What's Selling Here - May 2nd, 2025

By Charlie Dunne

Spencer Tracy's Rolex Explorer Reference 6350 w/ Waffle Dial Unpolished

This Rolex Explorer reference 6350 is an incredibly rare and important example from the early 1950s which belonged to American actor Spencer Tracy. This watch was worn in the 1956 movie ‘The Mountain’. This example features an outstanding black “honeycomb” or “waffle” dial with very attractive lume. The textured Rolex dials of the 1950s are very uncommon and particularly important on Rolex sports models! It is paired on a Rolex Oyster Rivet bracelet with 64 end links dating to 1957 which we added and is period correct. The watch also comes with a Rolex strap and steel buckle which was worn on the Explorer for many years by Tracy.

This example dates to circa 1953 with a 955,XXX serial It measures 36mm in diameter. The case appears to be unpolished.

I’m often asked about which watches I would love to own if I could have anything. Watches like this waffle-dial Rolex Explorer 6350 is at the top of the list and the added provenance is an incredible bonus. This watch certainly belongs in the Rolex Museum collection - as it is the best of the best!

This watch does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history but it is running well.

Rolex Stelline Star Dial Galaxy Reference 6098 in 18K Yellow Gold on Jubilee Unpolished

We are thrilled to offer this Rolex Oyster Perpetual reference 6098 “Ovettone” with the rare “Galaxy” “Stelline” dial. The Ovettone means large egg in Italian and these models are appreciated due to their larger 36mm proportions with elongated lugs. These reference 6098s in 18k yellow gold with cream-colored honeycomb dials are referred by Rolex as the “Galaxy” per their 1950s marketing material. The Galaxy models are extremely rare and some of the most special Rolex watches ever produced in our view. There are 10 examples known Galaxy models, and of the 10 examples we only know of two that are unpolished.

The case is a 947,XXX serial dating to circa 1953. This example has a beautiful honeycomb dial with eight incredible 3 dimensional star-hour markers. The case appears to be unpolished.

It is paired on a very rare gold Rolex Jubilee bracelet with straight end links dating to circa 1959. It was added later by us as it looks so incredible!

These watches are truly connoisseur’s watches, so it is very special to be able to offer and enjoy such a watch. Many consider these the most sophisticated time-only Rolex watches ever made.

The case back is engraved to Mr. Julius F. Holpit a leading employee of Experimental Manufacturing at Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation and commemorated 25 years of employment. The Grumman logo is quite awesome for this watch as it also features a star like the hour markers!

It does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well and keeping great time. Learn more about these special watches on the article ’In depth review Rolex: A closer look at star dials’.

Rolex Big Crown "James Bond" Four Line Submariner Reference 6538 Unpolished

The Rolex Submariner reference 6538 with the oversized 8mm crown is among the most iconic and highly-coveted sports watches. Produced only in the latter part of the 1950s, the reference 6538 became famous on the late Sean Connery’s wrist while portraying James Bond in the 1962 film Dr. No. That moment and affiliation cemented the Rolex Submariner as the grail watch that so many people around the world hope to one day own.

This particular example is one of the rarest and most desirable versions, preserved in spectacular condition. The glossy dial is immaculate and is the rare and desirable “four-line” version showing the text “Officially Certified Chronometer” below the “200m = 660ft” depth rating and “SUBMARINER” text. These four-line versions were submitted to additional regulation at Rolex followed by intense testing by the Swiss Government to certify it as a “chronometer” (meaning it could gain no more than 6 seconds and lose no more than 4 seconds in a variety of positions and temperatures over the course of two weeks).

I would estimate there are 10-20 examples of the non-chronometer two-line reference 6538 for every 1 example of the “Four-Line” chronometer-rated version we see. Those that follow the “Big Crown” market will know that these four-line versions are often relumed or in extremely rough condition given that the original purchasers often had a very specific tool-oriented reason to be paying the approximately 30% extra these watches originally cost for the more accurate chronometer-rated version. Collectors have long placed a significant premium on these “four-line versions” and they are the equivalent of the premium car collectors pay for the significantly more powerful, race-ready versions of supercars made in the past versus stock cars made for the general public.

This example features an original and extremely rare aluminum bezel insert with red triangle. The watch was found without a bezel insert from the son of the original owner and this insert was sourced for the watch and is period correct. As one may imagine, a large percentage of the small number of Big Crown watches in existence have later replacement bezel inserts. These red triangle inserts have sold for as much as $40,000 in the past. The brass bezel assembly that holds the insert is original to the watch.

