MIDDLE OF THE MONTH WEAR...5.15.2012

My latest addition to my recent Vintage Blancpain addiction!! It's the class No Radiation Aqua Lung produced in the mid '60s.

Sapphire Crystal Rolex Vintage??

When people speak of the word "collectible" and "valuable" in the watch world, most automatically think of vintage. Meaning most anything that is discontinued for a distant time, matte dials, and more importantly plastic crystal instead of the current sapphire versions. To many they just consider sapphire crystal watches not vintage. It seems as though we are reaching an era where sapphire crystals have been around for several decades now and can possibly start becoming considered vintage? 

Above we see a pair of the very first 16520 Zenith Daytonas produced both with the rare Mk1 Floating "Cosmo" dials, where the word "Cosmograph" sort of floats in the middle of the dial compared to the rest of the words. Both are considered very collectible pieces these days and is difficult to find a prime example these days. 

Below we see a prime early Mk1 example of the 16660 Seadweller Matte dial. These were considered and used as true tool watches of their days. It represented the true transitional period where Rolex encased the "vintage" matte dials with the new use of sapphire crystals. In my opinion it is the best of both worlds. You get that real vintage feel of the matte but also the practicality of the sapphire. What's unique about this piece is it also has the Mk1 "single coronet" caseback which are only found in the very early examples of the 16660 and few have survived in excellent condition.

After examining both of the specimens, we are now left with the decision of whether these are considered vintage. These are all true transitional pieces and do indeed fill the gap between vintage and modern. Some have even classified them as "neo-vintage" but whether that is a category, you be the judge. Nonetheless, these are very collectible for sure and I foresee prices will continue to climb as these become even more desirable.

Understated True Original Divers: Blancpain Fifty Fathoms

Recently, the attention of Blancpains have really caught my eye. It signifies the beginning of the true diving era. During the 1950's Blancpain was the supplier of diving watches for many countries including the German Army, US Navy, and France. These were true tool watches in all aspects. At that time, they were only supplied to these elite class of divers and army as well as to major diving stores including Aqua Lung, classifying them as "civilian" models. Thus, many had the name printed onto the dial as well just like this early example with the 3-6-9-12 dial. Unfortunately, not many ever survived and these days are very collectible. Given you can find one, these command a high value.