Rolex | WatchTime.com

What’s the Most Valuable Watch Brand?
And Just How Valuable Is It?

Top Luxury Brands 2009

Each year the Millward Brown Optimor consulting firm issues a ranking of the world’s top brands. MBO uses a complex formula to estimate a brand’s worth. Only one brand whose primary product is watches made the list: Rolex. MBO estimates that Geneva-based Rolex is the world’s sixth most valuable luxury brand with a value of $4.74 billion.

May 09, 2010 | Joe Thompson

Original Rolex Milgauss Tops $110,000 At Auction

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An original Rolex Milgauss Ref. 6541 produced in 1958 brought more than $113,000, including buyer’s premium, at today’s Bonhams auction of fine wristwatches in London. The watch, Lot 139, was originally sold by Watches of Switzerland in New Bond Street in 1962. Characterized by the “lightening strike” center seconds hand, the Milgauss was designed for use in areas subjected to high levels of electro-magnetic radiation. This example has a black honeycomb dial, “Milgauss” printed in red, a caliber 1066M movement, and a 35mm case.

June 10, 2009 | Mike Disher

Antiquorum’s June Sale: Steve McQueen, FDR, and More

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Antiquorum’s June 11 auction in New York will include timepieces associated with American icons including Steve McQueen, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Frank Sinatra, and others, well as collector pieces including a Patek Philippe Ref. 1436 dating to 1941, a mid-1990s Patek Ref. 3970, and an A. Lange & Söhne Tourbillon “Pour le Mérite” produced in 1996.

June 03, 2009 | Mike Disher

Rolex Updates the Classic Datejust

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The Rolex Datejust is perhaps the quintessential wear-it-anywhere-suit-or-jeans watch. On the 60th anniversary of the original launch, Rolex presents the Oyster Perpetual Datejust II Rolesor. The new model updates the classic Datejust design with a 41mm case. Available in steel and either white or yellow gold with a fluted bezel, the Datejust II is waterproof to 100 meters. The COSC-certified movement is designed and manufactured in house and it features a Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex shock absorbers. The steel and gold Oyster bracelet is fitted with an Easylink extension link for added wearing comfort.

April 28, 2009 | Mike Disher

Daytona Brings World Record Price at Auction

A vintage Ref. 6270 Rolex Daytona in 18k gold brought a world record Sfr. 360,000 at Antiquorum’s Spring sale in Geneva, held March 28 and 29. The record-setting Daytona’s bezel contains 28 baguette diamonds. Patek Philippe wristwatches also performed well. An 18k yellow gold Ref. 2499/100 perpetual calendar produced in 1980 brought SFr. 312,000, and a Ref. 1518 made in 1942 achieved SFr. 240,000. Overall the sale brought SFr. 5,419,584. All prices include buyer’s premium.

April 06, 2009 | Mike Disher

Davide Blei Rolex Collection Brings $3.7 Million

On Sunday March 22 in Milan, Patrizzi & Co. auctioneers brought the hammer down on the Davide Blei Rolex collection, selling 98% of the lots for a total of 2,736,400 euro or slightly more than $3.7 million. The sale result does not include a buyer’s premium, as Patrizzi & Co. does not charge a buyer’s premium. More than 200 people followed the auction, including more than 100 online. In a press release Patrizzi & Co. said “[I]t is comforting to know that despite a global economic crisis, fine horology remains, as it has throughout history, a strong, stable market, capable of inspiring great passion and excitement.”

March 25, 2009 | Mike Disher