Easily one of the most popular watches in the world the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Air King Watch 114210 has not lost one bit of the world wide allure since its inception in 1953. Although arguably not as impressive as some of its more renowned family members such as Daytona, Submariner, and Yacht-Master, it has a history unrivaled in the Rolex pantheon.  Despite the lack of sub-dials, date window, and extensive ad campaigns, the Rolex Air King continues to be the watch of choice for many around the world, and for many companies, such as Swisswatchexpo.com, has become a staple in their pre-owned inventory.

With a long history dating back to World War II, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Air King began its journey into the hearts of watch enthusiasts everywhere. Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of Rolex, was so impressed with the heroics of the legendary officers of British Royal Air Force pilots that he developed a line of watches specifically to honor their name and courageous sacrifice in the skies of Britain and Europe. These pilots had already begun to replace their own shoddy standard issue wrist watches on their own, with Rolex, a company that had already established a prestigious reputation in the watch world.

Wildorf was so honored that these heroes of the skies chose Rolex as the combat watch of choice he decided to make a line specifically commemorating their courageous exploits. Wildorf created a line of the most reliable manual wind oyster perpetual wristwatches in the world to date. Able to function in the extremes of flight and aeronautical violence, Rolex’s Oyster Perpetual Air King 114210 predecessors could arguably be considered the first sports model Rolex’s in production. With a much larger dial or viewing face measuring 33mm, it dwarfed the standard wristwatches of their time. During this initial production Rolex developed the “Air Tiger”, “Air Lion”, “Air Giant” and “Air King” but  only the Air King has survived the test of time.

Perhaps its simple and clean design has enabled Air King’s like the used Rolex Oyster Perpetual Air King Watch 114210 to survive and become one of the longest consecutive running Rolex’s in production. It is the basic lines and concentration on the fundamentals of watch making that have endeared the Rolex Air King to watch enthusiasts and continues to garner more new Rolex patrons year in and year out. With no date, no date Cyclops, no subdials, or water resistance notifications, the Rolex Air King is almost an anomaly in the watch industry. The one exception may be that the Rolex Air King can have many dial variations from stick markers to Arabic numerals such as the pre-owned Rolex Oyster Perpetual Air King Watch 114210. The dial is perhaps the most noticeable variable that has changed through out the Air Kings long life time.

Able to be worn with a suit or casually on the course another highlight of the used Rolex Oyster Perpetual Air King 114210 model is its versatility. Along with its glorious history as one of Rolex’s most consistent models it has been the chosen watch of many distinguished groups and luminaries alike. Pan Am Airways ordered them by the thousands. Many companies such as Georgia Power give the Rolex Air King as a celebration of service for 30 years employment. John McCain wore the Rolex Air King during his run for the presidency of the United States.

The Understated and classic design of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Air King Watch 114210 has made this truly one of the most Iconic Rolex Models ever produced. Never out of fashion and rarely unavailable at reliable companies such as Swisswatchexpo.com, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Air King Watch 114210 is one of the longest produced Rolex models ever developed. Its continued success through the decades has earned it a place forever in the pantheon of Rolex and watch manufacturers as a whole.

Buying any luxury item contains a certain risk and in most cases certain loss. In the world of luxury watches Rolex is often an exception to this rule. Alfredo Paramico, the head of the worlds only regulated watch fund buys only Rolex and Patek Philippe. His personal initial investment of 12 million Euros has grown in value to over 20 millions Euros today, that is around $25 million USD. The newly developed watch fund notched an 18.2 percent gain from inception at the beginning of 2011 through August 2012, beating the 11.8 percent rise in the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index.

Real numbers and a strong foundation that support used Rolex watches for sale can become a commodity not just in style but also in your wallet. Although the notion of  “buying a Rolex as an investment” is  considered abhorrent by a large segment of the vocal Rolex community, the facts are that Rolex hold and appreciate in value more than almost any Swiss manufacturer in the world. The same Rolex community that aesthetically is appalled at someone buying a Rolex as an investment for idealistic reasons is the same community that has created the passionate and even more importantly, profitable vintage market.

Logically the initial rule of thumb in buying a Rolex as an investment is never pay retail. Like most luxury items, from cars to diamonds, always buy pre-owned. The notion that you can get the same product, with the same quality, without the retail mark-up is an absolute fact in today’s world wide market place and connected economies. Reputable pre-owned, or used Rolex buyers and sellers such as Swiss Watch Expo offer significant savings on pre-owned or used Rolex models not only from five, ten, fifteen years old but also on current market year models less than a year old such as the newest Rolex Deapsea SeaDweller. When buying from a ed dealer always do your research. Read testimonials from past clients, read reviews, great reputations are difficult to fake for the educated buyer.