It has an automatic chronometer-certified movement (caliber 1030 made by Rolex). The exceptionally crisp case measures in at approximately 38mm in diameter. It appears to be unpolished and is incredibly attractive. There is a small amount of lume missing in the minute hand and at 7 o'clock.

This particular would have been critical if featured in my ‘Reference Points: Understanding The Rolex Submariner’ video and corresponding article. We had some of the best examples of the Rolex Submariner ever assembled on that table and I would have been honored to have included this exceptional watch. We believe the crystal is original.

This is one of the coolest Submariners I have held, and is certainly a trophy for someone who wants one of the greatest examples of a “James Bond” Submariner with “Four-Line Dial” to come to market and especially relevant given the release of the No Time to Die film.

It is paired on a “Big Logo” Rolex Oyster bracelet (pre-7206) with 65 end links that is period correct dating to 1959 which is unpolished. It is very tight. Eric had it on ice for years waiting for a moment like this! These have sold solo for as much as $25,000 in the past.

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 5 bar.

Rolex Small Crown Submariner Reference 6536-1 Unpolished

The Rolex “Small Crown” Submariner reference 6536 is a classic reference and one of the iconic dive watches.

I purchased this watch in 2020 from the sons of the original owner, Louis “Lou” Ross, who led a distinguished career of public service including as an aide to President Kennedy. Lou served as a Foreign Service Officer and wore this Submariner while posted around the world. When he retired, he put the watch away and his sons only recently found it after their mother passed. Amazingly, it seemed that the watch had not been opened since it left Rolex in 1957 and it remains all original including the crystal with slight crazing and original bracelet. Lou’s story is definitely worth telling in greater detail in the future, he was orphaned at age 3 and went on to record the Nuremberg trials as a very young man for the U.S. Government before embarking on a career of public service at important posts around the world, but given all the current interest in Submariners I felt it would be worth showing one of the great ones.

The case measures 38mm in diameter (48mm lug-to-lug). The case appears to be unpolished. These models wear very nice on the wrist and are extremely this and light. It features the original “no hash” bezel which is original for pre-1957 and early 1957 Submariners. It was serviced for the first and only time in 2020.

The luminous-hour markers have a warm patina which is much more beautiful in person. Complementing the warm lume is the awesome gilt font and chapter ring. The watch dates to circa 1957 and has a 230,XXX serial. It is paired on the original Rolex stretch Rivet bracelet dated to 1957. The only thing that is not original on this watch is the gaskets!

This watch should be in the Rolex Museum!

To learn more about the Rolex Submariner, you can read my ‘Reference Points: Understanding The Rolex Submariner’ article and corresponding video.

The watch does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well.

Patek Philippe Reference 3940J 1st Series on CB Tiffany & Co. Bracelet w/ Extract from The Archives

The Patek Philippe reference 3940 perpetual calendar is one of the most elegant complicated timepieces one can find from any manufacturer. This particular example is in yellow gold featuring the highly desirable 1st series dial. The dial is English and has beautiful serifs for the month and day abbreviations in the registers.

This watch features the thin self-winding calibre 240Q with microrotor. The case is 36mm. It appears to have been lightly polished, but is strong overall with nice hallmarks. It never had a display back, as seen in the early examples of the reference 3940.

The watch comes with an Extract from the Archives. It dates to 1988 and was sold in the same year.

It is paired on an 18K yellow gold C+B bracelet from the 1960s which were sold on timepieces at Cartier and Tiffany & Co. New York. It looks incredible on the watch and fits a wrist up to 7 inches.

It does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 26331ST.OO.1220ST.03 Full Set Unpolished

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is easily one of the hottest watches and is desired by the most passionate watch collectors. The case has some wear… but it appears to be unpolished! It measures 41mm in diameter and 11mm in height. It features the silver-toned dial with “Grande Tapisserie” dial. It was sold in 2018.

This watch comes from the original owner and includes the original box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well.

Rolex Black Dial Datejust Reference 16220 Unpolished

I absolutely love steel Rolex Datejusts. I recently wrote about them in our blog ‘Don't Sleep On This: The Simple Vintage Rolex Datejust In Steel’. I’m constantly amazed by the quality and differentiations of the dials that Rolex used in vintage Datejusts over the decades. I have found the Rolex Datejust to be one of the most versatile watches a person can have and the simplicity in this black-dial reference 16220 is so beautiful.

