COLLECTORS ISSUE 01
OCTOBER 2019
EDITION
1960’S ROLEX GMT BAKELITE The £150,000 Rolex in your bottom drawer 1971 OMEGA SPEEDMASTER MOON 2019 - A vintage year for watches NEW ARRIVALS It’s been a bumper month of incredible finds
IN THIS ISSUE New arrivals
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Omega Speedmaster Moon 50th anniversary
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The £150,000 Rolex in your bottom drawer
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Buy back scheme
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Hello from the watch collector Welcome to the first Collectors’ Edition. Like most of you, I’m passionate about collecting and dealing in vintage watches. I’m also passionate about researching the pieces I collect and reaching out to like-minded horologists who share my fascination with timepieces. (Let’s not call it an obsession!). Sharing the excitement of a new piece or an undiscovered fact about a watch is just as much a part of the process for me, as stumbling across a grail piece in an unexpected location. So I wanted to give you a little extra insight into some of the pieces I own and also early access to my newest watches as they come in. Plus we’ve included some new features and imaginative ways to make owning your own collection that much more affordable as well as appealing. I hope you enjoy taking a look at this new monthly edition as much as I enjoyed writing it. As always if there are things you would like to see included in future editions I’d love you hear your view.
N E W E S T A R R I VA L S
This month’s newest arrivals It’s been a bumper month with some of the most incredible watches I’ve ever come across Now and then you have a streak! There’s no real rhyme, a little reason, but every call you take and every visit you make results in a gem! Something you literally cannot turn down. And whilst it might place a strain on the funds every now and then, I am, at heart, a collector. Which is why this month has been such as special time for the collection. And such a special treat for anyone with an interest in vintage watches (newest arrivals link)
SHOP NEW ARRIVALS
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COLLECTORS EDITION • ISSUE 01
Rolex GMT Master ref 6542 Bakelite SEE WATCH
Omega megaquartz 2.4 MHz 18 ct solid gold Stardust
Rolex DateJust 116199 Zebra ltd edition
Rolex Daytona 16520 “Patrizzi” Zenith
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Rolex Daytona 18k Rose gold ref 16505
Rolex Vintage Submariner 5513 Gilt dial
Audemars Piquet Royal Oak chronograph
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SEE WATCH
T I M E L E SS S TO R I E S
2019 - a vintage year for watches Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the 1971 Omega Speedmaster Professional Moon watch
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TIMELESS STORIES
Like a great many of you, I imagine, my list of ‘must-haves’ seems to gather pace each year, far beyond the rate at which I can reasonably collect. However, even the most cursory glance at my collection here will lead you to appreciate the special place Omega watches hold in my heart. And amongst those watches this 1971 Omega Speedmaster Professional holds a very special place. As a young child I watched in awe the vivid images of man walking on the moon in 1972 as Apollo 17 brought to an end the three and half years of extraordinary moon landings. Since that time everything to do with that brief period of history has left me captivated and there is no doubt that the words “The First Watch Worn On The Moon” still conjure an image of unimaginable adventure in my mind. There is no doubt that in a world of extreme environments our planet has much to test the mechanical engineering skill of the finest of watchmakers. From the depths of the Challenger Deep, 11,000 metres below the waves of the pacific in the Mariana Trench, to a sudden cabin de-pressurisation at 30,000 feet, the potential horological challenges are varied and supremely testing.
However, I’m sat here in my study now, having just opened the box of this newly acquired 1971 vintage Speedmaster Professional and I’m reading the case inscription “Flight Qualified by NASA For All Manned Space Missions”. And my heart misses the tiniest of beats. For there you have it. It’s space for heaven’s sake. Space! The Moon, NASA! These are the guys who spend millions of pounds just finding the right pen to use in space. So, how hard must it be to offer up a mechanical timepiece they deem good enough to fix to the wrists of some of the greatest adventurers of the 20th century? The simple answer is… very. Or, on the other hand, maybe not so hard as it happens.
technicians giving a briefing of the technical requirements and challenges of space travel to the Omega executive who in turn, opened a display case and casually tossed the Speedmaster across the table with the words “That should do the job.” Nice thought but the reality from the perspective of Omega was probably more useful to their eventual marketing efforts in that the Speedmaster was the only watch from an original shortlist of 6 to withstand a barrage of tests which included low and high pressure and temperature extremes, shock, acceleration, humidity and vibration. (Eat your heart out COSC!)