The reward of a Rolex is in the ownership. That said it does not hurt that an ancillary extension of owning a Rolex is that eventually it could be worth more than you paid for it. Again assuming you did not buy a Rolex from an authorized dealer. An AD or authorized dealer means that they have to sell at a retail price point, that price is largely determined by Rolex, and for the most part these dealers can not sell online. In many opinions buying from an Authorized dealer is rule number #1 in what not to do when searching for your Rolex as an investment.

Now in general for used Rolex, and there are always many exceptions to any rule of thumb in the Rolex world, the large percentage of models that appreciate and hold their value better than any others are the sport models i.e. Daytona, Submariner, Seadweller, Explorer, etc… Common exceptions to this trend are Presidents and more recently some Cellini’s. Now much of this appreciation is generated by the consumer and is being created on a daily basis. As Rolex fans and self made experts of vintage Rolex discover irregularities, similarities, movement calibers, or basically the dissection of entire lines from model year to model year, even from model quarter year to model quarter year, rarity and exclusivity is created and brought to light. Once an irregularity is found to be exclusive to a line or model and produced for a limited time, that watch is now in demand, once in demand the asking price goes up, once asking price goes up, exclusivity becomes even greater and a valuable vintage timepiece is born.

The good thing for the intelligent used Rolex buyer looking to buy for an investment is that Rolex, in general, will hold their value better than most any other timepiece, so at worst you can always get a good portion of your initial investment back if you decide to resell or trade. The bad thing is you can never know which model will appreciate faster or what characteristics will accelerate that value and at what rate. The reason why those in the know say “wearing a Rolex is the reward,” is simply because predicting what will become valuable in an ever evolving vintage market is extremely difficult, to down right impossible to predict. Quite ingenuously there are far too many variables.

There are so many variables and so little time, and time can be the predominant factor to seeing a return on investment in most cases. For many used Rolex models vintage status, demand, and exclusivity do not even begin until thirty years or older. What is considered rare is extremely hard to predict. What you can predict for a Rolex is it will never depreciate past a certain level. What level that is depends on the model and year. Once the individual Rolex hits that depreciation bottom from then on it starts to gain in value. Of course slowly at first until demand and exclusivity are determined and then it can sky rocket.

The variables of what can make a Rolex a sought after timepiece are incredible in their number. But the key to each variable is they existed for a limited amount of time and or they are very hard to find. Consider the rail dial on a 1979 Rolex Seadweller 1665. Considered a very rare dial the main attribute of its value is simply the spacing between the words “superlative chronometer officially certified” on the bottom of the dial. There is an even spacing down the center of those four words called a “rail”. That spacing has made that dial alone, in the realm of ten thousand dollars. Other variables can be the color of the font used on the dial, the font used, is feet listed before meters, what texture is on the dial, what luminosity was used, what shape are the hands, stick markers, Arabic numerals, holes in the case, type of crystal, patina, and on and on.

It seems daunting but for many the research and knowledge base is almost the entirety and the joy of owning a used Rolex. Forbes Magazine says there are two exceptions for watches as an investment, Rolex and Patek. There are a few reasons why a used Rolex is one of the few watches that can show a return on an investment. One, they have been one of the premier names in horology for decades. Second, they are very strict at controlling price which controls and or influences resale value. Third, they have been selling the same watch families or model names since their inception. This gives a great foundation and large pool of comparison and contrast for manufacturing variables, exclusivity, and rarity. Fourth, and perhaps more important, is the number and fervor of the used Rolex nation. There is no other watch following as passionately aware of the minutiae and details of collecting, promoting, and valuating timepieces than those that follow Rolex.

Investment is relative in the watch world, value is more concrete and few watch brands are both. Rolex is value. A used Rolex will retain value better than almost any other brand and in any market. Investment is another matter. Adherents of Rolex are absolutely correct when proclaiming you should buy a used Rolex for no other reason than you will love to wear it. But return on investment can not be doubted or marginalized by detractors. Rolex as an investment is a fact and can bring tremendous margins. However these margins in most cases will not be for the original buyers but rather those of the next generation they pass them to. Profit if any will be hard to predict from model to model but the fun is in the prediction. For Rolex the old adage that the value is in the journey not the finish may apply. Worst case scenario when buying a used Rolex for an investment is you wear one of the most coveted watches in the world and will eventually reclaim most of your investment. Best case scenario you do a little research, get a little luck, and wear one of the most coveted watches in the world and make a tidy to tremendous profit on its eventual resale. That sounds like a win, win scenario for most every watch enthusiast, especially those seeking a Rolex as an investment.

