Tropical dial Rolexes are an oddity in the vintage watch market because they’re celebrated for being defective. Essentially, an error during production means that watches from a certain period in Rolex’s history develop discoloured dials over time, a form of patina (similar to bronze) that changes their colour from black to brown. It tells the story of the watch’s existence and makes them highly collectible. Which is why the announcement that Bob’s Watches are hosting an auction in September featuring 4 new to market tropical dial Rolexes is so exciting.
Rolex Explorer Ref. 1016
Circa 1966, this Explorer displays the most vibrant tropical dial out of all the Rolexes in the auction collection. The original black dial is now almost entirely brown in a rust-like tone, creating the kind of natural textured appearance watchmakers would kill to be able to produce intentionally. It carries an estimate of $30,000-$50,000.
Rolex “Double Red” Sea-Dweller Ref. 1665
This Rolex Sea-Dweller’s Mark II matte black dial is largely intact, displaying only a hint of turning tropical around the edges and around the date window. This combination of tropical attributes and good condition is highly sought after. Plus, aside from the visual interest a tropical dial provides, it also proves that the watch hasn’t been altered or had a dial replacement, meaning that it’s truly vintage and original. Good provenance goes far and the Ref. 166f has an estimate of $50,000-$80,000
Rolex “Red” Submariner Ref. 1680
In my opinion, this circa 1970 tropical dial Rolex Submariner is the most appealing of the auction collection. It has an even discolouration across the dial with a slight build-up towards the centre and a faded diving bezel that, once black, is now an attractive grey. It’s almost a darker take on the taupe Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight 925. It also comes with the original box and full set of papers. The estimate here is $20,000-$40,000.
Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675
The warm brown of this GMT-Master’s tropical dial works really well with the fuchsia portion of the day/night bezel. Although perhaps the most striking element of this timepiece is that while the dial and bezel show signs of wear, the red GMT hand remains vibrant. Its estimate is $25,000-$45,000. As with all the tropical dial Rolexes here, it will be available at auction from September 8-14 through the Bob’s Watches website.
More details at Bobs Watches.