And if you think none of that is important, Because, of course, remember it was a Omega didn’t make Speedmaster that the Speedmaster command module specifically for Because, of course, pilot Jack Swigert NASA, the original Omega didn’t make the used to time the design from 1957 famous and critical was adopted by the Speedmaster specifically 14 second engine administration as a for NASA... burst that saw flight watch in 1965 Apollo 13 eventually and subsequently return safely to Earth. Remember made it to the moon and back on every that the next time your dinner party mission thereafter. For me it’s actually guest is telling you about the new ATM more impressive that Omega were able rating on his latest piece. to deliver an existing timepiece for these missions. I can imagine NASA
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What is useful to a collector like myself is that there’s always a chance you can pick a Speedmaster Professional up for a ‘reasonable’ price and even a special piece like this one, built during the actual Apollo programme. And oh boy are they collectable. Helped of course by a wonderful design that has stood the test of time as well as any watch out there. Omega had the sense to realise that this timeless design really was timeless and it’s been left pretty much unchanged since baring the odd inflection here and there.
genuine vintage find can be ‘tarnished’ by inappropriate refurbishment in the pursuit of nothing more than a slightly shinier veneer. But this piece exudes authenticity and is all the better for it. But be under no illusion, this watch is in superb condition.
TECHNICAL VIEWPOINT
One look at the perfect original dial, with full tritium markers ,correct original hands and ‘as new ‘bezel gives you an insight into how well this beautiful piece has been cared for. It even has the correct original DN90 unmarked Plexiglas with omega symbol to centre, a sure sign of a special collectors item.
As you would expect of a supremely well engineered piece this particular Speedmaster Professional is in perfect mechanical condition, especially so for a watch that hasn’t had any dreaded refurbishment at the hand of an over zealous servicing technician. It’s a particular bug bear of mine that a
The case is very sharp, as good as new , and the watch has the correct 5×3.5mm pushers and original 6.5mm crown. The case-back and dust cover are all in mint condition and the case-back itself bears the authentic commemorative engraving in practically new condition with no loss of black paint (rare these days).
There are a number of different legends to be found in the collectors market commemorating the moon watch and various anniversary versions, but this is most definitely the original.
MOVEMENT IN TIME, FIT FOR A MOMENT IN TIME Anyone with even a passing interest in the Speedmaster will know that although the original Lemania based 321 movement more than did the trick in the early years of the Speedmaster, the change by Omega to its own, exceptional, 861 mechanical (manual wind) was truly one of the great introductions to watch making in what was a golden era for timepieces. Subsequent embellishments in the shape of the 1861 movement and the fact Omega was still using the 861 more than 30 years later tells you everything you need to know about the quality of this watch and the place it holds in the history of watches.
1971 Omega Speedmaster Professional Moon watch Verified by the Official Omega archive extract SEE THIS WATCH
The perfect gift & complete peace of mind I N T E R E S T F R E E G UA R A N T E E
The gift of a timepiece lasts a lifetime & we have a selection of superb vintage watches at prices you won’t believe BROWSE OUR COLLECTION
TIMELESS STORIES
The £150,000 Rolex in your bottom drawer - no really Although I am perfectly prepared to admit that it is unlikely we all have an undiscovered, rare Rolex GMT Bakelite nestling in a bottom drawer or otherwise, what I have always found to be exciting is the sheer possibility of it.
