(Almost) Unicorn: 1964 Rolex Milgauss Ref. 1019

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.

Grail Watch: Patek Philippe Ref. 1463

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.

Grail Watch: Dato-Compax "Jean Calude Killy" Rolex Ref. 6036

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.

Grail Watch: 1968 Paul Newman Rolex Daytona Ref. 6239

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.

Barn Find: 5510 Rolex Big Crown James Bond Submariner

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.

Uber Rare Grail Watch: Patek Philippe Jumbo Nautilus in 18k White Gold

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.

Barn Find: 1950's Rolex Lightning Bolt Milguass

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.

Incredibly Rare London Cartier Crash Watch

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

Extremely Rare Rolex Big Crown James Bond Submariner Ref 6200

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

All Orignal 1970 "Red" Rolex Submariner - Full Set

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

Mint Rolex Bakelite GMT Ref 6542

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

Omega Speedmaster Professional "Red Racing"

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.

Rolex Submariner Explorer Dial Ref 5513

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 Going to LA!

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!

Miami Watch Studio: Get an Inside Look

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!

Collector's Smart Buy: Patek Philippe Ref 3970

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

Barn Find: Universal Geneve Exotic Model

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

Barnyard Find: Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Milspec

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

The Evolution of Vintage Watches Talk

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.

Nautilus Fever

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.

The Ultimate Rolex GMT

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.

Vintage Steel Chronographs

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.

The Newman Discussion

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.