The watch dates to 2000 and features a P serial. The case measures 36mm in diameter and is paired on a 62510H Rolex Jubilee bracelet and 555B end links.

The bracelet date code is DE2 dating to circa 2001 and is likely original to the watch.

The watch is in excellent condition. The case appears to be unpolished.

It comes with box and papers. We do not know the service history of this watch, but it is running well. It recently passed a water resistance test of 3 bar.

Rolex Datejust Ref 16014 Silver Dial Unpolished

I absolutely love steel Rolex Datejusts. I recently wrote about them in our blog ‘Don't Sleep On This: The Simple Vintage Rolex Datejust In Steel’. I’m constantly amazed by the quality and differentiations of the dials that Rolex used in vintage Datejusts over the decades. I have found the Rolex Datejust to be one of the most versatile watches a person can have. This 16014 is no exception. The silver sunburst dial is one of my favorite Datejust dials, as it is so attractive and special. The watch dates to 1985 and features a 8.7M serial. The case measures 36mm in diameter.

The watch is in excellent condition. The case appears to be unpolished.

It is paired on a Jubilee bracelet with H date code dating to 1983.

The silver dial is super attractive!

It does not come with box and papers. It recently passed a water resistance test of 5 bar. We do not know the service history, but it is running well.

Rolex Ladies Oyster Perpetual Reference 6719 in 18K YG Unpolished

We are thrilled to offer this vintage Rolex watch! This Rolex Oyster Perpetual reference 6719 is a very special example in 18k yellow gold. The watch dates to circa 1981 and features an 6.6 serial. The case measures 26mm in diameter. The case appears to be unpolished.

The watch does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history of this watch, but it is running well. It recently passed a water resistance test of 3 bar.

Patek Philippe Reference 3440J Unpolished w/ Extract

The Calatrava is one of the most refined wristwatches and when paired with a tan leather strap, vintage yellow gold models such as this reference 3440J become very casual for everyday wear. The watch is a screwback, automatic model powered by the calibre 27-460. A very interesting attribute of the reference 3440 is the applied hour markers at 12 o’clock with three sections. This is the only Calatrava to incorporate this attribute and is quite often the focal point after one recognizes this.

At 35.5mm, it is a very compact timepiece with great mid-century proportions. For additional charm, the "PP" crown adds another dimension to appreciate on the exterior. This watch is a fantastic and atypical Patek Philippe that would make for a fantastic addition to any collection. The case appears to be unpolished. The bracelet is a period-correct Patek Philippe bracelet that has been lightly polished. It was added later and came with a different Patek model.

The watch does not come with box and papers. It does come with an Extract from The Archives. We do not know the service history, but it is running well. The watch was produced and sold in 1964.

Patek Philippe Reference 3940J In YG

The Patek Philippe reference 3940 perpetual calendar is one of the most elegant complicated timepieces one can find from any manufacturer. This particular example is in yellow gold featuring the 2nd series dial. The dial is English and is strikingly beautiful. The bottom half of the 24-hour register has a beautiful beige hue for the period of 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

This watch features the thin self-winding calibre 240Q with microrotor. The case is 36mm. It has been lightly polished. It is paired on an aftermarket strap and gold plated buckle.

The watch does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well.

The watch was manufactured in 1987 and sold in 1988 according to the Extract from The Archives.

The collector previously ordered an Extract, but it has been misplaced. There is a photo included of this below. We have ordered another Extract which should arrive in the forthcoming months (as Patek Philippe takes a bit of time to provide an Extract).

Piaget Polo Reference 591 C 701 Unpolished

This Piaget Polo reference 591 C 701 is an incredible timepiece with a stunning dial.

The watch is powered by an automatic movement and this is a very rare attribute for vintage Piaget Polo models. There are approximately 10 known according to Tony Traina. The case is made of 18K gold and is in a remarkable condition It appears to be unpolished.

The watch measures 29mm in diameter. The bracelet is in awesome condition and can for a wrist as big as 7.25 inches.

Learn more about the exciting designs and movements of vintage Piaget in the article ‘Undervalued: Vintage Piaget Watches’.

The watch does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well.

Rolex Two-Tone Explorer I Reference 124273 Full Set Unpolished

The two-tone Rolex Explorer reference 124273 is a fantastic modern sports watch. The case is 36mm in diameter (43mm lug-to-lug). This particular example is unpolished. The watch comes from the original owner.

