We are very happy to have acquired this early and extremely rare Rolex Milgauss reference 1019 retailed by Tiffany & Co in 1964. The Rolex Milgauss was primarily constructed for scientists and engineers and designed to be subjected to high magnetic activity. This watch is in excellent condition and has several rare features compared to a normal Milgauss reference 1019.
Firstly, the original silver CERN dial has no luminescent material, and the markers and hands are made of black blanks. The models produced with the CERN dial also had a much smaller production number (than the later 1019’s with luminescent hands and markers) making it highly sought after by Rolex collectors.
Secondly, in over 30 years of buying and selling vintage watches, I have only seen two or three 1019’s retailed by Tiffany & Co. (and never one with a CERN dial). Also, engraved on the back of the lug of this extraordinary Milgauss you will find the Tiffany stock numbers. The combination of the CERN dial and Tiffany & Co. signature makes this an extremely rare and collectible watch...almost a “unicorn”! It is highly unlikely one will ever appear again. Check out this 1964 Rolex Milgauss Ref. 1019 by Tiffany & Co. for sale.
The Patek Philippe reference 1463 has always been one of my favorite chronograph models. Patek Philippe produced this model in the 1940s and it was phased out in the 1960s. The reference 1463 was considered to a be a waterproof watch back in the day with its screw down case back and round chronograph buttons with beautiful spiral design tops. The manual wind movement caliber 13-130 of the 1463 is a real workhorse and considered one of the best chronograph movements every produced.
We were extremely excited to acquire this particular Patek Philippe as it came fresh from the original family as a presentation for services at the Garrett Corporation, a turbine engine company. This 1463 is in excellent condition with an unpolished case and an original untouched dial. It is very difficult today to find such a nice example and rare watch that is fresh to the market and from the original family. Check out this Patek Philippe Ref. 1463 for sale.
We are very excited that we were able to acquire this Rolex reference 6036, known as a Dato-Compax or Jean-Claude Killy. The Rolex reference 6036 is from the 1950s and is the second most complicated vintage Rolex model ever produced behind the famous and super rare Rolex split second reference 4113.
The Dato-Compax features both a triple date calendar and chronograph functions. This particular watch is in excellent condition with a very strong case with its original form and an original dial with beautiful even patina. The stainless steel case with the combination of gilt embossed markers on the dial is highly collectible and super attractive. The nice part about this offering is this watch has been with the original family until now.
This is the first time it is being offered to the public. The only work that was completed on the watch is a recent overhaul to the Valjoux 72c movement. This vintage Rolex watch keeps excellent time with all the complications functioning properly.
I am extremely pleased to offer this incredible Paul Newman Rolex Daytona reference 6239 from 1968. I was very lucky to acquire this watch about 10 years ago from the original owner and sold it to a very discerning collector. He recently contacted me, and I was able to repurchase it. This is one of the nicest examples of a Paul Newman that I have ever owned. It's a mint watch with a perfect dial!
The most redeeming feature of this incredible watch is that the chronograph registers have turned the most beautiful even chocolate color. It's very difficult to find this variation with chocolate registers. The rest of the dial is in mint condition with no marks on the dial and perfect luminescent plots. The case is also in excellent condition with one gentle polish.
This Paul Newman Rolex Daytona comes with the original box, papers and Rolex service receipts.
We are pleased to offer this reference 5510 Rolex Big Crown James Bond Submariner which is considered one the rarest of all the Big Crowns models. This watch is a true barn find and never has been on the market other than the original owner and now us. This watch was produced in 1958, and it is estimated that less than 1000 pieces were made.
This is a great example with an unpolished case and a highly attractive original gilt dial. The dial does have spidering which is very common for these types of watches, but the look of the dial is amazing with original luminescent markers and hands. The case is unpolished as the watch sat in a drawer for many years. The lug chamfers are super thick and highly defined.
The watch has it original red triangle bezel which is very difficult to find today. This fantastic Rolex James Bond comes on an original stretchy rivet oyster Rolex bracelet with the Big Logo clasp and dated 1.59. Every component of this 5510 Rolex James Bond is original and in excellent condition. Check out this super rare find and piece of Rolex history.