Since nineteen fifty two Breitling has been the choice of pilots worldwide. The first company to provide pilots with a useable wristwatch Breitling has basically monopolized the aeronautical market ever since The Breitling Navitimer 50th Anniversary Chronograph Watch A41322 is a glorious example and salute to over six decades of aeronautical dedication. Swiss Watch Expo has always realized the value and demand for the Breitling Navitimer and is excited to present this used Breitling Navitimer 50th Anniversary Chronograph A41322 model.

The Breitling Navitimer 50th Anniversary Chronograph’s first year of production was 2002, this Silver dialed A41322 model is dated with a manufacturers date of 2004. The all brushed stainless steel case does not reflect light as easily as a high polish and was requested due to readability in sunlight by pilots in the air.

Unlike its many predecessors this used Breitling Navitimer 50th Anniversary Chronograph Watch A41322 is water resistant up to 30 meters. The larger 43 millimeter case profile houses the Breitling Type 41 officially certified chronometer movement. This case and movement were reengineered to offer water resistance in modern Breitling navitimers while still holding true to tradition by not requiring a screw down crown.

The oldest chronograph in non interrupted production this pre-owned Breitling Navitimer 50th Anniversary Chronograph Watch A41322 is a salute to the six decades of Navitimer heritage. The two stylized air planes at the twelve o clock position is the same emblem found on the original nineteen fifty two version. The patented Breitling Slide rule Bezel contains the same logarithmic scales and graduations of that made the original Breitling Navitimer the pilot’s watch of choice. The silver dial is only found and made for this specific Breitling Navitimer 50th Anniversary model and looks absolutely stunning on the wrist. The black subdials give an authentic “Panda” style look that is both contemporary while holding on to a classic heritage of design.

The Black leather strap with white stitching on this pre-owned Breitling Navitimer 50th Anniversary Chronograph Model A41322 is a perfect relief that a steel bracelet is sometimes lacking. The deployment buckle adds that perfect touch of craftsmanship and style that is just enough without making it to ostentatious. As well, the breitling winged insignia is inscribed in relief on the outward facing stainless steel of the deployment buckle. Nothing has gone unnoticed on this Breitling Navitimer 50th Anniversary Chronograph Model A41322

This used Breitling Navitimer 50th Anniversary Chronograph has the full package, all box and papers which are a perfect starting point and knowledge base about the Navitimer brand and Breitling as a whole. There is something to be said for a wristwatch that can complete an entire flight-plan without any outside instruments. It has caught the eye and admiration not only of the aeronautical world but the watch world as a whole.

The traditional location of the date window on the Breitling Navitimer 50th Anniversary Chronograph is between the four and five hour markers. What seems like a small design detail is just one of the many details that have endeared this iconic timepiece to the watch world. A manufacturer extraordinaire Breitling have been true to the tradition and excellence of the

The Holy Grail: The Patek Philippe 18K Yellow Gold Perpetual Calendar Chronograph 3970

Recently auctioned off at Bonhams the Patek Philippe 18K Yellow Gold Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Model 3970 is considered by many Patek Philippe, or for that matter, any serious watch collector or connoisseur one of the Holy Grails in the watch world. One of the quintessential Patek Philippe’s with its screwdown exhibition case back, the Patek Philippe 3970 allows a glimpse of perhaps one of the most sought after movements in the entire watch world, with your first look and every glance after, only one word describes the view: art. Swiss Watch Expo is proud to be one of the few luxury watch destinations in the world to provide the opportunity to own one of the great apex watches in history.

No detail has been overlooked in the Patek Philippe 18K Yellow Gold Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Model 3970. This is Patek’s second perpetual calendar model, the first being the 2499 model, and the artistry from the renowned manufacturer reached profound heights. The dial of that time gained a few subtle yet amazing changes from the first perpetual calendar. The two top subdials at nine o’clock and 3 o’clock have been added to quite significantly. The seconds register had a twenty-four hour indicator added to the interior and the chronograph minutes register has had the leap year indicator added to its interior.

