Rolex 1675

I have traded in my Rolex big bubbleback with date for a nice condition 1964  Rolex GMT 1675.

From this 

To this

It was a difficult choice but ...one out and one in...

The 1675 has always been in my wanted list. Originally, I was hoping to find one in a gilt dial but since I couldn't find any that is in nice condition, I decided to get this nice condition one and wait..

As a compass..

Glycine Airman

Glycine "Old" Airman watch with black dial . Model ref .A.Schild 1701, automatic, 25j . 36mm

I have always wanted to keep a Glycine classic airman watch used by the US Pilot during the Vietnam war. Since there are many fakes around the markets I  tended to be very cautious. This evening, my original intention is to go for a simple haircut ended up visiting a vintage watch shop.

The GLYCINE AIRMAN vintage military watch was used in Vietnam; popular amongst military servicemen and pilots everywhere. From the 1950's to the 1970's pilots have relied on them due to their bold and easy to read 24 hour dial. These dials display both 24 hour time and conventional time at the same time! 

I have found an  original including the black dial and hands watch from 1965. The lower crown locks the rotating bezel. The automatic winding, signed A.S. true 24hr. movement. These watches are very hard to find-quite collectable and uncommon in original condition.

This GLYCINE AIRMAN watches have a hacking seconds feature. On this version of the Airman, the hacking section is engaged when the crown is pulled out and a wire shoots up at 12:00 to stop the second hand. 

Due to the desirability of the GLYCINE AIRMAN, there are FAKES out there-we know the difference. Many buyers are getting scammed-be careful-especially on eBay. 

Found this lovely all original Glycien airman watch from the 1960s...

I was lucky to be able to meet the author of the book during Baselworld 2013, which inspired me to search for the vintage Glycine watch..

Movements evolution

1953 – 1960 Felsa 692, 23 jewels
1960 – 1967 A.Schild 1701, 25 jewels and 17 jewels in the Airman Special
1967 – 1971 A.Schild 1903, 25 jewels
1971 – 1974 A.Schild 2063, 25 jewels
1974 – 1978 A.Schild 2163, 25 jewels

Naked 8171

Rolex explorer 1 gilt dial

I have sold off the Rolex 1016 gilt dial below.

Even though the Rolex Gilt Explorer 1's condition is not perfect, since I sold off my previous Explorer 1 gilt dial, there is always a sense of regret in my heart. Following which, I have tried to find a replacement and it took several months before I could find one. There was one I found in Aug but the Rolex 1016 was fitted with a dial for the 6610. Following which, it took me several moths and negotiation before I could find one with Rolex serviced paper..

Another new strap..

New Strap for an old watch

Just fixed a new strap for an old watch. I think the new strap has made the watch more sporty..

Rolex Failures in the past that becomes highly collectables today

The following are the past failures of Rolex that have become highly collectable today. The lists includes the Rolex 1655 Explorer 2, the cream dial Rolex Explorer 2 ref 16550, Rolex Milgauss, Rolex Trubeat 6556, and the Rolex Moonphase... The past failures have become highly popular and in great demand toady... Failures are success...

James Bond watch

My 1965 James Bond watch has just been serviced and is ready for some action... Only problem is that the strap is too short...haha this watch is for James Bond when he is in primary school...

Rolex oyster 1950s

This is a classic manual winding Rolex Oyster from the 1950s. There are a few models from the early 50s namely Rolex Speedking ( which is smaller in size) and the Royal, slightly larger Rolex. This is a classic watch with elegant design and is light weighted and nice to wear. 

This watch has a special engine tuned bezel and a nice original white dial that has matured into a nice cream colour.Previously, one can find lots of these but these are getting rare especially in very good condition.

James Bond 1965 Gilbert Spy Watch 007

James Bond 1965 Gilbert Spy Watch 007

Back in the 1960s, James Bond movies hit the big screen in all its glory! Being the success that it was, the Bond franchise spawned a very popular spy genre that included the Man From U.N.C.L.E. (aka Man From UNCLE), Honey West, and others.  And the toys.  There were tons of toys for the kids to use during their own spy exploits!  

One of my favorites is the James Bond Gilbert watch. Gilbert built a pretty innovative and unique mechanical wristwatch that included a mystery dial feature, which made it a totally different James Bond watch.  The watch features two spy scopes, a jump hour movement, and a world-time dial, everything you need to survive.

This was a disk with a hole cut out revealing the ’jump’ digital hour. Analog hands showed the minutes and seconds.  And the world time could be calculated by a rotating circle around the watches face.  And, best of all, secret sliding sighting lenses. Even though this is a "toy" watch, it has a special meaning. I remembered when I was in primary school, there was a classmate who owned one of this watch and it was the hero watch during the early days.

These watches were not sold in Singapore and it was really an object of desire then...

Rolex 1019

Vintage weekend gathering