White Gold Submariner Prototype From the Early 1970s (photo: Christie's)

This reference was the first Submariner to be produced in a precious metal and the first to feature a date function. However, it was only offered in yellow gold and stainless steel, making this prototype even more rare. This lot features a blue dial that is known as a ‘nipple dial’ because of the shape of the hour markers. Its graduated bezel is unique in that it is only serrated in two places, with the rest of the bezel smooth.

White Gold Rolex Submariner Prototype Reference 1680 (photo: Christie's)

The white gold Oyster case of this Submariner measures 40mm in diameter and houses an automatic 1570 movement with 26 jewels. It is fitted with an 18k white gold President bracelet, adding to the sophistication of this vintage timepiece. An interesting element of this particular watch is that it has no serial number as it was not manufactured for sale. Its uniqueness comes at a price, with the estimate for this lot set between $250,000 to $500,000 US.

Visit christies.com to check out all of the vintage watches that will be available during the Rolex Afternoon portion of their Geneva auction. Check out the Rolex Models section for info on other vintage Rolex watches.

Rolex Reference 6241 John Player Special Paul Newman Daytona

In 1972, John Player & Sons sponsored the Lotus Formula One team and the company’s colors, black and gold, were featured on the automobile along with the its logo. The race car became iconic and its name has become tied to the Reference 6241, which was produced years earlier in the late 1960s.

Less than 300 of this reference were released, most cased in 18k yellow gold. The 14k gold version is even more rare, adding to the value of the current lot. It is estimated to go for anywhere between $396,000 to $793,000 US at auction due to the remarkable condition it is in. The black dial features design elements that are unique to Paul Newman Daytonas from the era. The subtle yet prominent addition of the Tiffany & Co. to this already storied watch only adds to its prestige.

2017 Rolex Sky-Dweller User Guide (photo: Rolex)

Rolex isn't a brand that is known for overly complicated watches. They have only a few models that require some know-how to set the different functions and for those models they have added a User Guides section to their official website. If you own a Yacht-Master II, Sky-Dweller or the new Cellini Moonphase, you may benefit from checking it out.

The animated guides bring the user manual to life, with step-by-step instructions to walk you through the different settings. The Sky-Dweller presents the most complications, with setting instructions for the Reference Time, Local Time and Month and Date. The guide also lets the Cellini Moonphase owner know the correct position of the moon and how to get their timepiece to display it properly. Setting instructions for the Yacht-Master II's Regatta Timer are also presented for before and after the Regatta begins.

The User Guides section appears after the watchmaker has made several adjustments to their website. The latest updates seem to favor Rolex watch owners and potential customers. They added pricing to many of their more modestly-priced configurations just before Baselworld 2017 and have also been adding content tailored toward women, like the recent Every Rolex Tells a Story entry by Sylvia Earle. Although they do not sell timepieces through e-commerce on the site, it is the watchmaker's direct link to their target market.

Visit rolex.com to check out the latest updates and links to their social media accounts. While you are not able to order a wristwatch directly from them, they do have a store locator function that will guide you to the nearest Authorized Dealer. There is also information on where to service your Rolex and how to maintain it when it's at home.

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Yellow Gold Rolex Reference 6098 Honeycomb Star Dial

Only eight examples of the yellow gold Rolex Reference 6098 shown above with a silvered honeycomb star dial are known to exist. Introduced in the 1950s, this simple dress watch does nothing but display the time on an elegant dial decorated with star and dagger hour markers. This timepiece will be up for auction at Christie's Rare Watches and a Rolex Afternoon auction to be held on May 15th in Geneva, Switzerland.

The rarity of the star indexes is bolstered by a double-signed case back and copper-colored gilt movement that add to the uniqueness of this vintage Rolex. The Calibre A 260 10 1/2 automatic movement features 25 jewels. The Oyster case measures 35mm in diameter and the overall bracelet length is 190mm. It is fitted with an 18k gold Jubilee bracelet and deployant clasp stamped 4/51 or 57. The estimate for this lot is between $80,000 to $120,000 US.

Yellow Gold Rolex Reference 6098 Black Lacquered Star Dial

A Reference 6098 was part of a previous Christie's auction, shown above with a black lacquered dial and leather strap. The estimate for this lot was between $110,000 and $160,000, slightly more than the current lot due to its rarity and condition. The star indexes seen on these models are more commonly associated with the "Stelline" Rolex Reference 6062, which features a full calendar and moon phases. The Honeycomb Silvered Star Dial 6098 is the only vintage Rolex model with star indexes that is part of this upcoming auction.

For more information on this reference and the other timepieces that will be up for auction during the Rolex Afternoon portion of the Christie's auction in Geneva this month, visit christies.com.

Vintage Rolex Reference 8382 Neptune Cloisonné Enamel Dial (photo: Phillips)

Fans of Roman mythology and vintage watches will be happy to see another Rolex featuring a cloisonné of Neptune enameled on the dial. The yellow gold Rolex above (Reference #8382) will be available at Phillips' The Geneva Watch Auction Five taking place on May 13-14, 2017 in Switzerland. If the dial looks familiar to you, it's because this isn't the first time the auction house will offer a gold Rolex with Neptune enameled on the dial.

The current lot features a circular 37mm 18k yellow gold case fitted with a manual calibre E80'568 with 19 jewels. It comes on an alligator leather strap with a yellow gold Rolex pin buckle. On this reference, the cloisonné enamel is set inside a circular ring of gold where the gold indexes are placed.  It also features the company name in black inside the enamel just below the gold crown at 12 o'clock.

Vintage Rolex Reference 4645 Neptune Non-Oyster (photo: Phillips)

Both dials were executed by Mrs. Nelly Richard for Stern Frères. The labor-intensive enameling process includes outlining the figures with gold wire, applying the enamel to different regions and firing in a kiln to intensify the colors and lighting effects. Though they look nearly identical, there are subtle differences between the two Neptune depictions above. You can see the differences on the lower right, with the legs and manes of the the horses varying slightly in position. The position of the waves also vary a bit between the two.

At the Phillips Rolex Milestones auction in Hong Kong last year, the Reference 4645 above sold for over $750,000 US. This piece features a square, non-Oyster dial, making it even more rare than the 8382. The estimate for the current lot is between 300,000 and 600,000 Swiss francs. For more information on the Geneva auction, visit phillips.com.

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