DIMA skin diver watch

Not being able to move around outside owing to Covid 19 has allow me to have more time on the internet to search for watches. After much searching, I have found a nice skin diver from Lecce Italy. My key considerations for a skin diver are: size, automatic movement and special dial..

This is a Vintage Diver "DIMA WATCH" with Serial number 79413 from the 1960s. It is a good size Diameter 37.5mm x 47mm excluding screw down crown. What made this watch unique is that It has a steel & bakelite dotted bezel at 39mm, similar to the early Rolex 6542 with Bakelite bezel insert and the ZRC grand fonds. It comes with a Felsa 4007 automatic movement and it comes with a shining black dial plus an elastic rivet bracelet.

What made the watch stands out is the Bakelite dotted insert as well as its large dotted markers on the dial and the overall condition is very good l.

The Dima skin diver's Bezels resembles that of the ZRC Grand Fonds, but the watch is at 1/4 of its price.

The watch still retains its original winding crown and looked unpolished

Love the bronze coloured movement

Other variations of Divers

 

My Grandfather's watch

hursday, April 17, 2008

My Grandfather's watch

This watch belonged to my late grandfather. Even though its not a branded watch, it has tremendous sentimental values!

Rolex 16550 Cream dial bought in July 2012

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Rolex explorer 2 cream dial 16550

After days of waiting, my Creamy Explorer 2 finally arrived all the way from the USA! As this is Saturday, a non working day, I will have to wait till Monday morning to receive the watch from office. Since I just do not have the patience to wait, I called up FedEx and request for self collection! The places was quite far but I was determined to get the watch!

Yea! Finally, my Creamy comes home!

This is how the colour has evolved..

Before & After Photo

Rolex 16550 Real cream dial versus After Market fake brown dial

Friday, January 24, 2014

Rolex 16550

The cream dial Rolex 16550'is highly collectable owing to the discoloration. However, owing to the demand, the are bound to have man made discoloration. Normally, the white 16550 dial owing to manufacturing default, will changed to a nice yellowish cream colour. However, I have seen one in brown lately. I was told that the authenticity of the brownish dial is questionable,many comments?

This is an interesting insights on rolex 16550 cream dial from the net:

http://www.bjsonline.com/watches/articles/0016.shtml

If one enquires from The Rolex Watch Company about the so called "Cream/Ivory" dial Explorer II Ref 16550, the company will tell you that it does not exist. So if it does not exist then what is all the fuss about?

Well, unintentionally, it does exist. I say unintentionally because in reality the dial colour was supposed to be white, but due to some fault in the paint used by the Rolex watch Company, the dial left the factory as cream or Ivory colour. Thus the Cream/Ivory colour Explorer II was born. They were made in the mid 1980's, probably from 1984 to 1986, with either a 8 or 9 million serial number and only a small quantity of watches were actually sold. The reason for this was quite simple: they were not popular at all. This Model Reference also came in a black dial version and later on in a white dial version (1986-1988).

In recent years, Rolex Collectors have been chasing the price of this model, driving it higher and ever higher. As with most things in life, as the price and demand of an article rises, fraudsters move in to take advantage of the less knowledgeable and easy preys. Many White dialled Explorer II Ref 16550 have been "converted" to the rarer Cream/Ivory colour model simply by focusing a ray of hot light or even sun light for long periods on to the dial.

This information is helpful to avoid buying fake cream dial..

Rolex 6202 Turn O Graph

An old post from the 2009 July ..

https://www.phillips.com/article/3831520/the-revolutionary-turn-o-graph

Friday, July 31, 2009

Rolex 6202 Turn-O-Graph gilt dial

After much searching, I have finally found another Rolex 6202 with an original gilt dial. The price to pay, however, is twice the amount for the previous one.

The 6202 is THE VERY FIRST Rolex watch with a rotating bezel.   Considered by many as the base model on which the Submariner, Sea-Dweller, Thunderbird and Yachtmaster were built. 

Since I have decided to keep a series of Rolex bubbleback and semi-bubbleback, this 6202 with original gilt dial is a must as I have grouped it as part of the extension of skus belonging to the Bubbleback series.