It comes “full set” with box and papers. It was sold in 2024.

@t_swiss_t recently told us he’s praying for Rolex to release a gold 36mm Explorer. We were amazed!

To learn more about the history and evolution of the Rolex Explorer I, you can see the video and corresponding article I produced.

Heuer Autavia PVD Reference 113.603 For IDF

This Heuer Autavia reference 113.603 is an awesome Israeli Defense Force (IDF) issued watch dating to the 1970s. The case is in great shape and fully PVD coated. The seconds hand has likely been replaced.

The watch does not come with box or papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well.

Rolex GMT-Master Reference 16753 Unpolished

This Rolex “Root Beer” GMT-Master reference 16753 is an awesome model which has become more appreciated by collectors in recent years. This example dates to circa 1985 with a 8.8 serial. The case appears to be unpolished. The bracelet is in great condition and dates to circa 1984 with an I date code. The lume is extremely attractive.

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. It was just serviced and is running well. It recently passed a water resistance test of 5 bar.

A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Reference 101.002 in 18K Yellow Gold w/ Extract

This is an early A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 reference 101.002. The watch is in tremendous condition. The 18K yellow gold case has been lightly polished in the past and measures 38.5mm in diameter. It features the calibre 901.0 with Breguet overcoil. The early models do not feature exhibition case backs. We believe it dates to circa 1994-1995.

The watch does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well. It comes with an Extract from the archives.

Mathey-Tissot Type XX Big-Eye Chronograph Unpolished Full Set

When you come across them certain watches, you just imagine the chance of encountering another unbelievable example will not occur again. After sourcing a Mathey-Tissot Type XX Chronograph in mid-2020 for collector/photographer GaryG, I am astounded to have located another exceptional example.

In the extremely rare occurrence, this watch is offered “full-set” accompanying its original box and papers! The case is unpolished and is an absolute time capsule from the late 1940s. The dial is absolutely gorgeous with its luminous numerals and black-granular surface. Each of the luminous hands remains intact and features a beautiful-caramel tone.

I am thrilled to offer fantastic watches such as the present example.

Piaget Reference 9131 C4 Johnny Cash Provenance

This vintage Piaget watch is a marvelous timepiece. It originally belonged to Saul Holiff, who was the personal talent manager of singer-songwriter Johnny Cash from 1960 to 1973. It is a reference 9131 C4. The C4 denoted the Clous de Paris finishing on the case and bracelet. The case back is beautifully engraved “S.I.H. Nov. 61”. According to the family of Saul, he purchased this watch to celebrate the signing of Johnny Cash to management contract.

The case measures 23mm in diameter and the bracelet is very long (suitable for a wrist slightly above 7 inches). For those looking for a sophisticated and distinct timepiece, this is an absolute treasure.

The watch comes with its original box and a page from a catalog featuring the reference.

Learn more about the exciting designs and movements of vintage Piaget in the article ‘Undervalued: Vintage Piaget Watches’.

Patek Philippe Reference 5035P Unpolished

This Patek Philippe reference 5035P is a very cool complicated timepiece with the clean black dial and luminous Roman numerals. The watch is powered by the calibre 315 S QA 24H. It comes from the original owner, who was a doctor and wore it for many years. The platinum case measures 37mm in diameter (45mm lug-to-lug) and is unpolished. As seen in the photos, the case was well worn and enjoyed by the original owner. It is well worn, but appears to be unpolished.

It does not come with box and papers. Based on the movement, we believe it dates to circa 2000. We do not know the service history of this watch, but it is running great.

Rolex Celebration Dial Oyster Perpetual 126000 Full Set Brand New Unworn 😱

This Rolex Oyster Perpetual reference 126000 is a very special and interesting release from Rolex featuring the “Celebration” dial. These were very exciting and an unexpected design from The Crown. It measures 36 mm in diameter.

It comes full set with box and papers. It was purchased by the original owner in 2024 from their Rolex AD. It is brand new and unworn (It was put on the wrist for this photograph only). It comes with the hang tag!

Fully linked, baby!

OMEGA Speedmaster Professional No NASA Reference 145.022-71 Unpolished

The Speedmaster is, of course, one of the most iconic and important watches ever made.

The tritium on the dial and in the hands is a warm cream color. It features the manual-wind movement (caliber 861 made by Lemania), and is 42mm in diameter. It comes with a scan of the Extract. This watch has a case production of circa 1971. According to the Archives of OMEGA was produced on December 10, 1971 and originally sold to the United States.

