Milan had won until then. The watch has an issue number of 49 of 75 believed to have been produced. It was serviced by Rolex France in 2014 and I also have a letter of authenticity from Mr Papin and verbal Rolex confirmation that it was originally sold to Rolex Italy.

Rolex Explorer 1655 'Orange Hand'

 

 The Rolex Explorer 2, Ref 1655, or better known as the 'Orange Hand' has achieved cult status in recent years and is usually on the list of 'must haves' of every serious Rolex collector. I sold a nice example a few years back and have been on the lookout for another since. This particular watch is truly a 'full boat' as it comes with both inner and outer boxes, perforated guarantee and wallet, booklets, hang tag, numerous service receipts and even the original sales invoice!!! It is an Argentinian watch and correspondingly, every document is in Spanish. This piece is surely an investment for the future and I will certainly not be repeating the mistake of letting it go!

Rolex Tiffany GMT Master II

This Rolex GMT Master 2 reference 16710 is special not only because it is a FULL KIT but because it is also accompanied by a Rolex letter confirming that it was delivered to Tiffany in 1989. Rolex very rarely puts anything down in ink and occasionally does so for issued models like Milsubs and Comexes but I've never seen it done for a Tiffany piece in the last 10 years! The date codes on the back of the guarantee in addition date the delivery to July 1989 and there is also an accompanying Tiffany service invoice. I don't think I'll ever find a similar watch with such rock solid provenance! It has only been worn lightly and still has the green sticker on the caseback and will be a keeper for sure.