Game-changing vintage Rolex: Hands-On with GMT-Master 16760, Submariner 5513, and more!

Isolation Binge:    • #QUARANT&H  

When these (vintage watches) were produced, they changed the identity of Rolex. They include the Submariner 5513, GMT-Master 16710 "Sophie Loren," Rolex Oyster Perpetual "Bombay," and the Datejust 16014 ("salmon corduroy").

Rolex Submariner Ref. 5513 "Matte": https://theoandharris.com/shop/vintag...
Rolex Submariner Ref. 5513 "Glossy" : https://theoandharris.com/shop/vintag...
Rolex GMT-Master 16760 "Fat Lady" : https://theoandharris.com/shop/vintag...
Rolex Datejust "Salmon" : SOLD
Rolex OP Bombay: NOT FOR SALE

More of Theo & Harris:
shop: http://bit.ly/theoandharris-watchshop
instagram: http://bit.ly/theoandharris-instagram
partnership contact: [email protected]
watch inquiries: [email protected]

#rolex #vintagewatch #theoandharris

Today, we're diving into some of the vintage watches that changed the identity of Rolex forever.

The natural place to start is with the Submariner, and here we have two examples of a 5513 Submariner, one with a matte dial and one with a glossy dial. This matte dial was born in 1973, and its bezel has faded from an inky black to a rich navy. Then, from 1984, we have a glossy dial 5513 with all of the signs of what Rolex would become in its journey from tool watch manufacturer with some luxury options, to an entirely luxury-focused entity.

One of these more original, precious metal options, is the reference 1011 Oyster Perpetual, nicknamed the Bombay. It's sublime twisted lugs, arrowhead markers, and rich silver dial all play up everything luxury that Rolex believed in in the mid 20th century. In another sign of this transition comes in the GMT Master line, or rather in the very first GMT Master II.

Meet the "Fat Lady," or the "Sophia Loren," whichever you prefer. The watch is the very first GMT Master model with a Coke (black and red) bezel, and this example was manufactured in 1987. To look at it next to the modern GMT, it's a definitively smaller, more refined watch. However, when compared to its contemporaries, the "Fat Lady" moniker makes a ton of sense. It's also one of the purest signs of Rolex becoming a luxury brand.

Finally, we have the Datejust 16014 with a "Salmon Corduroy" dial. It dates to 1988, and the tapestry pattern dial is one of the finest examples we've come across. It also harkens back to an era of Rolex that, sadly, is no longer with us.