All of us at NOBLEMAN are watches “guys”. Let’s face it, for us men, besides, a wedding ring, wearing a great watch is what we consider “jewelry”. We love the idea of having great timepieces that say a little, (or a lot about you). Vintage watches are also a big favorite. Wearing a watch which has a unique story and heritage truly sets it apart. Some of these are passed on from generation to generation, making them heirloom pieces which will not only greatly enhance any collections, but are sure to rise in value. The following are some of our favorites.
1967 Rolex Daytona 6240 “Paul Newman” Exotic Dial
Widely known as the “Holy Grail” of vintage timepieces this Rolex Daytona “Paul Newman” is on the top of every vintage timepiece collectors list. The timepiece worn by you guessed it former actor turned race car driver Paul Newman has become one of the most sought after vintage timepieces due to the contrasting panda style dial, its screw down chronograph crowns making the timepiece waterproof, and the fact that Paul Newman’s actual watch of the same model sold at auction for nearly $18million make this Rolex Daytona Reference 6240 “Paul Newman” Circa 1967 timepiece a piece to lust over.
Details:
Model-6240
Movement- Automatic
Case Diameter- 36mm
Case Material- Stainless Steel
Dial- Black “Paul Newman” Daytona Exotic Panda (white chronograph Markers & Black dial)
Strap- Rolex 7205 Oyster Rivet Bracelet with 60 end pieces
Approx Price- $300,000
Patek Philippe Reference 3597 Beta 21 Quartz
As new technology came about in the world of horology, Swiss watchmakers in Geneva had to develop new movements to keep up with the times. The movement used in this particular Patek Philippe timepiece was developed during the quartz craze of the 1960’s. The Beta 21 Quartz movement isn’t your typical movement though, only 6000 such movements are known to exist today, and display a very uncommon sweeping second hand. To make this particular Patek even more special, is the beautiful silver sunburst dial, solid 18K white gold case, and very unique original mesh (almost rally) type bracelet.
Details:
Model- 3597
Movement- Beta 21 Quartz
Case Diameter- 42mm
Case Material- 18K white gold
Dial- Silver Sunburst
Strap- Original 18K white gold rally style mesh bracelet
Approx Price- $55,000
Movado Datron “El Primero” (Zenith Movement)
First introduced in 1969, the Movado “El Primero” was one of many chronographs constructed to be waterproof at the time. El Primero or The First was named for the first automatic chronograph in the world made by partners Movado & Zenith. The Movado “El Primero” is also known to be a highly accurate timepiece with the longest power reserve known at the time. When it comes to collectors, and collecting in general, we tend to want the “first of” and the Movado “El Primero” is definitely a great choice for vintage timepiece collectors.
Details:
Model- 3019PHC
Movement- Zenith automatic
Case Diameter- 38mm
Case Material- Stainless Steel
Dial- Panda
Bracelet- Black Leather
Approx Price- $4,250
Blancpain 50 Fathoms
Originally commissioned for the French Navy division “Nageurs de Combat” as a tool watch able to measure oxygen consumption of their divers. This fabulous watch was also legible in the deep dark depths of the ocean, and was able to withstand deep sea pressure. Named after the 300 feet or 91.4 meters of underwater functionality, the Blancpain 50 Fathoms also boasted the first patented unidirectional bezel to measure oxygen without error, a function later adopted by modern dive watches. If you have a collection of vintage timepieces and not yet have a diver timepiece, The Blancpain 50 Fathoms is the one to have.
Details:
Model- AS 1361
Movement- automatic
Case Diameter- 36mm
Case Material- Steel
Dial- Black
Bracelet- Rubber
Approx Price- $25,000
Omega Speedmaster Reference 145.022 “Pre-Moon” Circa 1969
This Omega Speedmaster model earlier known for its use with pilots of both automobiles and planes, is so versatile that it later made it to the moon with the help of NASA’s space program. The beautiful dial and large 42mm case make it the perfect size for most collectors. The strong running 861 caliber movement makes this timepiece a true lifetime piece with such a rich history. The Omega Speedmaster is a must in every nobleman’s collection.
Details:
Model- 861
Movement- automatic
Case Diameter- 42mm
Case Material- Stainless Steel
Dial- Matte Black
Bracelet- Omega 1039
Approx Price- $12,500
Rolex GMT- Master Reference 1675 “Pepsi”MK1
This iconic timepiece was the second model produced from the collection, crafted in stainless steel and adorned with the iconic blue and red “Pepsi” bezel. The Rolex GMT-Master Reference 1675 was only produced from 1959 through 1980. Our featured watch shown above is from 1972. Once sporting a bright blue and red bezel to help pilots distinguish from day or night on GMT reading, have now turned light blue and pinkish red color. The dial is a matte black featuring once white markers, which now due to age have been transformed into a beautiful cream hue. This spectacle timepiece, originally commissioned by Pan American Airlines as a tool watch for pilots, has been transformed over time, making it a one-of-a-kind, beautiful and unique timepiece to own.
Details:
Model- 1675
Movement- Automatic
Case Diameter- 40mm
Case material- surgical grade stainless steel
Dial- Matte black MK1
Strap – SS Rolex Oyster 7836
Approx Price- $14,500
Words by Oscar Munox
Watches and photography by Craft & Tailored – @CRAFTANDTAILORED
