During the weekend, I was bidding and closely monitoring the sales of a Blancpain No radiation watch at Antiqurum and I was hoping to get it around HK$150K. However, it went to HKG$220k and after adding the 25% commision, the price is HK$275k, which went beyond my budget.
As I am looking to buy one of my last watch for self collection for the year, I was contemplating between a Rolex Daytona Chocolate versus a full set Rolex 1655.
It was a difficult choice as I could only choose one between the two and I have decided to seek help from Ai. Choosing between a modern Everose Daytona and a vintage "Freccione" Explorer II is an excellent dilemma to have.
Since your primary goal is **long-term investment and price appreciation**, the horological market strongly favors one of these options over the other.
Here is a straightforward breakdown of how these two distinct pieces perform as investments.
Comparison:
| Feature. | Explorer II 1655 (Full Set) | Daytona 116515LN (Chocolate) |
| Era. | Vintage (1971–1985) | Modern (Neo-vintage to current) |
| Supply | Strictly finite (exceedingly rare as a full set) | Higher volume / Modern production |
| Market Volatility | Low (insulated from modern hype cycles) | Moderate to High (subject to current trends) |
| Asset Class | True collector's antique | Modern luxury commodity |
Rolex Explorer II Ref. 1655 (Full Set)
For pure long-term investment, the 1655 is the superior choice.
* **The Power of the "Full Set":** Finding a vintage sports Rolex from the 1970s or early 1980s with its original box, punched papers, and booklets is incredibly difficult. Collectors pay a massive premium for complete provenance, and this premium compounds over time.
* **Finite Scarcity:** Rolex is never making another 1655. As time goes on, fewer of these exist in good, original condition due to damage, loss, or replacement parts during servicing.
* **Market Stability:** Vintage Rolexes with strong provenance are considered blue-chip collectibles. They do not experience the wild price spikes and subsequent crashes seen in the modern watch market over the last five years. They appreciate slowly, steadily, and reliably.
* **Condition is Everything:** To realize this appreciation, the watch must have an unpolished (or very lightly polished) case, an original dial (no service replacement dials), and matching tritium patina on the hands and markers.
Rolex Daytona 116515LN (Chocolate Dial)
While a stunning piece of modern horology, it functions differently as an asset.
* **Trend Dependency:** Modern precious metal Daytonas are highly desirable, but their secondary market prices are tied heavily to contemporary hype, stock market performance, and macroeconomic factors. They saw massive inflation in 2021/2022, followed by a significant market correction.
* **Lack of Rarity:** While you cannot easily walk into a boutique and buy one at retail, Rolex produces a significant number of modern Daytonas. It does not have the intrinsic scarcity of a discontinued, 40-year-old reference.
* **Depreciation Risk:** If you are buying it new at retail, it will likely hold its value well immediately. However, if you are paying secondary market premiums, you are exposing yourself to the risk of short-term market softening before you ever see long-term gains.
The Verdict
If your absolute priority is wealth preservation and long-term appreciation, secure the Explorer II 1655 Full Set. It is a piece of horological history with a proven, decades-long track record of financial growth.
Following the advice from AI, I then asked myself, why the Rolex 1655? I used to have two Rolex 1655 Explorers and one restored in Taipei when I was working in Taipei and another fully restored in Rolex HKG.
Along the way, I have let one go to my brother in law and decided to keep the fully restored one for myself and this has always been one of my regrets. As such, for my last high costs watch to get for the year, I have decided on the rolex 1655 in full set to celebrate my bonus and at the same time fulfillment of my dream and removal of my regrets. This Rolex 1655 will also fit nicely with my family of Rolex Explorers consisting of rolex ref 6610, 1016 gilt and matt dial, 1655, 16550 creamdial, Canadian Explorer 5501, 5701 (with Date) plus the Tudor Ranger watch.
Based on compiled Rolex serial number databases, a serial number of 7119xxx dates the watch's production to late 1981 or early 1982. However, owing to the poor sales, the watch was only sold in 1984.
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