We are blown away to acquire and offer this uber rare grail Patek Philippe Jumbo Nautilus reference 3700/11 in 18k WHITE GOLD.
This is an extremely rare variation in white gold as there are only 12 of these references in white gold known. Of the 12 watches, there are only two known with the 3700/11 reference and the other ten are a reference 3700/1.
This particular watch is in mint condition with a flawless black dial and a super crisp case. The band of the gold Nautilus models typically have some stretch to them, but the band on this watch is extremely tight. You can tell by the condition of this extraordinary timepiece that it was barely ever worn. The hallmarks on the case as well as the Calatrava cross on the clasp are crisp with no wear.
This incredible watch comes with an Archive from Patek Philippe stating the watch was manufactured in 1981 and eventually sold in 1989. Given the high demand and extraordinary collectability of the Patek Nautilus in today's market, here is an opportunity to own one of the rarest variations of a Patek Philippe Jumbo Nautilus out there.
The Rolex Milgauss was developed in 1954 for use by scientists and engineers who were working around high levels of magnetic activity. The Milgauss was produced with special parts in the movement and an alloy dust cap so the magnetic fields would not affect the timing of the watch. The 1950's Milgauss models are extremely rare and hard to find in collector quality condition. There was a small production batch for this model, and many of the remaining survivors seem to be in poor condition.
What makes the reference 6541 stand out among the other Rolex sports models is the honey-comb dial, the unusual marked rotating bezel and of course the lightning bolt second's hand. As mentioned, the Rolex Milgauss has a special movement caliber which could be the 1066m or the 1080 and a dust cap to help protect against the damaging magnetic fields.
The 1958 Milgauss we are offering is a barn find, meaning it came from the original owner to us and has never been on the market. The watch is 100% original with all its parts and is in excellent condition. The watch was worn, but I don't believe it was ever polished.
The honey-comb dial is in mint condition with non-luminescent hands and silver gilt and stainless markers. The rotating bezel has a little wear but is intact and in very good condition with the red triangle slightly faded to a pink hue. The watch has the 1080 caliber and its original dust cap. This 6541 comes on the original 1950's rivet oyster band with the large Rolex logo clasp dated 2/59.
This is an incredible package and a rare opportunity to own a collector quality Rolex Lightning Bolt Milgauss.
The Cartier Crash has always been highly collectible but in the last few years this model has gained a lot of worldwide attention, especially after the public seeing this model on the wrists of many famous people. The first Cartier Crash models were introduced in 1967 for the London Market. There are several myths about its origin including one which claims the Cartier Crash was designed by Salvador Dali or another stating a customer came into the London Cartier salon with a Bangoire model that was in a car crash. However, the model was designed by Rupert Emerson, a creative designer for Cartier and Jean-Jacques Cartier, the son of Jacques Cartier.
There were very few London Crash models produced with the majority of them being produced in the late 1960s, and then a few more were made on special order up to about 1990. Approximately 25 London Crash models were made during that period until Paris took over the production in 1991 and made a limited series of about 400 pieces. The Paris model watch is smaller in size and of course a much larger production run. The London Crash watches were hand-made while the later Paris watches were produced on a production line. I have only seen about 10 London crash models come up for sale since about 1989 so these London models are highly coveted and extremely rare.
Pictured here is probably one of the last original London models ever made from 1990 on special order right before Paris took over the production. The case has London hallmarks and is the same large size as the 1967 predecessor. The dial is also signed London. The watch is equipped with an 18 jewel Jaeger LeCoultre manual wind movement. The watch is in excellent condition and is accompanied by the original Cartier box and Cartier Certificate. Check it out
We are very excited to offer this grail and extremely rare Rolex Big Crown James Bond Submariner Reference 6200. Of all the big crown Submariner references, the 6200 is the most coveted, as it is the first big crown model produced in 1954 and has the amazing 3,6,9 Explorer dial.
Only about 300 of these models were produced and not many survivors, especially in this type of excellent original condition. Typically, we find these models missing the original early no hash style bezel and have reprinted dials. This watch has the original bezel and a gorgeous original dial.
