The Bob’s Watches Vintage Dive Watch Summer Auction on July 26, 2024, at 8:00 AM PDT, will feature a thoughtfully curated collection of history-rich dive watches. This online event offers collectors a unique chance to own a piece of dive watch legacy, including several rare Rolex Submariners and a highly coveted Tudor. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a passionate enthusiast, you will want to take advantage of the opportunity to add one of these prized collector’s items to your watch box.
Event Details
- Start Date and Time: July 26, 2024, 9:00 AM PDT
- End Date and Time: July 30, 2024, 5:00 PM PDT
- Format: Online Auction
- How to Join: Register on bobswatches.com to participate
Highlighted Watches
Our summer auction showcases an impressive lineup of dive watches that have shaped the history of underwater timekeeping. From the rugged elegance of the Tudor Submariner to the legendary Rolex Sea-Dweller and iconic Rolex Submariner models, each timepiece tells a unique story of innovation, durability, and style. Let’s dive into the details of these horological treasures.
Vintage Tudor Submariner 94110
The Vintage Tudor Submariner 94110 is the quintessential dive watch that reflects the brand’s unique approach to watchmaking. Introduced in the 1970s, this model stands out with its robust build and distinct blue dial, making it a favorite among vintage watch collectors. The 94110 model, often called the Tudor Snowflake due to its unique hand design, has become highly sought after for its fascinating history and distinctive Tudor DNA.
The blue design set is similar to the Tudor Submariners the French Navy once supplied to their divers, adding even further to its collectability among enthusiasts in the know. What’s also particularly fascinating about this model is that it pre-dates the blue Submariners produced by Rolex, which weren’t added to the Crown’s catalog until the 1980s (for gold and two-tone versions).
- Case Diameter: 40mm
- Materials: Stainless steel
- Movement: Automatic
- Additional Functions: Quick-set Date function
- Bezel: Rotating bezel
- Dial: Blue dial with “Snowflake hands & hour markers”
- Bracelet: Stainless steel Oyster
- Water Resistance: 200 meters / 660 feet
- Appeal: Known for its distinctive “Snowflake” design and historical value
- Starting Bid: TBD
- Estimate: TBD
Vintage Rolex Sea-Dweller 1665 Double Red Sea-Dweller
The Vintage Rolex Sea-Dweller 1665, commonly known as the Double Red Sea-Dweller (DRSD), is a hallmark of Rolex’s innovation in deep-sea diving watches. Launched in the late 1960s, the DRSD features dual lines of red text on the dial, a distinguishing characteristic that collectors highly prize. As mentioned in our Double Red Sea-Dweller 1665 review, this model was one of the first to incorporate a helium escape valve, enhancing its functionality for professional divers.
Submariners produced during this era were waterproof up to 200 meters, a perfectly acceptable depth rating for the average professional diver. The Rolex 1665, with 610 meters of water resistance, was viewed as more of an extreme diving watch. These models were less popular among collectors because people didn’t see the need to pay a premium for the Sea-Dweller over the Submariner. Today, the DRSD variation of the ref. 1665 is an incredibly prized collector’s item because it was the first official production of the Sea-Dweller. Rolex would eventually discontinue this model and replace it with the Great White 1665 with all-white text.
- Case Diameter: 40mm
- Materials: Stainless steel
- Movement: Automatic
- Additional Functions: Date function, helium escape valve
- Bezel: Rotating bezel
- Dial: Black dial with two lines of red text
- Bracelet: Stainless steel Oyster
- Water Resistance: 610 meters / 2000 feet
- Appeal: Iconic double red text, rarity and technological achievement
- Starting Bid: TBD
- Estimate: TBD
Rolex Submariner Vintage Ref. 1680
The Rolex Submariner Vintage Ref. 1680, introduced in the late 1960s, is a cornerstone in the Submariner lineup as the first model to feature a date function. This innovation set a new standard for dive watches, combining practicality with Rolex’s renowned craftsmanship. The Rolex 1680 is beloved for its classic design and the cyclops lens over the date, which has become a hallmark of Rolex watches.
The watch’s aesthetics, characterized by a black dial and a matching bezel, exude timeless elegance. Its robust build and reliable movement ensure its functionality remains uncompromised, even in challenging underwater conditions. For collectors, the Ref. 1680 represents a pivotal moment in Rolex’s history, making it a prized possession for those who appreciate the blend of form, function, and historical significance.
- Case Diameter: 40mm
- Materials: Stainless steel
- Movement: Automatic
- Additional Functions: Date function
- Bezel: Rotating bezel
- Dial: Black dial
- Bracelet: Stainless steel
- Water Resistance: 200 meters/ 660 feet
- Appeal: First Submariner with a date function, iconic design
- Starting Bid: TBD
- Estimate: TBD
Vintage Rolex Submariner 5513 “Meters first“
If you have ever read a Rolex Submariner 5513 review, you’ll likely agree that this timepiece is the quintessential dive watch. The reference is known for its simplicity and robust performance. Produced from the early 1960s to the late 1980s, the 5513 has a storied history and is beloved by both vintage watch collectors and diving enthusiasts. Its no-date dial provides a clean, uncluttered look that emphasizes the Submariner’s functionality and timeless design.
With its iconic black dial and matching bezel, the Rolex 5513 maintains the classic Submariner aesthetic. The watch is equipped with a sturdy stainless steel case and bracelet designed to endure the demands of underwater exploration. The model’s long production run and historical significance make it a staple in any vintage watch collection, appealing to those who appreciate the purity of design and the reliability that Rolex is known for.
- Case Diameter: 40mm
- Materials: Stainless steel
- Movement: Automatic
- Additional Functions: None
- Bezel: Rotating bezel
- Dial: Black dial
- Bracelet: Stainless steel
- Water Resistance: 200 meters/ 660 feet
- Appeal: Classic no-date design, long production run, and historical value
- Starting Bid: TBD
- Estimate: TBD
How to Prepare
We encourage bidders to research the watches featured in the upcoming auction before bidding commences. The Bob’s Watches team is available to chat at 800-494-3708 if you have any questions.
Set a realistic budget before the auction begins, taking into account that there are no premiums or fees. Your final bid will be what you pay plus any applicable taxes. Stay focused during bidding, but be prepared for competition on these highly sought-after pieces. Remember, confidence comes from preparation – the more you know about these iconic dive watches, the better equipped you’ll be to secure your dream timepiece.
Dive In: Your Adventure Awaits
Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to own a piece of diving watch history! The Bob’s Watches Vintage Dive Watch Summer Auction is more than just a sale; it’s a celebration of horological innovation and underwater adventure. These timepieces have graced the wrists of explorers, withstood the pressures of the deep, and emerged as icons of style and engineering.
Mark your calendars for July 26, 2024, and prepare to dive into the exciting world of vintage luxury watches. Whether you’re looking to add to your collection or acquire your first piece of horological history, this auction promises something special for every enthusiast. Register for the luxury watch auction now on bobswatches.com, and get ready to make a splash in the world of vintage dive watches!
