5 Rolex Watches To Wear — No Boxes Or Papers Required
For this article, I picked 5 Rolex watches without box and papers. I am a collector and like to have my watches “full set” or at least as complete as possible. But what if you just want to buy a watch to wear? It saves you from storing boxes in your attic, safeguarding certificates and warranty cards, it is only you and the watch.
It might be just a false assumption that everyone is a watch enthusiast or collector like ourselves here. You just might want to wear a watch and that’s it. It is also how it often used to be in the past. When someone bought a watch in the 1980s, or even before, very often the box at least was left behind at the retailer. Just put the watch on your wrist, take your papers with you in an envelope and you’re good to go. How different from today’s world, where these things are a matter of life and death amongst collectors and connoisseurs.
For this article, I picked 5 discontinued Rolex watches that have a very interesting price tag. It is mainly because it is just the watch only. In some cases, there’s a box, but if that’s so important to you, you can also find a spare one.
5 Rolex watches without box and papers
I am too much of a collector to buy a watch without a box and papers unless the price is really persuasive. However, I also know of some people who just want to have a specific Rolex reference for daily use, and couldn’t care less. Let’s not forget it is all very niche, and we’re a special kind of people. Watches are made for wearing, not for becoming a safe queen or an investment object. Here are 5 Rolex watches that I find interesting.
Rolex Submariner 14060 (€6,500)
Yes, I know. These watches used to be €3,000. Let’s get past that already, it isn’t 2005 anymore. The Submariner 14060 is one of the 5 Rolex watches I picked for you. A no-nonsense divers watch. You might prefer the 4-liner Submariner (14060M) or perhaps even the one with a date cyclops (16610), but this Sub 14060 is a proper tool watch. I don’t like the Sub Date 16610 personally, and I much prefer either its sibling with no date or the Sea-Dweller 16600 (or 16660).
It is not as bulky as the later 114060 (which I had till recently) or even the slimmed-down new 124060 in 41mm. Compared to those, this Submariner 14060 can be considered elegant, but still badass. This watch has Rolex caliber 3000, non-chronometer movement, and comes on the famous Oyster bracelet. It has all the important ingredients, except for the green Rolex box and flimsy Rolex certificate. Click here to see the offer on this 14060.
Rolex Sea-Dweller 16600 (€6,900)
My first sports Rolex was a Sea-Dweller 16600 from 1996. I love it a lot and a perfect reason to make it part of this shortlist of 5 Rolex watches. This reference was introduced in 1989 and in the collection till 2008. In many ways, it is a superior watch to the Rolex Submariner Date, but especially compared to the Submariner 14060, it has a better movement (caliber 3135). Chronometer certified, and on top, it has a date feature (without the cyclops). This particular Sea-Dweller dates back to 1991 and comes without a box or papers. Just an amazing watch for everyday wear. Have it serviced and you’re good to go. Click here to see the offer on this Sea-Dweller 16600.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 39 (€5,500)
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual 114300 (39mm) has been discontinued and replaced by the 41mm version. I always find it a bit strange when boxes and papers are lost on such a young watch (the OP39 has not been in the collection that long). But anyway, this is a pretty cool Rolex watch with a fancy dial. You could say this is a unisex watch, but I wouldn’t mind wearing a 39mm OP. Inside is Rolex caliber 3132. This chronometer-certified movement features the It features the Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex shock absorbers, offering greater resistance to shocks and to extreme conditions. You’re good to go for many decades ahead. Click here for the offer on this 114300.
Rolex Yacht-Master 16622 (€7,550)
Another underrated watch in this selection of 5 Rolex watches, the Yacht-Master 16622. The Yacht-Master was introduced in 1992 as a full gold watch, and this Rolesium version came only in 1999. Rolesium is Rolex’s own definition of the combination of platinum and steel. The bezel of the Rolex Yacht-Master 16622 is made of a block of platinum. Also, the dial is made of platinum.
It makes the watch a little bit heavier than other sports models. The fact that it has a PCL (polished center link), platinum bezel and dial, and a somewhat rounder and more polished case, results in the Yacht-Master being not everyone’s darling like a Submariner or GMT-Master.
Inside is the same movement as the Rolex Sea-Dweller and Submariner of the same generation (caliber 3135). I like it, and I have one, and I couldn’t care less about what others think of it. It is a wonderful watch, also very suitable for a bit more formal wear. Or just as a daily beater. Up to you. Click here for the offer on this 16622.
Rolex Yacht-Master 116622 (€9,590)
Another Yacht-Master added to the list. It is a later generation than the one above, but still with the platinum bezel. This one has a blue dial though. This Yacht-Master was introduced in 2012 when the former one was phased out. The reference number received an extra digit, but many things remained the same.
The biggest change was the discontinuation of the platinum dial and the old-style Oyster bracelet. This later Yacht-Master 40 version, as they are officially referred to, has the bracelet with the new clasp. This clasp looks more solid than the previous ones and has the Easylink system for micro-adjustment.
This version has been replaced meanwhile as well, with the Yacht-Master 40 reference 126622. The current Yacht-Master 40 has the new movement type (caliber 3235) and a retail price of €11,400. If you don’t care about the extra power reserve of the new movement and can live without box and papers, you can save yourself a few bucks. Click here for the offer on this Yacht-Master 40.
As always, make sure to do your homework and Good Hunting!