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TIMELESS STORIES
Unlike a hidden Rembrandt, which lets face, requires a certain historical association with significant wealth, a Rolex watch from the 1960’s wasn’t so far out of the norm as to be unheard of. And life being the chaotic unplanned journey it often is, it’s not beyond the realms that the box of nic nacs your grandfather left you just might contain a hidden horological gem. (Go on, admit it! A little part of you is doing a mental stock take as you read!) Which brings me to this months’ little gem. A rare and altogether stunning Rolex GMT Master 6542 Bakelite from the mid 60’s. The kind of watch it is easy to imagine might have adorned the wrist of a transatlantic pilot back in the golden ago of travel. Although originally aimed at the Pan Am pilots when launch in the mid 50’s the GMT became an iconic ‘must have’ for any self-respecting captain and flight officer from the 1960’s onwards. What is particular arresting about this piece is the sheer presence of the thing! If you knew nothing about watches and saw this in a batch of similar quality timepieces I think you’d be hard pressed to take your eyes off it. I’m often questioned on the variation
of prices on what seem to be similar watches and it’s an accusation that can be hard to explain. (Why am I paying more for an original imperfection that was later corrected? You just are!) In this instance you are undoubtedly paying for the scarcity value of the piece. Although the GMT has been with us for decades the 6542 was only manufactured for a relatively short period and so any piece is scarce to begin with. Add to that fact that even fewer were made in solid 18ct gold and fewer still retain the fragile Bakelite bezel then what I am pleased to be able to offer you is a truly rare piece and one that to many Rolex collectors is regarded as a Grail watch. A powerful combination of events and rarity that has pushed the price of this particular watch north of £150,000! Whilst I imagine the next owner won’t be wearing the incredible watch down the local pub, the beauty is, as always with a Rolex tool watch, you could wear this anywhere safe in the knowledge it will never let you down. Isn’t it time you had that clearout you’ve been promising to do forever?
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O U R G UA R A N T E E D B U Y B AC K S C H E M E
They don’t make them like they used to. Thank goodness for that! “I’m often asked “would you do it”. Well, not only would I, but I also did. My business began as a collection that appreciated to the extent where dealing became a hobby and, eventually a profitable business.
An appreciation of vintage items of any description is undoubtedly on the rise, fuelled in no small part by the disposable income of baby boomers and generation X who are, in the main part, enjoying significant birthdays as well as unprecedented levels of wealth and appreciation for the art of mechanical expertise.
If you love watches as much as I do there is simply no better way to invest in my view. A luxury that you can enjoy endlessly that will almost certainly appreciate. What could be better? Particularly now where there is so little investment opportunity with traditional financial institutions.
What’s more the golden era of the mid part of the 20th century is undoubtedly the sweet spot for a great many collectors and that period offers some remarkably good specimens. Undoubtedly, from my own perspective, if I was in it just for the investment opportunities, then there are almost certainly a couple of dozen watches in my possession at the moment that would provide me with a golden nest egg if I hung on to them.
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I’m a dealer by nature and love the thrill of the chase and purchase so the need to hang on and realise the full appreciation of a piece isn’t paramount to me. However, in recognising that the possible increase in value is an important consideration for many of my clients I thought long and hard about what that might mean for prospective buyers. And, more importantly how I can answer that question. The simple answer was to put my money where my mouth is and promise any prospective collectors that if they are looking to invest with a view to protecting that investment. As a result I’m prepared to offer a full buy back guarantee subject to certain terms and conditions.
TIMELESS STORIES
O U R G UA R A N T E E D B U Y B AC K S C H E M E
Enjoy complete peace of mind with the The Watch Collectors’ guaranteed buy back scheme ABOUT THE SCHEME
Time for a valuation? A lot of people ask me to offer a valuation and fair price for their timepieces and I’m always happy to help out and expand my own collection in this way. So much so that I have created this upload feature to enable me to provide an easy to understand and accurate valuation of your watch. Uploading offers you: •
An accurate valuation you can trust
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Confidence that any offer price is based on the right images and description
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Peace of mind of knowing you don’t have to send your watch away to be valued
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The reassurance of knowing your watch valuation is based on an honest relationship VALUE YOUR WATCH
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