It features the rare error case back without mention of the Moon or Nasa.

To learn more about the Omega Speedmaster, see the ‘Reference Points: Understanding The Omega Speedmaster’ article and corresponding video.

The case appears to be unpolished. It is paired on a bracelet that was likely produced by JB Champion.

It has service pushers and crown, but the original crown and pushers accompany it and can be seen below.

The watch does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well.

Rolex Double Red Sea-Dweller Reference 1665

The Rolex Sea-Dweller reference 1665 is one of the iconic dive watches, and according to Rolex it was produced in 22,038 examples. These watches are appreciated by collectors due to their depth rating and robust cases. This Rolex Sea-Dweller reference 1665 features the highly desired and vibrant "Double Red" dial. The aluminum bezel insert has faded to a beautiful greyish black color.

The watch features a 4.10M serial dating to circa 1975-1976. The case is lightly polished. It is paired on a 93150 solid link Rolex bracelet with A (1976) date stamp and 380 end links which are correct.

The watch does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well. The watch was recently fitted with a True Dome D39 Super Dome crystal which looks outstanding.

Rolex GMT-Master Ref 1675

This Rolex GMT-Master is a staple Rolex model that has an incredible history. It was designed for Pan Am pilots in the 1950`s to ensure that they could measure two time zones at once. This reference 1675 is a fantastic example. The case appears to be unpolished.

It features a “Mark 2” dial. The watch dates to circa 1973 with a 3.3M serial. It is paired on a non-dated Rolex 7836 folded Rivet bracelet dating to 1973-1975 with 380 end links which are correct for the 1675.

To learn more about the Rolex GMT-Master watch Eric Wind’s ‘Reference Points: Understanding The Rolex GMT-Master' video and corresponding article which was produced with HODINKEE. You can also read Charlie Dunne’s comprehensive article ‘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 5 bar.

Vulcain Cricket OG Model with Rare Luminous Dial Variant Unpolished

This Vulcain Cricket is among the earliest styles produced just over 100 years after the La-Chaux-de-Fonds manufacturer’s inception. Like the “LBJ” dial Crickets, it features the original or “OG” style case. It measures 34mm in diameter (just under 43mm lug-to-lug). The steel case features drilled lugs and is paired with an 18mm “honey” Wind strap.

The dial is a very rare luminous variant with even-Arabic numerals and plots.

The case remains unpolished. The watch is powered by the calibre 120, and has an exceptional voice when the alarm is engaged.

The watch does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well.

Piaget Polo Reference 394756 Unpolished W/ Box

This Piaget Polo Date reference 394756 is an incredible timepiece with a stunning dial. There is a good chance the brand will re-release a model like this within the next year. When this occurs, expect to see examples in this condition be extremely hot and go up in value. Charlie Dunne personally feels this watch is very good luck, as he was pulled over for egregiously speeding through West Palm Beach wearing it and managed to not get a horrendous ticket!

The watch is powered by quartz. The case is made of 18K gold and is in a remarkable, unpolished state. The watch measures 32mm in diameter. The bracelet is in awesome condition and can fir a wrist as big as 7.5 inches.

Learn more about the exciting designs and movements of vintage Piaget in the article ‘Undervalued: Vintage Piaget Watches’.

The watch comes with the original box. It does not include papers.

Rolex Explorer Reference 1016 Unpolished

The Rolex Explorer reference 1016 was introduced in 1960 and marked the first Explorer with “Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified" printed on the dial. It is one of the most iconic timepieces and for great reason. The 1016 is one of the purest expressions of watch design, and it is for this reason that I am probably asked for vintage Explorer reference 1016s more than any other watch. The case is 36mm in diameter (43mm lug-to-lug).

The dial and hands have an attractive and warm patina. This example features a 1.73M serial dating to circa 1967.

The case appears to be unpolished. It is paired on a later Rolex 7836 folded link bracelet with 258 end links dating to 1978. The bracelet has been polished in the past.

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 box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well. It recently passed a water resistance test of 1 bar.

Rolex Explorer I Ref 1016

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 example features an 5.6M serial dating it to circa 1978. The case has been lightly polished, but is very attractive. It measures 36mm in diameter (43mm lug-to-lug). The lume is very attractive. It is paired on a Rolex 78360 bracelet with 580 end links.

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 box and papers. We do not know the service history and is running well. It recently passed a water resistance test of 3 bar.