The Turn-O-Graph was presented at the Basel Fair in 1953, the year of production of the present watch. The model was always fitted with a rotating bezel with five minute divisions, referred to as a "time-recording-rim" by Rolex. Designed to be used as a simplified chronograph version for timing events for up to an hour, it was promoted as being able to calculate the "Timing of a transatlantic telephone call, the rate of a machine, a patient's pulse, the speed of a train or the development of a film".

Despite its brilliant concept, the model was at the time not as successful as expected by Rolex, mainly due to the simultaneous in-house competition from the Submariner and the GMT-Master, but enjoys today great popularity amongst collectors.

Rolex Prince Jump Hour

The Rolex Prince Jump Hour: A Timepiece of Innovation and Style

When it comes to luxury watches, Rolex has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation and design. One notable timepiece in their collection is the Rolex Prince Jump Hour from the 1930s. This exquisite watch combines the elegance and precision for which Rolex is renowned with a unique jumping hour complication. In this article, we will explore the fascinating features and history of the Rolex Prince Jump Hour, as well as its appeal to watch enthusiasts and collectors.

## The History of the Rolex Prince Jump Hour

The Rolex Prince Jump Hour made its debut in the 1930s, during a time when Art Deco design was at its peak. This era was characterized by geometric shapes, bold lines, and a departure from traditional watch designs. Rolex embraced this aesthetic movement and introduced the Prince Jump Hour as a testament to their commitment to innovation and style.

## Design and Features

The Rolex Prince used a movement by Hermann Aegler. It was a rectangular shaped movement, which had its winding barrel at one end and a large balance at the other end. This theoretically allowed a larger barrel, which in turn allowed a longer mainspring – and therefore longer autonomy (reportedly 58 hours).

Of the various Rolex Prince, there is a King among the Prince: The Rolex Prince Jump Hour watch: the world's first digital design. Carving out an aperture to display each hour that passes, this capsule vintage was known as the 'doctor's watch' for its ability to capture time down to the second; perfect for pulse taking.

The Rolex Prince Jump Hour stands out with its rectangular case, which was a departure from the round cases that were prevalent at the time. The case is typically made of high-quality materials such as stainless steel, gold, or platinum, adding to its luxurious appeal. The watch features a unique jumping hour complication, where the hour hand instantly jumps to the next hour at the top of the hour, while the minutes are indicated by a separate hand.

The dial of the Rolex Prince Jump Hour is a work of art, often adorned with elegant hour markers, such as Arabic numerals or baton indexes. The jumping hour window is prominently displayed, allowing for easy reading of the hour. Some models also include additional complications, such as a small seconds sub-dial or a date display, further enhancing the functionality of the watch.

## Precision Movement

The Rolex Prince Jump Hour is powered by a precise mechanical movement, meticulously crafted and tested to meet Rolex's high standards. The movement ensures accurate timekeeping and smooth operation of the jumping hour complication. Rolex's dedication to precision and reliability is evident in every aspect of the Prince Jump Hour, making it a trusted timepiece for watch enthusiasts.

## Collectibility and Value

The Rolex Prince Jump Hour holds a special place in the world of watch collecting. Its unique design, historical significance, and limited production contribute to its desirability among collectors. Vintage models, especially those in excellent condition and with rare dial variations, can command high prices in the market. Owning a Rolex Prince Jump Hour not only signifies a passion for horology but also serves as a valuable investment.

## FAQ

### 1. How does the jumping hour complication work?

The jumping hour complication in the Rolex Prince Jump Hour is a mechanism that allows the hour hand to instantly jump to the next hour at the top of the hour. This is achieved through a complex system of gears and springs that are synchronized with the movement of the watch. It provides a unique and visually striking way of indicating the hour.

### 3. Are there different variations of the Rolex Prince Jump Hour?

Yes, the Rolex Prince Jump Hour is available in various dial designs and materials. The dial can feature different hour markers, such as Arabic numerals or baton indexes, and may come in different colors or finishes. Additionally, the case can be made of stainless steel, gold, or platinum, allowing for personalization and customization options.