The 3,6,9 explorer style dial with radium luminescent markers is highly attractive and sets the reference 6200 apart from the other Rolex James Bond models. The dial on this particular watch is just gorgeous with very attractive luminescent markers and a high radium count. The large style bubbleback case is incredible and difficult to determine if it has been polished or not. The facets on the lugs are all still intact.
This beauty is powered by an A296 caliber automatic movement and still retains its original Brevet crown. As forementioned, the no hash early style bezel is typically missing on these models, but as with the rest of the watch, this particular bezel insert is in excellent condition. This reference 6200 comes on an original Rolex Swiss rivet oyster band dated from 1958. Check it out
It is so hard to find a great all original watch, but finding one fully complete with all paperwork, hang tags, anchor and inner and outer box is nearly impossible these days…well that is what we have here. A wonderfully preserved 1970 "Red" Rolex Submariner Date with a Mark IV dial. The watch is in excellent all original condition. Take a closer look
About 5 years ago, I came across the best Rolex GMT reference 6542 I had ever seen. I purchased it from the son of a gentleman who sued Rolex in the 1960s. He claimed he got cancer from the radium on the dial. It ended up being a frivolous law suit and he lost. The watch sat in a safety deposit box after that lawsuit until I purchased it. Since then, I have not seen any examples of the reference 6542 that come even close in condition to that famous GMT, until now. It has taken 5 years to find another incredible example of the Rolex GMT reference 6542 and it is featured here
The 6542 is the very first GMT produced in the mid 1950s from a request by PAM-AM airlines to develop a watch with two time zones for their pilots. The very first GMT Ref 6542 was made with no crown guards, a gilt dial and of course the bakelite bezel. It is very hard to find a mint example of this watch as most of the bakelite bezels have been broken and replaced with metal or replacement bezel inserts. Also, the dials are usually in bad condition due to radium burn or moisture.
This particular example of the Rolex GMT reference 6542 is in mint condition with a flawless bakelite bezel, perfect gilt shiny dial and an unpolished case with beautiful pronounced bevels on the lugs. It also comes on a period Rolex Jubilee band with large logo on the clasp. It is very difficult to find such a mint example. Check it out
This is an extremely rare Omega Speedmaster reference 145.012 from 1968 known as the 'Racing Model'. This Racing Model Speedmaster has a very exotic dial and set of hands compared to a normal Speedmaster. The Racing Speedy has red hands in addition to red and white baton markers with a checkerboard outer scale. This particular model also has chronograph registers that are smaller than on the normal Speedy in order to make room for the racing outer track. There have only been approximately 12 red Racing Models identified on the market which makes this an extremely rare and collectible watch. All the authentic Omega Speedmaster Racing Models that have surfaced have been delivered to Switzerland and almost all delivered in 1968. This particular watch comes with an Omega Museum Archive that confirms the Swiss delivery in 1968. This exact watch is pictured on page 489 of the Authoritative Speedmaster book "Moonwatch Only" 60 years of Omega Speedmaster. This example is in excellent condition with all original parts and Omega band. The dial is a 9 out of 10 and the case was probably polished gently one time. Check it out.
This is an incredible Rolex Submariner reference 5513 circa 1964 with the extremely rare gilt 369 explorer dial. Typically, this model comes with the normal Submariner dial with baton and triangular luminescent markers. To find an explorer style dial for a reference 5513 is very limited. This highly attractive gilt dial has a beautiful shine and some natural crazing which is typical for this dial…continue reading.
We're so excited to do our first pop up in LA at Melet Mercantile. We'll be featuring selected pieces from our collection of Rolex, Cartier, Patek Philippe, Breitling, Heuer, and Omega with a focus on scuba, aviation, racing & military time pieces. Let us know if you will be joining us!
Once again the good folks at Hodinkee visited our Miami watch studio for a follow up to a wonderful photo report they published back in 2013. In this revived article, Hodinkee offers a look inside our studio with their unique perspective on our collection of beautiful vintage watches.
Check out the latest photo report Watch Shopping in Miami (Redux) and be sure to let us know what you think in the comments!
