What's Selling Here - December 19, 2025
By Charlie Dunne
Rolex Two-Tone Daytona Reference 6239 w/ Racing Provenance
Sometimes we get an e-mail with a watch that blows our socks off, and that was the case when we recently opened an e-mail that came to us from Gary Cummings.
This two-tone vintage Rolex Daytona watch came to us from Gary Cummings, a legend in racing circles as a championship-winning crew chief and race engineer who still is involved in directing important teams and drivers today. This watch has been Gary’s faithful timekeeper since he received it as a gift from Hal Sahlman. Hal was a legendary car and boat racer. Hal had held the World Speed record on water back in 1975 and we believe he was wearing this watch when he set the record. There is an epic photo of him in the boat and it appears this might be on his wrist in the photo.
Gary wore this watch while overseeing legendary drivers including Derek Bell, Bob Wollek, Thierry Boutsen, Oscar Larrauri, Jochen Mass, Roland Ratzenberger, Hurley Haywood, Rick Mears, Jan Lammers, Andy Wallace and AJ Foyt, to mention just a few. Gary wore this watch at Le Mans on 12 occasions and wore it across the Sahara as team manager for the KIA factory team at the 1993 Paris/Dakar Rally. He wore it at every important race track in the United States from serving as Rolex Series Manager for Grand-Am/ NASCAR and the Tudor Series Manager. For more on Gary’s exploits, please listen to the SlipAngle Podcast Episode 329.
Hal likely requested the watch to converted into a two-tone example upon receiving it from Rolex back in the 1960s. It has been in this configuration since then. Gary had it serviced at Rolex on two occasions in the 1980s in this exact configuration. My understanding is that Rolex Geneva probably has photographs of this watch from the 1980s in their service records, but those are generally not accessible to the public.
The bezel is a period correct Mark 1 bezel with gold outer ring that would have been correct for the reference 6241 in gold, 6262 in gold, and 6263 in gold. It is a rare and valuable bezel by itself, probably worth approximately $20,000.
The case has been lightly polished in the past, but is in strong shape.
The dial is very attractive and the luminous tritium material complements the gold accents of the bezel/bracelet very well.
The bracelet is a two-tone oval link that has been on the watch during its entire ownership under Gary. The bracelet is a bit stretched and could perhaps use some tightening restoration, but we leave that for the next owner to decide.
The case has a 1.65M serial and dates to circa 1967. The case has been lightly polished in the past, but is in strong shape.
The watch does not come with box and papers. It was just serviced and is running well. It recently passed a water resistance test of 5 bar.
We are happy to connect the purchaser of the watch with Gary directly for any conversation and meeting and we look forward to going to a race with Gary soon!
Rolex Explorer I Reference. 1016 Unpolished
Introduced in 1960 an icon was born in the Rolex Explorer reference 1016. The 1016 was produced until circa 1989. The ref. 1016 marked the first Explorer with “Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified" printed on the dial. It is one of the most desired timepieces and for great reason. The 1016 is one of the purest expressions of watch design and for this reason that I am probably asked for vintage Explorer reference 1016s more than any other watch.
This is one of my favorite Explorers I have ever seen. This example features an 8.5M serial dating it to circa 1984. The case is unpolished and measures 36mm in diameter (43mm lug-to-lug). The lume is attractive and has a warmer yellow tone. The watch comes with a reference 78360 Oyster bracelet with 580 end links with the bracelet clasp code indicating it was produced in circa 1984 and likely born on the watch.
This is a truly fantastic Explorer I. For those in search of a vintage Rolex Explorer reference 1016, this is your chance!
To learn more about the history and evolution of the Rolex Explorer I, you can see my video and corresponding article Reference Points A Comprehensive Collector's Guide To The Rolex Explorer I.
The watch does not come with a box and papers. We do not know the service history and it is running great. It has just passed a 5 bar water resistance test.
Rolex Explorer II Ref. 1655 MKII Dial
Rolex introduced the Explorer II reference 1655 for use by spelunkers (cave diving) and speleologists (cave researchers) where the use of a 24-hour hand is important for the wearer to be able to differentiate between night and day. These watches also have the nickname ‘Freccione’ meaning ‘big arrow’ in Italian and are sometimes falsely called the “Steve McQueen” despite no evidence he ever owned or wore one. A slow seller when initially released, the reference 1655 has gained a cult following due its unusual and distinctive design. The reference 1655 is one of the references I am asked most often to find for collectors.
It features a MK II dial and bezel.
This is an awesome Explorer II reference 1655. It dates to circa 1974 (3.77 million serial number). The case has been lightly polished. It has attractive lume.
The watch does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well. It recently passed a water resistance test of 3 bar.
Movado M95 Chronograph Reference 19068 on Bracelet Unpolished
The Movado M95 chronographs are incredible timepieces not only for their movements, but also the cases and dials. This is very attractive and nice example. It is paired on a period correct Movado bracelet. The case appears to be unpolished and measures 35mm in diameter. The case was produced by Taubert Frères (formerly François Borgel). The dial and hands have been relumed.
It does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well.
Heuer Solunar Unpolished
This Heuer Solunar is a super cool watch. The minute register is designated for tide changes. The chrome plated case is unpolished and measures roughly 36mm in diameter. The watch dates to the early 1950s.z the hands have lume loss.
The watch does not come with box or papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well.
