Rare vintage watches are showing their value as bulletproof assets right now, with even a global pandemic incapable of dampening demand and prices for desirable Rolexes.
Antiquorum is the latest auctioneer reporting record results from its Spring Geneva sale, with three Rolex references selling for world record prices over the weekend.
Its Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces auction sold lots worth a total of CHF 6 million including a 1955 Rolex Ref. 6034 Oyster Chronograph that went under the hammer for CHF 600,000, including buyer’s premium.
A Rolex Ref. 1680 Submariner COMEX from 1979 sold for CHF 524,000 and a 1969 Rolex Ref. 1680 Red Submariner went for CHF 103,750.
Detailed descriptions from Antiquorum:
Rolex, Ref. 6034, Oyster Chronograph, 18K rose gold, circa 1955 – An extremely fine and rare, manual wind, 18k rose gold chronograph wristwatch. The Rolex 6034 is an icon in Rolex chronograph for a few reasons. The first one is that its reference number starts with a 6XXX, which denotes the first steps into the more sporty versions of chronographs that would end with the reference 6263/6265, the second is that it is only the second chronograph featuring a screw-down waterproof caseback not only increasing its usability but also adding thickness/ ruggedness to the case.
This particular example is what one could call in “Concours” unrestored condition. First one is taken back by the overall condition of the piece, the case not only being in close to mint condition as evidenced by the two crisp deep hallmarks on the lugs but more amazingly, 3 crisp hallmarks on the back of the case that are almost never seen as usually worn or polished off.
The beautiful and extremely rare Rolex pink gold riveted bracelet is also tight and in perfect condition showing no stretch. The rare dial shows a wonderful light patina from age but is free from oxydation and damage as many examples from this period show.
Furthermore it is a rare configuration with luminous dauphine hands and indexes with all luminous perfectly matching and still in place. Rarely found in pink gold, this is, without a doubt, the best example Antiquorum has ever offered at auction.
Estimate: CHF 250’000 – 350’000. Sold for CHF 600’000 incl. premium’s buyer (480’000 CHF hammered)
Extremely rare Rolex Ref. 1680 Submariner, COMEX from 1979. The COMEX Ref. 1680 is probably the rarest of all COMEX sport watches, since COMEX only received approximately 60 examples. The great majority of those were later serviced, with the COMEX dial being replaced with a regular Rolex dial. Indeed, surprisingly, at that time many owners did not like the COMEX logo on the dial.
This example has been kept in amazing condition as it was never used for diving operations and is complete with its original punched warranty, another unusual feature as most were retained by Comex and never given to the final owner.
Estimate: CHF 150’000 – 250’000. Sold for CHF 524’000 incl. premium’s buyer (420’000 CHF hammered)
Rolex Ref. 1680, Red Submariner, Meter First Mark II, tropical dial with box and papers from circa 1969. The “Red” Submariner is one of the most sought-after vintage Rolex references. The example to be auctioned has a gorgeous brown aged and incredibly uniform tropical dial.
The dial is a Mark II, as signified by the meters first configuration, the open number six, and the the elongated “f” in “ft.” This watch is in fantastic condition, with its correct punched Chronometer attestation and its original fitted bracelet date 1971 which only adds to its appeal.
Estimate: CHF 40’000 – 60’000. Sold for CHF 103’750 incl. premium’s buyer (83’000 CHF hammered)