The Patek Philippe reference 3970 is one of the most iconic and affordable complicated models on the market. This model was developed in the mid 1980s right after the famous 2499 series was discontinued.
The Patek Philippe ref. 3970 has the same case lines as the 2499 (but slightly smaller), and of course, the same perpetual chronograph moonphase functions. In today's market, a nice yellow gold 2499 model is a $500K investment–at a minimum, whereas the collector can find a 3970 model in yellow gold for under $100k.
This particular example which we have for sale is in pristine condition with the original certificate of origin and extra case back. The collectible watch is unpolished and has all its original lines with beautiful patina on the case from sitting in the bank vault for many years. View photos and details
This barn find is the Universal Geneve exotic model reference 885107 which is considered the Paul Newman of this series. While all the hype is on the Nina Rindt Compax Panda, the blue exotic model is a lot more interesting in my opinion. Check out this rare barn find
The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Milspec is an elusive and incredibly rare watch. This Milspec came from the original owner who received it directly from the Navy in our home state of Florida. What could be better than a find like this? Check out this incredible piece of history
Last week, Matt gave a talk to a select group for Citi Private Banking and watch collectors from the Miami area. The talk focused on how watch collecting has changed over time. The guests were guided through a brief history of watch collecting and an analysis on how fashion and style have lead to different trends in collecting. Join us for a quick photo tour of the event.
The Patek Philippe Nautilus has always been a very popular model, but today it is the hottest it has ever been. The Patek Philippe reference 3700, which is the original model, was launched in 1976 and designed by Gerald Genta. Learn why Patek Philippe Nautilus watch prices continue to climb and view five we have for sale.
I flew down to Santiago Chile to find this one. It is a Rolex GMT reference 1675 from 1968 which features the long E dial. The reason why I am calling this an ultimate example is due to the combination of mint condition and the completeness of the set with box and papers. This is one of the most attractive and complete GMT's I have ever owned.
The market for vintage steel chronographs is through the roof. Here we take a look at several steel chronograph watches that are not yet cult classics but have all the guts to be truly collectable timepieces. We just listed them for sale so check them out before they're sold.
For years, Paul Newman dials have been the craze of vintage Rolex collecting. We got to see the actual watch that belonged to the man it was named after and witness first-hand this record setting sale at the Phillip's auction in New York City on October 26th, 2017. Join us for a review of this historic watch sale and get the inside scoop on how the watch market is reacting to the result.
We were invited along with three other influential watch dealers (pictured below) to share our opinions about why vintage is resonating with collectors and the trends that will dominate the market in coming years.
Check out the article! The Virtues of Vintage Watches
We are featuring this watch since it is so difficult and rare to find a 1970s Rolex Submariner in such mint condition as these were tool watches and typically have a lot of wear and tear. View watch details
This is a 14k gold Rolex reference 6238 chronograph from the early 1960s, known as the pre-Daytona. The pre-Daytona came out in about 1960/1961 about the same time as the Rolex Daytona reference 6239 and was only produced for a short period of time. The pre-Daytona is considered the least produced water resistant chronograph made between 1960 until to today. Over the years I have seen…Read more
This is one of the most complicated chronographs made by Rolex in the 1950's and considered to be a grail amongst Rolex aficionados. This particular Rolex watch is in excellent condition with an original dial with beautiful patina. Thewatch was purchased from the estate of the original owner, has never been in auction and is fresh to market.…Read more
In early to mid 1970s, Great Britain used the Rolex Submariner reference 5513 as a source for its military watch. There were only a few hundred issued making them quite rare and highly collectible. In a sense, it is limited edition watch which is an unusual item for Rolex to produce. This particular military submariner is an incredible example with all the correct features including Bexley paperwork and Rolex service papers.…Read more