Conclusion

The Rolex Prince Jump Hour is a testament to Rolex's commitment to innovation and style. With its unique jumping hour complication, elegant design, and precision movement, it stands out as a remarkable timepiece. Whether you are a watch enthusiast, a collector, or someone who appreciates the artistry of horology, the Rolex Prince Jump Hour offers a blend of functionality and aesthetics that is hard to resist. Its historical significance, limited production, and collectible nature make it a valuable addition to any watch collection. So, if you're looking for a timepiece that exudes elegance, craftsmanship, and a touch of vintage charm, the Rolex Prince Jump Hour is definitely worth considering.

The world is getting smaller. I have managed to link up with the second owner of the Rolex Prince jump hour from India Subrata. Subrata has bought the watch from the first owner and sold to an Indian dealer who then sold it to Gary. I am the 4th owner of the watch.

Rolex 5701 dress watch Explorer with date

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

Rolex 5701 dress watch Explorer with date

This is my latest find, a Rolex 5701 dress Explorer made for the Canadian market. The seller has posted an unclear photo and I have to take my chances when bidding for it. Perhaps its due to the poor quality photos that the prices bid were not high.

Luckily, the watch turned up to be with the rare black dial, which require some TLC. There are scratches across the crystal which I think the scratches could be easily polished off using some toothpaste. Now, I will need a 5504 Explorer..

Before and after cleaning

Rolex Explorer date ref 5701

Old post from 2017...

Thursday, March 30, 2017

Rolex Explorer date ref 5701 (without date)

In the early days of the Explorer, Rolex was unsure of the model's potential. As a result the name was affixed to a number of models not immediately recognizable as the "Explorers". Today the name and the look are so intimately entwined it seems out of place to apply the name to watches which were so obviously not what we would call 'Explorers'. There were two distinct variations on the theme and they seem to have been aimed at two distinct markets. The first variation was the so-called 'Air-King' Explorer . The second variation on the theme are 'dress Explorers.' 

These were standard Oyster Perpetuals in steel or gold with white (or more rarely, black) non- Explorer dials featuring markers and hands, but signed 'Explorer' on the dials. Seen in both date and non-date forms, these watches all seem to have been sold in the North American market. The Explorer Date bears a model number 5700, previously unseen on any other Explorer (the non -date model is a model 5501 and 5504, which interestingly is more often seen on Explorers with the standard dial). It seems that these watches were made in the 1950's or 1960's, when Rolex was unsure of the Explorer's success, and attempted to increase the popularity of the watch by broadening the line. When the real mainstream Explorer began to sell, these 'piggyback' models were withdrawn. As a result of its limited production, these models are extremely rare and are presently sought after by collectors.

Over the years, I have collected Rolex Explorer I in gilt dial ref 6610, 1016, 5500, Explorer II ref 1655, cream dial16550 and recently the Dress watch Explorers without dates 5501 white and black gilt dial. I have been actively searching for a Rolex 5701, an Explorer with date. 

After several months of searching, I have finally found a rare version of the ROLEX EXPLORER with date model 5701, which was only produced for the Commonwealth market in original condition. Waiting for it to arrive..

There is one or two more Explorer to hunt and the 5504 is on my lists.

2020 Q3-4 Wish lists

2020 Q3-4 Wishlists

The following are my original 2020 wish lists and the progress:

1. Rolex Prince Jump Hour (Done May 2020)

2. Tudor Middle East center red (Done June 2020)

3. Vacheron & Constantin whitegold automatic

4. Rolex Datejust Tiger eye or Lapis dial

4. Blancpain 50

5. Lemania nuclear sub

However, after much considerations, I have decided to refine my watch collection further by focusing on the following:

1. Rolex Prince Jump Hour (Done May 2020)

2. Tudor Middle East center red & Blue (Done June 2020)

3. Tudor Black Bay Harrods (Done October 2020)

4. Omega Gold constellation Pie Pan Dial Arrowhead markers

5. Rolex Datejust Tiger eye or Lapis dial Searching

6. Rolex 1803 Day Date Tiger Eye or Lapis Searching

7. Rolex 16710 GMT II Waiting

8. Tudor Black Bay Middle East