5 Most Interesting Vintage Rolex Models for Men

It’s a pretty common answer: Rolex is the best watch brand! Why not! The quality of watches the Swiss manufacturer produces is definitely worth the hype. Also, most of us just want to get our hands on any Rolex because they are an excellent investment option as well, where you can sell Rolex watches at an impressive value later. However, there is a lot of focus on the modern Rolex watches instead of the vintage ones. It is good to repeat that Rolex watches are timeless.

Some vintage Rolex is so exclusive and rare that buyers are willing to offer an eye-popping resale value. Also, keeping aside the game of prices, many vintage Rolex timepieces secure interesting specifications that make them a collector’s favourite.

5 MOST INTERESTING VINTAGE ROLEX MODELS

1. Submariner Ref. 5513

The Submariner is perhaps one of the most sought-after Rolex watches that also enjoy huge attention in the secondary market. Many refer to it as the FLAGSHIP model. Many collectors, enthusiasts, and buyers are willing to offer almost double the price to get hold of one, and it’s no exaggeration!

The Rolex Ref. 5513 with a maxi dial is a great choice when choosing a vintage model. The watch was in production till the mid-1960s and instantly caught the eye for its high-gloss, gilded dial. In 1970, the glossy became a matte dial and a white gold border, presenting a more modern outlook.

The Submariner ref. 5513 with a matte dial is an excellent investment opportunity and should be on your purchase list.

2. Oysterdate Ref. 6694

A simple and minimal vintage Rolex watch that is available in abundance in the secondary watch market is the Oysterdate Ref. 6694. The watch was in production till the 1980s, and no one should have a problem getting hands on one for its long production period. The ideal unisex timepiece looks stylish and flaunts a simplistic watch design that appeals to people who are not very fond of the typical Rolex look. Despite belonging to the era of Oyster Perpetual, the Ref. 6694 has a manual-winding calibre 1225.

The Ref. 6694 is a stunning vintage Rolex that wears lightly on the wrist. If you intend to purchase one from the pre-owned market, ensure that the watch is in good condition.

3. Air-King Ref. 5500

The first Rolex professional watch that came into existence in 1945 was the Air-King and remained in production for more than 30 years. Coming in a 34mm case diameter, the Air-King Ref. 5500 is often signed with ‘Precision’ on the dial and offers plenty of utility in a small and neat package. The Air-King is one of the most popular vintage watches with a classic design and premium quality. There are no superfluous characteristics, and the watch comes with an in-house movement, screw-down crown, and Oyster bracelet. The minimalistic good nature of the watch ensures that this Rolex can never really go out of style.

Additionally, you can select the Air-King Ref. 5500 in various dial colours.

4. Datejust 1601

If you’re looking for a vintage Rolex with a fluted fixation, the Datejust with Ref. 1601 may seem perfect. The Ref. 1601 has a stainless steel case, a stunning 18ct white gold fluted bezel, acrylic crystal, Oyster or Jubilee bracelet, and a non-quickset date. Overall, the Rolex Ref. 1603 is one of the most classic-looking timepieces that don’t cost a fortune. This is another Rolex reference that is widely available in the secondary market, and you can easily avail of them. Not to brag, but the fluted bezel does add much more character to the watch. 

The Datejust Ref. 1601 is remarkable with all the pie-pan dial, famous date wheel, and stick hands that lend a slightly more luxurious look to the watch. 

5. Daytona ‘Paul Newman’ Ref. 6264

The final watch calls for something truly grand and what better than the Rolex Daytona ‘Paul Newman’ to end it with! Anyone who already knows about the Newman Daytona tells you about the Steel Ref. 6262 variant. But here we are talking about the Ref. 6264 in Gold. It’s a stunning Daytona timepiece incorporating everything luxurious. The Ref. 6264 has a black bezel insert that stands out immediately amidst the yellow gold surrounding. Another most prominent part is the yellow dial with black sub-dials. This spectacular dial combination and the gold case and bracelet make the watch a show stopper!

The Submariner Ref. 6264 is one of the most desirable timepieces that Rolex is known to have produced in limited numbers. So, it is only obvious if the demand is skyrocketing!

CONCLUSION

If you’re looking for investment Rolex watches but, unlike the common trend, want to opt for something vintage, the watches listed above are a must-have! All the vintage Rolex timepieces mentioned above have various impressive specifications, with some of them deriving a high resale value. Therefore, investing in one of them will collect a good return when you sell your Rolex in the secondary market to reliable watch buyers in London.