There were a total of 281 Patek Philippe reference 1518 models produced between 1941 and 1952. The one pictured here is a later version from the 1950s in mint condition with the Patek Philippe only signature on the dial. The Patek Philippe reference 1518 is one of my favorite perpetual calendars produced due to the simplicity of the case, the complication and beauty of the dial.…Read more
Considered one of the rarest reference Daytona models ever produced, the Rolex Daytona ref. 6264 was a transitional model made for only one year, 1969. The watch on the left is the "Lemon Paul Newman" and on the right is an extremely rare variation known as the "Cherry Logo" (an example is described in Pucci Papaleo's 'Ultimate Rolex Daytona' book on page 300.)…Read more
This an incredible example of a 1950's Panerai Marina Miltare ref 6152-1 which was produced for the Italian Royal Navy. This Panerai watch is extremely rare and approximately only 100 are known to the market. The case and the movement are signed by Rolex as Panerai contracted Rolex to make these watches. The case features the crown protecter and the rare military markings…Read more
This is an exceptional example of a Patek Philippe reference 2499 from the 1980s which is considered the last or fourth series of the 2499 model. The 2499 is one of the most desired and iconic models ever produced by Patek Philippe. The fourth series 2499 was the least produced model among the other three series. Collectors are highly attracted to this model due to…Read more
This extremely rare Universal Geneve split second chronograph is one of the most coveted Universal Geneve watches ever produced. Only a few of these models have ever showed up for sale. Sold by the Rome retailer, A. Cairelli, this chronograph features a 24 hour dial…Read more
This is a rare variation of the Rolex "Paul Newman" Daytona from 1971. It is the reference 6262 which was the successor of the common reference 6239 Paul Newman. What makes this Rolex Paul Newman a grail watch is…Read more
This week we were lucky enough to find the elusive Rolex Submariner reference 6536, an extremely rare James Bond variation. It is said approximately 100 pieces were produced and only for 1 year, 1955. What makes this watch unique is…Read more
Today I found the best Rolex GMT reference 6542 I have ever seen. The reference 6542 is the first GMT Master ever produced. It featured a Bakelite bezel which is very fragile and rarely survived. I purchased the watch from the the son of the original owner who kept it in a lead case since 1960 because he was scared of the radioactivity of the watch…Read more
The Patek Philippe reference 2526, first manufactured in 1953, is one of the most iconic time only Patek Philippe watches ever produced. The 2526 reference is one of the very first automatic watches made by the company and is powered by Patek's caliber 12-600. The 2526 is also highly sought after by collectors for its porcelain dial …Read more
This is a grail Rolex Daytona Paul Newman reference 6263 from the early 1970s. The 6263 model Paul Newman with the screw down pushers is a very rare model especially compared to a Paul Newman with pump pushers like the references 6239 and 6241. This Rolex watch is known as the "Panda" due to the black and white color of the dial and is highly sought after by Daytona collectors…Read more
This is the first Perpetual Chronograph by Patek Philippe, reference 1518. Introduced in the 1940s, this is an early version with the Patek, Philippe and Co signature on the dial which is highly desirable. The Patek Philippe reference 1518 is one of my favorite perpetual calendars produced due to the simplicity of the case, the complication, and beauty of the dial…Read more
This is an incredible example of a 1950s Rolex Submariner reference 6538 known as the big crown "James Bond." This James Bond Submariner is in mint condition with a very sharp case, beautiful original glossy dial, original bezel insert, and a very tight original Rolex oyster band. What makes this reference 6538 even more special is…Read more
This is the reference 2915-1 which is the the very first Omega Speedmaster produced from 1957. The 2915-1 is one of the most difficult speed masters models to find especially in such complete and nice condition. The bezel of the 2915-1 is made of a thin metal material and typically they are destroyed or not even on the watch…Read more
This is my favorite Perpetual Calendar Moon Phase ever produced by Patek Philippe due to its large size 37mm and the simplicity of the case design. This is Patek Philippe's reference 3450 in 18k yellow gold from the 1980's. There were approximately 240 of these watches produced between 1981 and 1985. The 3450 is the successor of the reference 3448 with the added leap year function at 4:00 and an improved movement featuring the caliber 27.460qb. The reference 3450 is one of the last classic vintage designs produced…Read more
