The main auctions for watches are now almost over with the all the major auction houses showing strong results. But if you think that implies there are no more important vintage watches coming up for sale, well, you better think again.
Heritage auctions based in the US, has two exceptional Rolex watches coming up next week for auction that all Rolex collectors should be paying attention too. While Heritage is not as well known in Europe or Asia, the American auction house has sold some impressive watches in the past. In 2018 they sold an exceptional Patek Philippe 2526 in platinum Tiffany signed (which I think set the world record for that reference) and an incredible JPS Rolex 6241. This is an auction house, that has a track record of getting some serious collector watches.
It seems they have done it again with two Rolex watches below. Both come from the original owner families and complete with all paperwork.
A 1958 Rolex Ref 6605 so called thunderbird version.
Many of you might know, that I do love watches with history. And it is why this watch here is my favourite lot being offered of the entire sale.
(Credit: Heritage auctions).
This Rolex date-just comes from the family of the original owner – a Thunderbird pilot Captain Herman E Griffin.
(Above Captain Herman Griffin with his Rolex thunderbird). Credit: Heritage auctions.
The thunderbirds were an official flying demonstration team of the US airforce formed in the early 1950s. Today watches that carry their logo (the thunderbird) are very collectable due to the scarcity and the coolness factor – thunderbird pilots were considered the best of the best (see main picture for full squadron).
What makes this watch so impressive though – is the condition and provenance that comes with the watch. There are four photographs, all from the 1950s all showing Captain Griffin wearing the Rolex 6605. Talk about a bullet proof provenance (see picture below and above).
(Credit: Heritage auctions).
If that is not enough, the back is furthermore inscribed with his name. The case seems in relatively good condition with hallmark lower left lug still visible.
(Credit: Heritage auctions).
The watch was presumably given or supplied to him by Rolex who aligned themselves with the Thunderbirds, in an attempt to capture the strong growth in the American market post world war. This is why you see the thunderbird emblem on the watch. Since there are so few in circulation it is not known with certainty how long Rolex marketed this watch with the thunderbird logo.
What is clear is that for a short time Rolex marketed the watch using the strong appeal of the thunderbirds who captured the imagination of many Americans.
(A vintage Rolex ad for the thunderbird model). Credit: Grayandsons
If the provenance and pictures as well as the story are not good enough an argument to own this watch – there is another reason to like it: it comes with every imaginable original document including original guarantee stamped 1958, original chronometer certificate, original chronometer rating, outer and inner box and hang tag. This is my definition of a full set. And a full set from the original owner family is something that is becoming rarer for collectors to bid on at auction.
The starting bid it seems for this watch is $20’000 but I expect it to go much higher. The auction for the watch is on June 1st.
NB: For those who are interested in learning more about the thunderbirds see their history section here.
A 1958 Rolex 6538 so called big crown 4 – liner
Rolex big crown submariners belong to the pinnacle of Rolex collecting.
My fellow Rolex enthusiast Rolexpassionreport has said this numerous times, but it is worth repeating once again. Early Rolex submariner are extremely rare watches and represent the DNA of Rolex like almost no other line does. It is thought that about 3000 pieces were made (not a tiny amount) but remember since it is a diving watch, most today didn’t survive in any acceptable condition. This is why when they do turn up (and they don’t turn up often), they fetch strong prices.
Honestly I cannot recall the last time I saw a Rolex big crown submariner (not to mention four liner) come to auction. It has been a few years ago. Rolex big crowns are mainly known in three models, the first the ref 6200 (known as the ‘king sub’ with explorer dial) followed by the 5510 and 6538.
The watch being offered by Heritage is a 6538.
(A Rolex 6538 with added OCC text below the submariner word, making this so called 4 – liner very rare).
The 6538 Rolex was made famous by its appearance in the James Bond Film from 1962, Dr. No.
While 6538 regular versions (so called two liner) are rare watches, the four line text (with the added OCC under the submariner text) takes rarity to another level. Good four line Ref 6538 years ago were selling already for $500k.
This Rolex 6538 with four line text comes from the original owners family and seems to be preserved in good condition. The case seems full and all numbers (ref nr and case nr) are legible between the lugs (see picture below).
With the big crown (and all Rolex submariners) you get the own Rolex movement – in the case of the 6538 the calibre 1030. See picture below.
What is furthermore impressive is that the owner kept the service documents from 1963.
Notice the option ‘reapplying radium’ that the owner could choose. Something unthinkable today.
This fine four liner big crown will be auctioned on June 1st, 2021 in Dallas Texas with Heritage auctions. Starting bid is a current $100’000. I expect this to reach a multiple of this amount fairly quickly.
