Zenith Rainbow Flyback

The Rainbow Flyback is a modern classic & collectors favourite, combining a decent size with classic looks and a killer movement. The flyback El Primero movement, non-screw down pushers, excellent readability and telemeter make it a true pilots chronograph in line with classics like the Heuer Bundeswehr Chronograph and Breguet Type XX.

This particular example is in pristine condition and complete with box, papers & tags.

The effects of time

Well, to be honest the title is a bit misleading.

Some watches have developed their own unique look over time. Today we had the chance to pick up a cheap Datejust reference 16233: quickset, sapphire glass, two-tone on jubilee. The dial displayed some kind of even spotting throughout, presumably caused by moisture. Very cool.

The phenomenom of colour-changing dials is not unfamiliar to the collector of vintage watches and Rolex in particular. Well known examples include;

- the cream dial Explorer II ref 16550: a defect in the paint caused the white dials to turn cream
- Patrizzi Daytona, whose silver subdials turned brown
- Spider webbing, most often seen on first gen gloss/white gold dials like on the 5513 and 16660. In this case the colour is not changed, but the lacquer is cracked into a pattern resembling a spiderweb.
- Tropical, black dials turning brown

and so on.

While some collectors love the unique appearance of these dials, others view them as being damaged.. it's a matter of opinion and taste. We love it!

Rolex GMT-Master 16700

One of our new arrivals for this week is this Rolex GMT-Master ref. 16700 with lovely tritium dial and faded coke bezel. This transitional model used a movement similar to the one found in the 16750 and is thus the only sapphire GMT featuring a quickset date. A killer neo-vintage at an affordable price. Rolex rules - period.