Case of déjà vu – Rolex - third time lucky.

We say that things often come in cycles. That is certainly true when it comes to my collection of Rolex. Rolex is a brand that can be easily overlooked and that was the case in my early collecting habits as I was seduced by lesser known brands.

Whether love or hate it, Rolex certainly deserves to wear the crown in watch making. Value for money, technical robustness, in-house and independence are all prerequisites that appeal to me.

My first introduction to Rolex was a grand experience, as I managed to secure a SS Black Face Z series Daytona. Loved the price point (compared to my Pateks), the accuracy and the 72 hr power reserve which made it the perfect working week watch. Unfortunately it was sacrificed to provide partial funds for my Patek 5100J purchase.

Second introduction came in January this year when I was mesmerised by a tritium dialled Submariner 5513 from 1984. Whilst the dial and hands were perfect, the case was worn and the bracelet was not original. Again it was sacrificed for another Patek.

This behaviour must be suggestive of insanity LOL!

The saying that a watch collection represents a person’s personality certainly rings true. All my WIS colleagues know that I love Patek due to their ability to capture the essence of the watch making art. I suspect that I flock back to Rolex due the aura of their stainless steel sport watches. Isn’t there is a latent explorer, submariner, sea dweller or Daytona racer in all of us. As with Patek, a Rolex movement represents the same level of technical brilliance but in a more robust way.

So with great excitement I fell for the Rolex hex for the third time.

Very quickly the collection was established with a F 16600 Sea-Dweller which faithfully serves my as my daily companion in a hectic working week. I have to say that in terms of accuracy and efficiency the 3135 movement rates very highly.



The dial is pragmatic, extremely legible and one can easily underestimate its intricacies such as the highly accomplished black enamel that under close scrutiny oozes quality.




I’m a firm believer that every serious collection needs a ‘Grail Watch’ to effectively act as a foundation stone. With respect to Rolex, my interpretation of this phenomenon is 6263 silver dialled Daytona.

I caught a glimpse of this magnificent beauty about a year ago, however it was not to be mine. About a month ago, as fate would have it, I stumbled into my regular Rolex and Patek AD. Whilst having a general chat about all things watches he mentioned that a former customer sold an old 6263 silver dialled Daytona. Wow I thought to myself !!!!!

As soon as it came back from the Rolex Service Centre, one look and it was mine.



Love the dial, the plexiglass, the winding noise




The 727 movement is a noisy bugger which is another nice surprise.



A wristshot.



Still kicking myself that I am a lucky owner of a 6263. So far my wife and I have had two bottles of Champagne and a very nice bottle of one of Australia's best Chardonnay.

A wine befitting the 6263.




Sea Dweller shot with the Grail in background.



Thanks for having a look!! Catch you again soon!!