We all know the Submariners, GMTs, and Daytonas. Those are the references that get all the attention on social media. I am here to offer a few alternatives. If you are on a budget, or you just like to stand out from the crowd, these are for you.
Rolex 6694 "Precision"
Introduced in the 1960s and produced into the late 80s, this sleeper Rolex has real chops. There were plenty of dial variations over the years, but the movement and case stayed largely the same across the whole run.
It has a clean, appealing vintage look. It is charming and easy to wear for just about any occasion, a simple three-hander with Rolex's signature cyclops date at 3.
The 6694 is 34mm but wears more like 36mm. With no rotor inside, it is very svelte on the wrist, which makes it just as at home in a business meeting as on the golf course. You will usually find them on an Oyster rivet bracelet.
The dials come in a few flavors, including creme, silver, and blue. My favorite is a classic silver dial from the 80s, like the one pictured. You can usually grab one for $2,000 to $3,000 depending on documentation, dial, and condition.
Rolex Explorer Ref. 14270
We have all heard of the Rolex Explorer ref. 1016, which has shot up in value in recent years thanks to its popularity with collectors and writers like Ben Clymer. The 14270 is still an Explorer that flies under the radar. It had an 11-year run, from 1989 to 2001.
Design-wise, it is the classic 36mm Explorer we all know and love. Over its run there were four main dial variations:
- Blackout: 1989 to 1991
- T-Swiss: 1991 to 1998
- Swiss Only: 1998 to 1999
- Swiss Made: 1999 to 2001
At 36mm across and 12.5mm thick, it is endlessly wearable and comfortable on just about any wrist.
As of writing, the 14270 hovers around $6,000 to $7,000. I expect these to keep climbing as more Explorer fans catch on to the reference.
Rolex Explorer II Ref. 16570
Introduced in 1989 and discontinued in 2011, the 16570 was the successor to the 16550. It brought a sapphire crystal, new Mercedes hands, and the Calibre 3185, the first Rolex movement with an independent hour hand.
The Explorer II was originally designed for spelunking, or cave exploration, which explains the fixed bezel and the 24-hour hand. At 39.5mm by 12mm thick, it fits most wrists and slips easily under a cuff.
The proportions are great, though I will say it does not dress up especially well, thanks to the brushed bezel and the overall utilitarian look.
It has gone up in recent years and now trades in the $7,000 to $8,000 range. The Polar dial versions are very popular; the black dial ones less so. It has crept up quite a bit, but it is still a decent value and should hold that value well.
Rolex Bubbleback
For the last one, we go way back in the catalog. The Rolex Bubbleback arrived in the 1930s as part of Rolex's first move into automatic watches. Rolex took an incremental approach with its first automatic, layering the rotor on top of an existing movement. That gave the watches a thicker back, and the name.
Part of the fun of Bubblebacks is the sheer range of dials and metals: steel, two-tone, and 9, 14, or 18k rose or yellow gold.
Most Bubblebacks come in around 32mm, which will be too small if you have larger wrists. If, like me, you have smaller wrists, it is very doable. They are usually about 14mm thick, which helps give them a bit more presence.
These have a wide range, usually $3,000 to $8,000 depending on dial, condition, and so on. They are a bargain hunter's dream, still not as popular as other vintage models, and full of fun dial variations.
And that wraps up our small lineup of affordable, under-the-radar Rolexes. We will post more of these down the line, because there are some obvious sleepers we left out (cough, Rolex Oyster Perpetual, cough).
If you are around Herndon or anywhere in Northern Virginia and one of these caught your eye, come take a look in person. We buy and sell certified pre-owned Rolex, so you can try a few on and see what suits your wrist. Browse what is in stock in our Rolex collection.
