Pre-Owned Picks: A Classic Rolex Submariner, A Royal Oak Offshore, And A Seriously Lovely Dress Watch From Jaeger-LeCoultre
Each week, we present a selection of our favorite watches from the pre-owned side of our collection. We photograph each one so that you get a closer look at what makes these watches so special. This week, we have a shining example of a five-digit Rolex Submariner, a big and burly Royal Oak, a dive-ready Bathyscaphe from Blancpain, a sporty chronograph from IWC, and a beautiful dress watch from JLC.
Rolex Submariner 14060 ‘4 Liner’
The Rolex Submariner 14060 was produced from the late 1980s until the early 2000s, and this reference has become a favorite among collectors and enthusiasts for its clean, unembellished dial and robust construction. The “4 Liner” designation refers to the four lines of text on the dial, which include the model name, depth rating, and certification details, emphasizing the watch’s professional dive capabilities. The 14060, with its lack of a date complication, offers a symmetrical and uncluttered aesthetic, staying true to the original Submariner design ethos.
This Submariner features a 40mm stainless steel case and is equipped with the iconic Oyster architecture, known for its durability and water resistance, rated up to 300 meters (1,000 feet). The unidirectional rotating bezel, with its aluminum insert and 60-minute graduation, allows divers to accurately track their bottom time.
The dial of the Submariner 14060 is characterized by its black background and luminous hour markers and hands, which ensure excellent readability in low-light conditions. The absence of a date window maintains a harmonious and balanced design, appealing to purists who appreciate the Submariner’s original form. The watch is powered by the Rolex Caliber 3130, a robust and reliable automatic movement known for its precision and durability. This COSC-certified chronometer movement operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and offers a power reserve of approximately 42 hours.
The Rolex Submariner 14060 is not only a tool watch par excellence but also a symbol of timeless style and engineering excellence. Its minimalist design, combined with Rolex’s renowned craftsmanship, makes it a versatile and enduring piece suitable for both diving and everyday wear.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 25721ST
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 25721ST is a notable and influential model within the Royal Oak Offshore collection, renowned for its bold design and substantial presence. Introduced in 1993 as part of the Royal Oak Offshore series, this reference marked the 20th anniversary of the original Royal Oak and was designed to be a more robust and sportier version of its predecessor. The 25721ST features a 42mm stainless steel case, which, at the time of its release, was considered oversized, pioneering the trend for larger sports watches.
The dial of the 25721ST is characterized by its “Méga Tapisserie” pattern, a larger and more pronounced version of the “Tapisserie” motif found on the standard Royal Oak. This intricate pattern adds depth and texture to the dial, available in various colors, with the most classic being the blue variant. The dial also features three sub-dials for the chronograph functions and a date window at the three o’clock position.
The automatic movement features a date mechanism and chronograph complication and is meticulously finished to Audemars Piguet’s high standards. The watch is equipped with a screw-down crown and pushers, ensuring water resistance up to 100 meters, making it suitable for both underwater activities and everyday wear.
Completing the robust and sporty look of the 25721ST is the integrated stainless steel bracelet, known for its comfort and durability. The bracelet features a combination of brushed and polished finishes, seamlessly blending with the case and enhancing the watch’s luxurious appeal. The 25721ST’s bold aesthetics, coupled with Audemars Piguet’s renowned craftsmanship, make it a tough yet entirely wearable chronograph that manages to be both sporty and decidedly high-end in its execution.
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe 5000-1512
Introduced as a more contemporary interpretation of the original Fifty Fathoms, the Bathyscaphe line retains the collection’s rich heritage while offering a sleek and versatile aesthetic. The reference 5000-1512 features a 43mm satin-brushed titanium case, and its unidirectional rotating bezel, with its ceramic insert and Liquidmetal hour markers, is designed for precise timing and adds to the watch’s robust, dive-ready appearance.
The dial features luminous dot and baton hour markers and hands, which provide excellent visibility in low-light conditions. The date window is discreetly positioned between the four and five o’clock markers, maintaining the dial’s symmetry and functionality without overwhelming its simplicity. The inclusion of a red-tipped seconds hand adds a subtle touch of color to the otherwise monochromatic design.
Powering the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe 5000-1512 is the Blancpain Caliber 1315, an automatic movement known for its robustness, precision, and impressive power reserve. This movement offers a power reserve of approximately 120 hours (five days), thanks to its three mainspring barrels. The Caliber 1315 operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and features a silicon balance spring, which provides enhanced resistance to magnetic fields and improves overall accuracy. The movement is visible through the sapphire crystal case back, allowing for an appreciation of Blancpain’s meticulous finishing and watchmaking expertise.
Overall, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe 5000-1512 is a superb combination of historical significance, modern technology, and elegant design, making it a desirable timepiece for diving enthusiasts and watch collectors alike.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Q1452404
Part of the esteemed Master Control collection, this model embodies the brand’s commitment to timeless design and technical excellence. The Q1452404 features a 35mm case crafted from 18k rose gold, offering a luxurious yet understated aesthetic. The case is finely polished, enhancing its sophisticated appeal, while the slim profile ensures it sits comfortably on the wrist, making it suitable for both formal and casual occasions.
Powering the Q1452404 is the in-house Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 849, a hand-wound movement renowned for its reliability and precision. The Caliber 849 operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and offers a power reserve of approximately 38 hours.
The combination of the rich rose gold case, elegant dial, and luxurious strap makes the Master Control Q1452404 a versatile and sophisticated timepiece, perfect for those who appreciate the artistry and tradition of fine watchmaking. Overall, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Q1452404 is a testament to the brand’s heritage and expertise, offering a blend of classic design, modern technology, and exceptional craftsmanship.
IWC Portuguese Yacht Club Chronograph IW3905-03
This model, part of IWC’s Portuguese Yacht Club line, is designed to bring nautical inspiration to a sporty steel chronograph with a sophisticated yet sporty aesthetic. The IW3905-03 features a 43.5mm stainless steel case that is both polished and satin-finished. Its bold size and integrated crown guard underscore its sporty credentials, making it a standout piece suitable for both on-deck activities and more formal occasions.
The dial of the IW3905-03 is a striking combination of functionality and style. The slate-colored dial is complemented by white and red accents, enhancing readability and adding a dynamic touch. The chronograph sub-dials are positioned at 12 and six o’clock, with a 12-hour counter at 12 and a combined small seconds and 60-minute counter at six, allowing for precise time tracking. The red chronograph seconds hand adds a splash of color and ensures easy monitoring of elapsed time. The date window at three o’clock is seamlessly integrated, maintaining the dial’s balance and symmetry. The luminescent hands and applied hour markers ensure excellent legibility in all lighting conditions, a crucial feature for maritime use.
Powering the Portuguese Yacht Club Chronograph IW3905-03 is the IWC-manufactured automatic Caliber 89360. This movement features a flyback chronograph function, allowing for the immediate resetting of the chronograph hands without stopping. The Caliber 89361 operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and offers an impressive power reserve of 68 hours, ensuring reliability over extended periods. The movement incorporates a bi-directional pawl winding system and is visible through the sapphire crystal caseback, allowing admirers to appreciate IWC’s meticulous engineering and finishing.
Overall, the IWC Portuguese Yacht Club Chronograph IW3905-03 is a masterful blend of elegance and functionality, offering a versatile timepiece that performs excellently in both nautical and everyday settings.
Hodinkee