This is a second series rose gold Patek Philippe reference 2499 from 1950s which is extremely rare and considered to be the best design of all four series for this reference which was produced up to the 1980s. Until today, there are only five of these models known and maybe several more that have not surfaced. The Patek Philippe reference 2499 features a perpetual calendar moon phase and chronograph and is the most highly sought-after reference by Patek Philippe collectors all over the world. What stands out on the second series 2499, which the other series don't have, is…Read more
This is the highly complicated Patek Philippe reference 5004 in platinum from 2010 which has now been discontinued and highly collectible. The reference 5004 was introduced in 1996 and there was an estimated 12 pieces made each year until the Patek Philippe reference 5204 was introduced in 2012. What is amazing about this watch…Read more
Here is a comparison of the last series Patek Philippe reference 2499 from the early 1980s to the first series reference 3970 from the late 1980s. Both models are from the same family and feature a perpetual moonphase chronograph…Read more
October 4th, 2013 - The good folks at Hodinkee recently stopped by our South Beach studio. Today they described what they found with this "mega photo report". Check it out and be sure to leave a comment! View article
This is mint and rare example of a Universal Geneve Aero Compax chronograph from the 1960s with a 24 hour dial and rotating bezel. The Aero Compax model rarely shows up for sale especially in such mint condition…Read more
In 1954 Waltham stopped manufacturing watches in the USA and partnered with Blancpain. This watch is one of those partnered watches. This is a very rare dive watch made by Blancpain but signed and retailed by Waltham in the US.…Read more
This is a limited edition set of Omega Speedmaster “Missions” numbered 24/40 released in 1997. The set comes with 23 watches made to commemorate NASA space missions from the years 1965- 1973 …Read more
The IWC Ingenieur was developed by IWC in the 1950s as an antimagnetic and automatic watch for engineers and scientist that worked around heavy magnetic and electrical activity. Typically the Ingenieur comes with a silver dial and to find black original dials is very difficult and extremely rare. …Read more
Feb 7th, 2015 - The BBC World Service's Mike Williams interviewed Matthew Bain several times for a 18 minute segment on the The Why Factor which explores why watches are enduring status symbols. You can hear Matthew beginning at the 14 minute mark and a few more times until the 15:30 mark. »» Listen to the radio show
This is an extremely rare time only Breguet from the 1940s in 18k yellow gold. Typically the early Breguet wristwatches are quite small and this is a 36mm version which is impossible to find…Read more
Matthew Bain is a world-renowned watch collector, dealer and authority on fine vintage and modern watches. Here are his top picks which he believes are cool, unique, and have potential to increase in value.
I have had both the 1965 and 1968 version of the Jaeger LeCoultre Polaris several times but have never seen or had access to the 1963 prototype which is pictured above. The Polaris was developed in 1962 and the first 50 pieces were produced in 1963 as the prototype. They were never offered for sale to the general public. These pieces were given to the employees of Jaeger LeCoultre. The Polaris was later produced between 1965 and 1970 with a total production of 1714 pieces. Jaeger gave a code name to the Polaris of E859…Read more
In early to mid 1970's Great Britain used the Rolex Submariner reference 5513 as a source for its military watch. There were only a few hundred of those watches issued which makes them quite rare and highly collectible. In a sense it is limited edition watch which is an unusual item for Rolex to produce. Below are the differences between the civilian and military model…Read more
The two watches pictured above are the older R-series manual wind Daytona reference 6265 and its successor reference 16520. In 1987 the manual wind, Valijoux based Rolex Daytona was on its way to retirement to make room for the newer highly anticipated Zenith automatic version. The last of the 6265's and the first of the 16520's share a serial number "R"…Read more
Gerald Genta was one of the most important watch designers of the 20th century. He was born in Geneva, Switzerland in 1931 and started his career at the age of 20 working with Universal Geneve. Most of the watch designers were never known in the old days but that was not the case with Genta. Gerald Genta was one of the first watch designers behind the scenes that was well known, and he eventually made his own watches and created his own brand…Read more
Perhaps no single jewelry or watch brand evokes more glamour, design innovation and noble ties than Cartier. Founded in Paris in 1847, the firm immediately set a high standard for style and luxury creating magnificent jewelry for some of the world's most high-profile clients…Read more