Rolex ref 1601 Datejust 18k Rose gold

I have a passions for vintage Rose gold watches as it has a nice warm tone. In particular, the Rolex Datejust rose gold &  steel and the solid 18k rose gold watch. Last weekend, I have managed to find a nice 18k rose gold 1601 watch in black dial & rose markers from the year 1966. Characteristic for this era of production is the so-called ‘Pie-Pan’ dial were the dial looks like an upside-down pie-pan. I have traded away a steel & gold Datejust for this. There is another Rolex Day Date 1803 in Rose gold... hope to be able to pair it up with this Rose gold soon...

It’s not easy to take photos of the Red gold watch. 

One of the most direct way is to put it side by side for AB comparison.

From Pink gold to Rose gold to Yellow

Rolex Datejust ref 16014 (from 1987)

There is always something new to learn everyday. Rolex collectors know all about so-called “transitional” Submariners and GMTs and other sports models… but not so much the Datejust. 

We know that Rolex 1600, 1601, 1603 all come with the plastic crystals plus a non quickset movement. Plastic crystals and quickset dates rarely occur in the same watch. This model 16014 Datejust is unique as It has an original stainless steel case has 18k white gold bezel, and with plastic crystal, screw-down crown operating perfectly, and dimensions of 36mm diameter by 12.5mm thick. It has an quick set date automatic winding Rolex Caliber 3035 with 27 jewels and adjusted in 5 positions and to temperature. Moreover, it has a silver dial with radial sunburst finish, original diamond hour markers and date at 3 o’clock. This C.O.S.C. Certified Chronometer movement plus Rolex thick Jubilee bracelet. The Rolex 16014 was produced from 1977-88. This watch was produced in 1987 with starting R307XXX making these one of the last few transitional Datejust.

Omega Cosmic Moonphase watch ref 2473

Introduced in 1947, the Cosmic was Omega’s first watch to combine the time and date with a calendar function displaying the date, day of the week, month and the phase of the moon. The Cosmic collection was in production until 1956. 

At the time it was one of the most exclusive watches the brand could offer. The Omega Cosmic watches came in two sizes (34-35mm and 37.5mm) in four different case materials namely steel, gold filled, gold-capped, and solid yellow or pink gold variants (14K and 18K). 

Omega released six references: five in the late 1940’s and one in the early 1950’s. The reference 2606, 2471 and 2473 were all 35mm watches. The reference 2485 and 2486 were larger with 37.5mm. In 1951, the last reference of this collection came to existence as the reference 3944. It was also smaller in size but had a very distinct square case, instead of round like all the others before. 

At the time of its release, a triple calendar complication was representative of the height of a watch manufacture’s prowess in wrist-worn timepieces. Nearly every noteworthy brand made them, from Patek Philippe to Rolex. But surviving examples produced by Patek Philippe or Rolex, for example, go for six figures at auction today, whereas the Omega Cosmic is far more accessible. The Cosmic’s dial features a classic triple calendar layout, with the day of the week and month below the 12 O’clock, position, moonphase indicator at 6 O’clock and date indictor around the perimeter of the dial. The cycle of the Moon is approximately 29.5 days. This means that from new moon (when the Moon is barely visible in the sky) to full Moon (when the whole disc is illuminated) back to the new moon again our grey astronaut landing station needs 29 days, 12 hours and 44 minutes (and 2,9 seconds) to conclude. This cycle was recognized thousands of years ago and it became a way to measure the passing of time. One could look up to the Moon and tell if it was the beginning or the end of a month (well, this +- 29.5-day period). Over time a few days were added or taken away and the (Gregorian) calendar we know today was born.

Omega touted the slimness of the Cosmic’s case in advertising material, stating that it was “the first calendar watch whose movement was conceived to fit in an ultra-flat case.” For the collector who seeks an elegant dress watch. 

I used to have a square Moonphase during the late 1990s and another gold filled Omega Moonphase but I have sold it away to trade for a Rolex 1625 a few years ago. It was a decision which I have regretted. After a few years of searching, I have finally managed to find one ref 2473. It was love at first sight as it has my favoutite rose gold and with an original dial. The condition of the wach is really good for a watch that is 74 yeasr old. I have to let go my NOS Trematic Moonphase for this..

Omega Constellation 168.029

These are Omega 168.029. The watch is fitted with a white gold fluted bezel, and the day-date complication help make this model of Omega Constellation an excellent value proposition. One is fitted with the eye-catching linen dial, and another is a gray dial. These are great example of how the watches has evolved over the decades. 

The watch features many details we have come to love about vintage "Connies" from the collection branding on the dial with an applied star logo to the Geneva Observatory caseback medallion plus a white gold bezel. The dial here has a linen-like finish, adding an extra layer of dimension to the dial The eight stars on this gold tone medallion represent the eight observatory chronometer competitions Omega won in the 20th century. As you might expect, this Constellation was a chronometer-rated watch, with chronometer written right on the dial. It uses the caliber 751.

International Watch Company (IWC) INGENIEUR 666AD

In the 1950s an increasing number of elector appliances were making their way into ordinary households. These generated magnetic fields that adversely affected the accuracy of wristwatches. Engineers, in particular, often worked in areas subject to magnetic fields. Making a new watch line especially for this profession seemed like a good idea.

Launched in 1954/55, the Ingenieur set the bar for all subsequent entries into the category, including the Omega Railmaster and the Rolex Milgauss. IWC released the Ingenieur in 1955 to meet a growing need for high quality, purpose built tool watches appropriate for professional applications. IWC made a watch specifically made to operate in environments with high magnetic fields, up to 1,000 Gauss.

Offered originally in date (666AD) and non-date format (666A), the 666 series are one of the most hard to find vintage IWC models on the market today. The 666A is a 3-hand dial, equipped with the 852 calibre, while the 666AD houses a 8521 calibre and boasts a date display  A combination of limited production and its unassuming looks, not to mention the perils of time, make early examples such as this one a highly desirable "pre-Genta" Ingenieur.

 
The Ingenieur was constructed with an inner case and dust cap made of soft iron that enabled the mechanism to withstand strong magnetic fields. These watches have become increasingly sought after in recent years due to the high quality mechanical movements utilized, a larger case size and well proportioned, elegant dial designs.
 
I have managed to find one from my friend  Matthew.

https://www.frizzellweb.com/larry/ingenieur/Ingenieur2.html#853

http://www.moeb.ch/Ingenieur/01e_ref666.html

Omega Constellation 168027

In 1966 Omega released the white gold knurled bezel version of the calibre 564 reference 168027. Designated as model 168.027 and shown below, it offered a broader range of dial colours including gray, deep metallic blue and moire maroon finishes. I haev previously owned several of the 160017 and 168027 but I have let them go to my friends. Finally managed to find one back.

Pierce Chronograph 1940s

17J Pierce Caliber 134 Military Stainless steel Chronograph with a well running Pierce in house movement which is extremely rare today. Pierce was marketed as a 4 in 1 watch in that it contained a timekeeper, a stopwatch, a telemetre scale to measure sound distance as well as a tachymetre scale to measure speed. 37 mm diameter excluding pushers. It has a beautiful case back with eight screws.

The British government was the largest contractor of the Pierce Chrono until the end of the Second World War.  The Pierce Chronographs were used extensively by the British Army's medical division. Rare and highly collectible chronograph with a tropical aged dial.

This model was an official pilots chronograph during the late 40's. and was selected as the official watch for the flight crew of Trans-Caribbean Airlines. Belongs in everyone's military and chronograph collection.