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1970's rolex submariner reference 5513

Rolex Submariner Reference 5513

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

Grail Watches

rolex chronograph tiffany and company

Rolex Chronograph Reference 6238

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

1950s rolex jean claude killy ref. 6036

Rolex "Jean Claude Killy" Ref. 6036

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

1950s patek philippe perpetual chronograph ref 1518

Rolex Submariner Ref 5513 Military Watch

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

1950s patek philippe perpetual chronograph ref 1518

Patek Philippe Perpetual Chronograph Ref 1518

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

lemon paul newman and cherry logo rolex daytona

Rolex Daytona Reference 6264

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

1950s vintage panerai marina miltare 6152-1

Vintage Panerai Marina Miltare Ref 6152-1

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

Universal Geneve split second chronograph

Rare Patek Philippe Ref 2499, 4th Series

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

Universal Geneve split second chronograph

Rare Universal Geneve Military Chronograph

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

1971 Rolex Paul Newman Ref. 6262

Rare 1971 Rolex Paul Newman Ref. 6262

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

Rare Rolex James Bond Ref. 6536 Submariner

Rare Rolex James Bond Ref. 6536

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

Rolex GMT Master 6542

Barn Find with Incredible Provenance

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

Patek Philippe reference 2526

Grail Watch: Patek Philippe Ref. 2526

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

Rolex Daytona Paul Newman 6263

Grail Watch: "Panda" Newman

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

Patek Philippe Ref. 1518

Grail Watch: 1940s Patek Philippe Ref. 1518

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

Grail 1950s Rolex James Bond Submariner Ref. 6538

Grail Watch: 1950s Rolex Submariner Ref. 6538

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

Grail Omega Speedmaster

Grail Watch: Omega Speedmaster Ref. 2915-1

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

Patek Philippe ref 3450

Patek Philippe Reference 3450

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

Patek Philippe ref 2499

Grail Watch: Patek Philippe Ref. 2499

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

Patek Philippe reference 5004

The Ultimate Contemporary Patek Philippe: Ref. 5004

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

Patek Philippe reference 2499 and 3970. Early to late 1980s

Patek Philippe Ref. 2499 vs. Patek Philippe Ref. 3970

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

Get an Inside Look at our Studio

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


Latest Watches

Blancpain Aqua-Lung Blancpain
Aqua-Lung
Seiko / Seikosha Silverwave 6601-7990 Seiko / Seikosha
Silverwave
Patek Philippe Amagnetic 3417 Patek Philippe
Amagnetic
Heuer Monaco 1133 Heuer
Monaco
Rolex Datejust Turn-o-graph 6609 Rolex
Datejust Turn-o-graph
Universal Geneve Compax 12549 Universal Geneve
Compax
Breguet Perpetual Calendar Moonphase 3310BB Breguet
Perpetual Calendar Moonphase
Rolex Submariner Date 16808 Rolex
Submariner Date
Cartier Tank Cartier
Tank
Cartier Tank Cartier
Tank

Rolex Sports Models

Rolex Ovetone 6105 Rolex Ovetone
Serpico Y Laino signed Datejust Ref. 6105
Rolex Milgauss 1019 Rolex Milgauss
SS Ref. 1019
Rolex Submariner Date 1680 Rolex Submariner Date
18kt Yellow Gold Ref. 1680
Rolex Submariner James Bond 5508 Rolex Submariner James Bond
James Bond Submariner Ref. 5508
Rolex Double Red Seadweller 1665 Rolex Double Red Seadweller
Double Red Sea-Dweller - Ref. 1665

Watch Dealer's Survey

Follow along with us at Matthew Bain, Inc. as we take a survey of the international watch community and the timepieces they love most.

Mark Laino
Jorge Haro
Alfonzo Valencia
Kurt Rothner
Carl Schway
Axie Bullock
Ken Specht
Gabriel Gonzalez
Hank Martin
Yoshi Isogai
Hiroshi Morikawa
Abir Seba
Alessandro Ciani
Bob Maron
Joe Demesy
Louis Briscoe
Byron Eder

The Italian Experience

vintage watch dealers in italy

Join us as we take you on a tour of the Italian watch buying experience, in Milan and at the Parma Antique Fair. We chronicle the journey through the eyes of Matthew Bain, one of the first American watch dealers. Matthew has been there to see the industry grow. He began coming to Italy and Parma since the 1990's. Read more

Watch Collector Summit

Audemars Piguet storefront

Join us for a recap of the Watch Collector Summit at Bal Harbour Shops. Read more

2016 Geneva Auction Experience - Part 2

Horloge Fleuri, flower clock in the Jardin Anglais Geneva's auction season is the pinnacle of watch collecting. They say that the true pulse of the vintage watch market is measured on weekends like this one. With five highly anticipated auctions, the stage was set for quite a show. Follow us through a tour of the auction experience… Read more

2016 Geneva Auction Experience - Part 1

sotheby's auction preview in geneva Join us for a journey through the spring auction season in Geneva. We'll provide you with insight on how to capitalize on the preview experience, discuss current market trends, and explore the auction process. We'll also introduce to you some of the most important dealers in the international watch community… Read more

2016 Geneva Auction Preview: My Favorite Picks

favorite lots geneva auction Getting ready for an auction trip to Geneva where there are 5 major auctions this weekend including a Phillips theme sale of 88 epic stainless steel chronographs. Check out some of my favorite lots in the upcoming sales.… Read more

Technology, fashion and vintage watch values

fashionable wrist watches This month I was invited along with Eric Wind and Caitlin Donovan of Christies to give a lecture at the Boca Museum of Art in Boca Raton, Florida in front of their professional advisory board. My lecture focused on how technology and fashion has affected the value of vintage watches. Check out pictures from this wonderful event…Read more

Watch Buying at the Miami Beach Antique Show

I buy fine antiques The Miami Beach Antique Show is always a great venue for buying and selling watches. That's why I've been exhibiting there since 1991. Check out these photos for a glimpse at what was going down during the 2016 Miami Beach Antique Show…Read more

The Auction Experience: Christie's, New York City

Check out this photo essay documenting Matthew's experience preparing for and attending a Christie's auction commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Omega Speedmaster…Read more

Smart Play: Patek Calatrava

1960s Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref 3466 and 3483When vintage Patek Philippe collecting started to become popular in the 1980s collectors favored precious metal watches such as 18k and platinum. What they did not realize at the time was that stainless steel watches were a lot more rare than precious metal watches, and the collectors started seeking steel Patek Philippe…Read more

Rare 1960's Aero Compax

Matthew's Featured Watch

Omega Speedmaster “Missions”

Exotic IWC Ingenieur

Matthew Bain on the BBC

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

Rare Vintage Breguet

Matthew's Top Picks

Matthew Bain closely inspects a rare vintage watchMatthew 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.

9012^pthI 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


Military Sub WatchRolex Submariner Ref. 5513

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


Rolex Oyster CosmographRolex Oyster Perpetual

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 Swiss Watch DesignerGerald 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


Vintage Cartier watches 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