watches Archives -

The Timeless Classic: Exploring the Rolex GMT Master II “Coke” and Its Enduring Appeal

in Designer Spotlight / Discover / Watches

NOTE: The watch presented here (the specific example shown in the images in this blogpost) was sold in FORTUNA’s ‘Fine Jewels & Watches’ auction, in April of 2023. After reading the article below, if you would like to visit this exact lot, Click Here.

The Rolex GMT Master II “Coke” has long captivated watch enthusiasts with its distinctive aesthetics, rich history, and enduring popularity. As a revered timepiece, the Coke has left its mark on popular culture and established itself as a staple in the world of horology.

The Rolex GMT Master II “Coke” was introduced in 1983 as the successor to the original GMT Master, which made its debut in 1954. Developed in collaboration with Pan American Airways, the GMT Master was designed for pilots who required a watch capable of tracking multiple time zones simultaneously. The GMT Master II “Coke” (Reference 16760) built upon this functionality, boasting an independent 24-hour hand and a bi-directional bezel that allowed wearers to track three separate time zones.

The nickname “Coke” stems from the watch’s distinctive red and black bezel, reminiscent of the Coca-Cola company’s iconic colors. The vibrant two-tone bezel not only contributes to the timepiece’s unmistakable appearance but also serves a practical purpose. The red and black segments differentiate between day and night hours, enabling wearers to track time zones more intuitively.

Over the years, the Rolex GMT Master II “Coke” has become a popular choice among celebrities and high-profile figures, further cementing its status as a cultural icon. Actors, musicians, and sports stars, such as Clint Eastwood, Orlando Bloom, and Michael Jordan, have all been spotted wearing the timepiece, testifying to its universal appeal.

This timepiece embodies the watch’s celebrated features, from the striking red and black bezel to the robust stainless steel construction. As a testament to the brand’s commitment to precision and durability, this GMT Master II “Coke” promises to impress even the most discerning collectors.

In conclusion, the Rolex GMT Master II “Coke” is a legendary timepiece that perfectly blends practicality, style, and cultural significance. Its fascinating history, unique features, and undeniable allure make it a must-have addition to any watch collection.

Where to buy Rolex watches?

You can find Rolex watches for sale at nearly every one of FORTUNA’s biweekly auctions. We are honored to sell watches from Rolex—one of the greatest brands in the history of the world—and would be thrilled to help you on your journey to build your collection, whether you are a veteran collector or just getting started.

Register to bid at an upcoming auction today.

View The Example Featured In This Article

View Other Rolex Watches That Have Sold at FORTUNA

The Ultimate Collector’s Treasure: A Pristine Rolex Submariner 1680 “Red” Case Study

in Designer Spotlight / Discover / Watches

IMPORTANT NOTE: The watch presented here is being offered for sale as Lot 2000 in our upcoming Fine Jewels & Watches auction, which is open for pre-bidding now and will go live on Thursday, April 20, 2023 After reading the article below, click here to visit the auction or hit the button at the bottom of the page to view this lot.

When it comes to watch collecting, condition can elevate a timepiece from ordinary to truly extraordinary. FORTUNA is thrilled to present an immaculate Rolex 1680 “Red Submariner” in our upcoming auction, a perfect example of how pristine condition can transform a watch into a collector’s dream.

The Submariner is an iconic and highly collectible Rolex model, worn by James Bond and adored by fans worldwide. In the late 1960s, Rolex introduced the 1680 reference with a date complication, catering to its evolving status as a cultural symbol. Rolex produced the watch with the “SUBMARINER” text written in a bright red hue for just a short period of time. In the years since, many of these watches had their dials replaced during servicing. It’s this short production run combined with a penchant for dial replacements during servicing that makes the “Red Sub” one of the most sought-after Submariners in the world.

While the Rolex “Red Sub” is undoubtedly rare and desirable, the condition of the example significantly impacts its value. The inclusion of original paperwork and accessories further impacts value. The present watch offers two key factors important to collectors: exceptional condition and complete original accessories. Its unpolished case, original dial with aged lume, bezel insert, and folded-link bracelet place it in a distinguished category as the collector market matures.

