Pre-owned Rolex reseller Bob's Watches is holding its latest "Fresh Finds" mini-auction online, this time themed on 1960s sport watches. It features four "fresh-to-market" vintage watch references, each considered rare and coveted among collectors: three from Rolex and an Omega Speedmaster. Bidding is open until August 4th between 4:00 and 5:30 pm PST, and unlike the case with many auctions, there's no buyer's premium to pay.
These are the kinds of watches you can't be blamed for drooling over, and if you're ready for investment-level watch collecting — or simply want to fantasize about owning a legend — you can see more about each lot below.
Omega Speedmaster Professional ref. 105.003
This example of the famous Speedmaster, referred to as a "pre-Moon" watch, dates to before the era of the NASA-approved "Moonwatch." This particular model, nicknamed the "Ed White" for the astronaut who wore one, is distinctive for its straight lugs and is powered by the famous cal. 321 chronograph movement.
Year: ~1965
Estimate: $14,000 to $23,000
Movement: Omega cal. 321
Learn More: Here
Rolex GMT Master ref. 1675
An early example of Rolex's famous bi-color "Pepsi" bezel GMT Master, this reference 1675 dates to 1963 and has a tiny detail that makes a big difference to collectors: its dial is marked only "Swiss" rather than the more common "Swiss Made." This one is also notable for its lovely gilt dial, a detail that makes a huge difference in pricing.
Year: ~1963
Estimate: $20,000 to $35,000
Movement: Rolex cal. 1560
Rolex Submariner ref. 5512
While the Submariner was introduced in 1953, the later reference 5512 is what established the look we know today. The rest is history: it's now the most iconic watch ever made. This example, from around 1961, also has a gilt dial.
Year: ~1961
Estimate: $25,000 to $35,000
Movement: Rolex cal. 1530
Rolex Explorer 1016
Dating to about a decade after the first Explorer was launched in 1953, the reference 1016 is most representative of Rolex's original sports watch line. Early examples like this one have glossy dials with gilt elements, whereas these were later replaced by matte dials.
Year: ~1963
Estimate: $15,000 to $25,000
Movement: Rolex cal. 1560