Gallet 24 Hour Dial Chronograph Unpolished
This Gallet chronograph is an awesome vintage watch from the 1960s. These are super attractive with the 24-hour dial. The case appears to be unpolished and measures 36mm in diameter (44mm lug to lug). It is powered by a Valjoux movement. The hands are a different color, but we believe they contain the original lume. For those looking for an awesome Gallet chronograph, this is a great option.
It does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well.
OMEGA Speedmaster Professional Ref. 145.012-67 Unpolished
The Omega Speedmaster was introduced in 1957, initially created for drivers in automotive racing. However, it would reach iconic status by eventually reaching spaceflight qualification by NASA amongst several of the highest grade chronographs of its era.
This example has turned to a tropical dark brown dial. The watch dates to circa 1967 and it is paired with an Omega reference 1039 bracelet with 516 end-links dating to 1967. The case measures 42mm. The case appears to be unpolished.
To learn more about the Omega Speedmaster, you can watch ‘Reference Points: Understanding The Entire Lineage Of The Omega Speedmaster’ video I made with Ben Clymer in 2015 (and corresponding article).
The watch does not come with box or papers. We do not know the service history but it is running well.
Rolex Explorer I Reference. 1016 Unpolished
Introduced in 1960, an icon was born in the Rolex Explorer reference 1016. It was produced until circa 1989. This example has a 8.15M serial number, dating to circa 1984. It is paired on a 78360 Oyster bracelet with H date code dating to circa 1983 with 580 endlinks.
It measures 36mm in diameter and approximately 43mm lug-to-lug. The case appears to be unpolished.
To learn more about the history and evolution of the Rolex Explorer I, you can see my video and corresponding article Reference Points A Comprehensive Collector's Guide To The Rolex Explorer I.
We do not know the service history, but the watch is running well. It recently passed a water resistance test of 5 bar. It does not come with box or papers.
Rolex GMT-Master 1675 on Presidential in 18K Yellow Gold
The Rolex GMT-Master was originally designed for Pan Am pilots in the 1950s and continues to be a flagship model for Rolex to this day. The present watch is an exceptionally preserved GMT-Master reference 1675 in 18k gold.
The case has been lightly polished. It features an incredibly attractive insert. watch features a 3.9M serial dating to circa 1975. The bracelet was made in Venezuela by D’Agosto for Rolex.
To learn more about the Rolex GMT-Master you can watch the ‘Reference Points: Understanding The Rolex GMT-Master' video and corresponding article I produced with HODINKEE. You can also read about the iconic watch in Charlie Dunne’s Collector's Guide: The Rolex GMT-Master Reference 1675 In Steel.
The watch does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well. It recently passed a water resistance test of 3 bar.
Rolex CERN Dial Milgauss Ref 1019
When it comes to the antimagnetic wristwatches of the 1950s-1960s, several manufacturers produced what would go on to become iconic timepieces. Among those are the IWC Ingenieur, the Eberhard Scientigraf, the Omega Railmaster, as well as Patek Philippe’s reference 2570 / 2570-1 and 3417. However, one of the most beloved models of orientated for the physicist or engineer of the day was none other than the Rolex Milgauss.
The Rolex Milgauss reference 1019 was the successor for the reference 6541. Like many of the Milgauss models over the years, the dial features a distinctive look that deviates from the consistent aesthetics from Rolex models. In this instance, it is the vertically brushed silver dial, with the broad red font.
This example is a CERN dial - a rare non-luminous variant that was created at the request of scientists at CERN for their scientific instruments which could be affected by proximate radioactive materials.
The case has been polished. The watch features a 1.63M serial dating to circa 1969. It features a later Rolex Rivet bracelet dated to 1967. The 38mm Antimagnetic case is designed to withstand 1,000 gauss.
The watch does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well. The watch recently passed a water resistance test of 3 bar.
Breguet Classique Ref. 3290 White Gold w/ Box
This Breguet Classique reference 3290 is an elegant white gold dress watch. The case appears unpolished, the watch features a white Roman Numerals dial with a sub seconds register at 6 o’clock. The watch has classic Breguet hands. The watch features a sapphire crystal and manually wound movement. The watch comes from the original owner. It measures approximately 32.5mm in diameter.
We do not know the full service history, but the watch is running well. It does not come with papers. It comes with a box.
Heuer “Big Eyes” Black Gilt Dial Reference 407 Unpolished
This Heuer chronograph reference 407 is an amazing example with beautiful gilt dial. It is one of the earliest water resistant chronographs from the 1940s. The chronograph case is incredibly nice and a fantastic design similar to the Gallet chronographs from the era. It measures 35mm in diameter. I have not seen one of these in this nice of condition.
The case is unpolished.
We do not know the full service history, but the watch is running well. It does not come with papers. It comes with a box.
Rolex Root Beer GMT-Master Reference 16753
This Rolex “Root Beer” GMT-Master reference 16753 is an awesome GMT. This example dates to circa 1986 with a 9.3 million serial. The watch features a quickset date wheel. The case is lightly polished, but strong. The bezel insert may have been replaced at some point in the past.
To learn more about the Rolex GMT-Master you can watch my ‘Reference Points: Understanding The Rolex GMT-Master' video and corresponding article.
It does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well. It recently passed a water resistance test of 5 bar.
Universal Genève Polerouter Black Gilt Dial Reference S20217-1 Unpolished
This is a very nice Universal Genève Polerouter Reference S20217-2. The case appears to be unpolished. It measures 35mm in diameter (44mm lug to lug). It features a beautiful non-luminous gilt dial which is in great condition and very attractive. It is paired on a contemporary Private Eyes bracelet.
We do not know the service history, but it is running well. It does not come with papers.