Moreover, the presence of the original box, papers, and accompanying accessories make this timepiece a truly investment-grade example. It is a rarity to find a watch with all its original elements intact, setting this “Red Sub” apart from the rest.

Time can be unkind to many watches; cases become polished, original dials are replaced, and boxes and papers are often lost or discarded. This “Red Sub” was fortunate to have an owner who cherished the timepiece and diligently ensured its preservation, along with the safeguarding of its ancillary components. This watch truly exemplifies the benefits of diligent care and attention to detail—attributes any discerning collector can appreciate—and serves as a benchmark for evaluating the quality of other Red Submariners in the market.

Don’t miss this historic opportunity to own one of the finest Red Submariners in existence. The FORTUNA Fine Jewels & Watches auction is open for bidding now and goes live on April 20th at 11 AM EDT.

Where to Buy Rolex Watches

You can find Rolex watches for sale at nearly every one of FORTUNA’s biweekly auctions. We are honored to sell watches from Rolex—one of the greatest brands in the history of the world—and would be thrilled to help you on your journey to build your collection, whether you are a veteran collector or just getting started.

Register to bid at an upcoming auction today.

VIEW LOT

BROWSE SALE

The Art of Timekeeping: The Rolex Daytona Cosmograph Ref. 6262

in Designer Spotlight / Discover / Watches

IMPORTANT NOTE: The watch presented here is being offered for sale as Lot 2000 in our upcoming Fine Jewels & Watches auction, which is open for pre-bidding now and will go live on Thursday, March 16, 2023 After reading the article below, click here to visit the auction or hit the button at the bottom of the page to view this lot.

A Timeless Piece with a Rich Provenance

The world of watch collecting is a fascinating realm, steeped in history and tradition. At the forefront of this world stands Rolex, a name synonymous with luxury, precision, and classic style. One of the most coveted models in the Rolex collection is the Daytona, and today, we are honored to present a particularly exceptional example: the Rolex Daytona Cosmograph reference 6262.

The Rolex Daytona ref. 6262, introduced in 1970, was produced for just one year, making it a highly sought-after and rare transitional model. This piece boasts pump chronograph pushers, a silver dial with black subdials, and a subtle Daytona signature in black. It is powered by the renowned Valjoux 727 movement, considered one of the great watch movements of all time. This watch is in pristine condition, with crisp edges, clear markings, and a pristine dial. The case, bracelet, and movement are all original and the watch has undergone professional servicing to ensure top performance.

The Daytona was a favorite among racing drivers, who relied on its precise timing capabilities to measure their lap times on the track. However, the ability to time events is not limited to the racetrack. This particular watch was used for medical purposes by its original owner, a prominent anesthesiologist, who relied on the watch’s chronograph functionality to keep precise time during medical procedures. He cherished the watch and took meticulous care of it, ensuring its longevity as a valuable tool. The provenance of this doctor and his beloved Rolex Daytona only adds to its significance and appeal to watch collectors.

Where to Buy Rolex Watches

You can find Rolex watches for sale at nearly every one of FORTUNA’s auctions—which we have about every two (2) weeks. We are honored to sell watches from Rolex, one of the greatest brands in the history of the world, and would be thrilled to help you on your journey to build your collection—whether you are a veteran collector or just getting started.

Register to bid at an upcoming auction today.

VIEW LOT

BROWSE SALE

Cartier 6.69ct Burmese Sapphire and Diamond Ring - Fortuna Exchange: February Sale

Fortuna Exchange: February Sale Highlights

in Announcements

NEW YORK, NY— Fortuna Exchange: February Sale was a strong start to a new monthly auction series that Fortuna introduced in 2019, offering collectors a broad range of fine jewelry and watches from celebrated makers across all eras. The Fortuna Exchange was created to provide our sellers greater opportunities per year to sell their assets on a global platform, without the constraints or limitations of consigning their pieces to seasonal sales that are few and far between.

With the addition of regular monthly auctions, alongside our larger signature sales that occur biannually, we are excited to offer our clients a year that is overflowing with rare and exciting fine jewelry and watch offerings.