The applied bullet indexes on the dial are a classic design element by Patek Philippe. The Patek Philippe 18K Yellow Gold Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Model 3970 comes in at what is considered the perfect size of thirty six point five millimeters. Although the Caliber  CH 27-70 Q movement keeps track of hour, minutes, seconds, moon phase, leap year, day, month, date, and  chronograph, the dial is far cleaner  and simpler than all those complications should be able to allow.

The original Patek Philippe strap on this model 3970 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph works perfectly with its solid 18k gold case design. Introduced in 1986 and discontinued in 2004 the Patek Philippe 3970 model was fitted with a sapphire exhibition back in later series of the model. It is said the sapphire case back was added because so many requests were sent to Patek Philippe from clients who wanted to see the beautiful craftsmanship of the Caliber  CH 27-70 Q Lemania movement.

Now discontinued, the Patek Philippe 18K Yellow Gold Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Model 3970 has only grown in stature and admiration throughout the watch world. With over seventy patents Patek Philippe continues to inspire not just the watch making audience but other watchmakers themselves. Stated by Forbes as one of the only watch manufactures that can be considered a true investment at purchase, the Patek Philippe 18K Yellow Gold Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Model 3970 is certainly no exception to the rule.

The Patek Philippe 18K Yellow Gold Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Model 3970 is quite simply a work of art. On the inside and on the surface no element has been left unnoticed. “Mechanical Art” has been the theme for Patek Philippe since its earliest years of manufacture and the Patek Philippe 18K Yellow Gold Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Model 3970 holds true to that axiom. This thirty six millimeter mechanical marvel does not only keep track of time, various intervals, date, month, moon phase and leap years, it is a gateway to history. The Patek Philippe 18k gold 3970 offers a chance to own a piece of craftsmanship and artistry known worldwide for timeless value. Patek philippe cannot be discussed without the adage and fundamental commentary regarding the excellence of this Swiss Manufacturer; One does not own a Patek Philippe, one simply holds on to it for the next generation.

Although not quite as popular as the Rolex Submariner or Rolex Datejust, the Rolex Cellini line has been a mainstay abroad while gaining acclaim, and rightfully so, here in the United States. Swiss Watch Expo has been an admirer and enthusiast of Rolex Cellini since our inception and the Rolex Cellini Cellinium Platinum Mens Watch is a prime example of Rolex Cellini’s design and craftsmanship.

The Rolex Cellini Cellinium Platinum 5240 Mens Watch is the only Rolex Cellinini to be encased entirely in platinum. With its unique and rare mother of pearl dial, the sophistication and elegance of this watch is unparalleled. The combination of Arabic numerals and stick markers on the dial add a contemporary feel with the subtlety Rolex designers are known for.

With a nod to the past the mechanical manual winding movement must be touched daily. Although the Rolex automatic winding movement is legendary, no less its equal is the engineering and time keeping ability of the manual winding Cellini line. Actually touching the Rolex Cellini Cellinium Platinum timepiece everyday while winding it lends an appreciation of craftsmanship that is closer to art than the practical. Your appreciation and admiration grows as you wind your watch daily creating a bond not often achieved or appreciated with something worn.

Rolex was so inspired by legendary Renaissance sculptor and goldsmith Benvenuto Cellini it created a line that bears his name. The Rolex Cellini Cellinium Platinum 5240 model Mens Watch is arguably the best example of elegance, sophistication, and style so inspired by the Cellini name. The original Rolex strap and platinum tang buckle on the Rolex Cellini Cellinium Platinum Men’s watch add a comfort of wear that does not go unnoticed and the thirty-five millimeter case fits perfectly on any size wrist.

Why the Rolex Cellini line has been so overlooked and underappreciated is hard to speculate. What is known is that once you see this watch up close it is very hard to ignore. The Rolex Cellini Cellinium Platinum 5240 model men’s watch is one of those watches that leaves a lasting impression. The striking natural Mother of Pearl dial can nearly change its hue at a glance and is one of the rarer of the Cellini dials. Wearing a Cellini is transporting the wearer back to a time of elegance and where a fashionable impression can indeed make a difference.