Estate and Signed Jewelry Lead the Sale

In fine jewelry highlights, signed jewelry performed very strongly—achieving a total sell-through rate by value of 85.4%. In particular, the cover lot, a very fine Cartier 6.69ct Burmese Sapphire and Diamond Ring, prompted a roar of competitive bidding. The property of a New York lady, the finely crafted ring achieved a final price of $65,625, exceeding a pre-sale estimate of $40,000-$50,000. All in all, jewelry by Cartier and Tiffany & Co. drew the attention of bidders across the globe, achieving sell-through rates by value of 81.5% and 84.6% respectively.

A Cartier Unheated Burmese 6.69ct Burmese Sapphire and Diamond Ring. Achieved $65,625 at auction, against a pre-sale estimate of $40,000-$50,000.

Building Your Watch Collection, with Greg Selch and Eric Wind

in Media / Watches

We here at Fortuna Auction are excited to present a special interview with Greg Selch and Eric Wind, both established watch collectors who have grown very successful in their hunt for vintage watches of significance. We hope that all collectors, new or experienced, will find their tips and tricks in finding the perfect vintage timepiece particularly insightful.

Fancy Intense Blue Diamond Ring- Fortuna Fine Jewelry and Watch Auction NYC December 2018 Magnificent Jewels

FORTUNA Breaks Major Ground with Biggest Sale Yet

in Announcements / Watches

NEW YORK, NY—Fortuna’s highly anticipated three-part winter auction series took place on December 6-7, 2018, achieving a total sale revenue of around $4 million USD. The auctions offered an exemplary collection of jewelry and watches from the most prestigious makers in their craft, including Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany & Co., Rolex, and Omega.

Highlighting Fortuna’s first sale of the season, Session One: Magnificent Jewels, was an exquisite 3.05ct Fancy Intense Blue diamond ring. Naturally occurring blue diamonds are found in less than 0.02% of all diamonds mined and are one of the rarest gemstones in the world. This particular blue diamond ring was consigned by an important Asian collector and exhibited a gorgeous and vibrant blue hue that is rarely seen, even among blue diamonds. After a round of tense bidding that had the auction floor buzzing with excitement, the ring achieved $1,395,000, selling to a phone bidder.

In addition to colored diamonds, Magnificent Jewels also featured an exquisite assortment of rare estate jewels and signed pieces spanning many historical style periods. Of the many jewelry highlights, a stunning Art Deco Cartier sapphire and diamond bracelet truly evoked the classic glamour that is characteristic of the Roaring Twenties era. The piece achieved $76,800 USD against a pre-sale estimate of $60,000-$90,000.

Rolex “Paul Newman” Daytona Fetches $275,000 at FORTUNA

in Announcements / Watches

The NYC auction house cements its presence in the world of high-end watch collecting, selling 95% of lots.

On September 27 Fortuna held its second Important Watches auction in New York City, in which the sell-through rate exceeded 95% with a total sale value of $889,729. More than 600 registered bidders from 43 countries competed for 66 lots. The sale was lead by a Rolex “Paul Newman” Daytona reference 6239 that sold for $275,000 including premium. Fortuna has taken yet another strong step forward in establishing itself as a serious player in the high-end watch space.

“There was a lot of fierce bidding and excitement in the auction room. We sold 63 of the 66 lots offered, with many of the watches far exceeding their pre-sale estimates. Our consignors and buyers were very pleased with the results and the quality of watches offered, and we already have a flood of consignments coming in for our December sales.” said John Saxon, President & CEO of Fortuna.

A fresh-to-market Rolex Daytona “Paul Newman” reference 6239 achieved $275,000 against a pre-sale estimate of $150,000-$250,000.

Rolex Watches Soars

The Swiss brand performed very well at auction, with all 24 Rolex watches selling. The Rolex lots in the sale brought a total of $584,164, surpassing the combined pre-sale high estimates of $510,300.

Among the top performing Rolex watches were a “Four-Line” Daytona reference 16520 which brought $43,750 against a pre-sale estimate of $18,000–$28,000, a “Double-Red” Sea-Dweller reference 1665 which brought $31,250 against a pre-sale estimate of $14,000–$20,000, and an Explorer II reference 1655 which brought $21,250 against a pre-sale estimate of $12,000–$18,000.