Though it has often gone unnoticed in the watch world the Rolex Cellini has become one of the better Rolex investments. Not yet does it have the following it should have. This is attitude is changing rapidly as more and more watch aficionados have discovered the understated classic Cellini. The Rolex Cellini Cellinium Platinum model 5240 Mens Watch is one of those Cellini’s that are sought after. Swiss Watch Expo has this pre-owned Rolex priced at seven thousand four hundred and ninety doallars. The retail value of this timepiece is sixteen thousand dollars. At a savings of fifty three percent, acknowledging the strong appreciation value of Rolex as a whole, and taking into account the rising trend of the Cellini line, the investment value is clear for this Rolex Cellini Cellinium Platinum model 5240 men’s watch. Inspired by the artistic legend of Benvenuto Cellini, the Rolex Cellini Cellinium Platinum model 5240 men’s watch lives up to that name

It was the chosen watch of Edmund Hilary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953 in as they climbed the most intimidating and dangerous mountain in the world Mount Everest Rolex. After that achievement it forever became the Explorer and one of the most sought after and requested used Rolex on the market. The next generation of Explorer the Explorer II 216570 Mens Steel Black Dial Watch used Rolex always in demand at Swiss Watch Expo, is a new style two thousand and eleven model and the watch chosen and worn by not just watch fans the world over but by master watchmakers.

The choice of the pathfinder in all of us, this used Rolex Explorer II 216570 Mens Steel Black Dial Watch has a traditional black dial and twenty four hour graduated bezel. Made for the adventurer and the unique ways in which they tell time the second time zone hand combined with the 24 hour bezel can be linked and used from the heights of mountains to the deepest of caves and all the unique ways accurate measurements of time are trusted by those seeking the most adverse of conditions.

The Explorer II 216570 Mens Steel Black Dial Watch is the latest update to the iconic explorer line. It has a number of differences when compared with its predecessors. Perhaps the most noticeable change in this Explorer is the larger forty two millimeter case and thicker more substantial lug profile. The larger profile adds a modern feel to this used Rolex Explorer II 216570 without going over the top or overcompensating to achieve a contemporary feel.

With the proportions of the new case logically the crystal is a bit larger but sits higher on the case than previous explorers. This elevated crystal gives it a retro feel that combined with the previous contemporary specifics blend perfectly with each other. The Explorer II Model 216570 Men’s Steel Black Dial Watch with its larger form also got the new style sport oyster bracelet. This Rolex new style oyster bracelet comes with the solid centre links and sold clasp redesigned by Rolex for durability and longevity. The twenty one millimeter width of the bracelet is exactly half the diameter of the Explorer II 216570 case width and the proportions mold seamlessly the attention to detail and design by Rolex shines brilliantly.

The large orange twenty four hour hand, or GMT hand, is a nod from the Rolex designers back to the Explorers past of the nineteen seventies and is a striking design element on this pre-owned Rolex Explorer II Model 216570. The orange explorer lettering is another subtle touch that brings in mind the Red-Letter Rolex Submariner. The “Maxi” Style hands of the new Explorer II hold a tremendous amount of luminosity, along with the hour markers, both emit the updated “Cerachrom” blue luminosity prevalent  on modern Rolex models such as the new Deepsea Sea-Dweller and can last for up to eight plus hours.

When actually viewed with a fine eye for detail and a little research you can truly understand why Rolex stands apart.  The Explorer II 216570 Mens Steel Black Dial Watch uses a Cal. 3187 movement. This is a new movement from Rolex replacing some outsourced parts with inhouse manufactured Rolex parts primarily the hairspring and shock protection system. The actual main plate of this movement was designed to be larger because of the new larger profile of the Explorer II 216570 model. This shows the attention to detail found at Rolex, where many manufacturers might add spacers to accommodate an older movement in a larger case profile, Rolex did a redesign of a classic, tried and true Explorer movement to fit comprehensively with its new case design.

With attention to detail, a foundation in adventure and engineering, and the reengineering for a contemporary feel, it is easy to see why the Rolex Explorer II 216570 Mens Steel Black Dial Watch is considered an instant classic. One of the few updated Rolex Models that have received acclaim across the board from, watchmakers, historians, and the modern consumer the Rolex Explorer II 216570 Model will continue to be one of the most sought after and respected watches in the world.

There are so many reasons to buy pre-owned luxury watches it is almost surprising that new watches are sold at all. No reason is more important than when a watch is discontinued.  Such is the case presented by Swisswatchexpo.com with their newly available Rolex GMT Master II Men’s 18k and Steel Watch 16713, also know as the “Rootbeer” GMT. Once considered the ugly duckling of the GMT Master II models, many critics have done a complete one eighty and predicted that the Rolex GMT Master II Men’s 18k and Steel Watch 16713 could be the next in demand Rolex on the market. It certainly has all the characteristics of the next celebrated affordable Rolex model with tremendous appreciation potential.

The rarest of all the popular GMT models is the “Rootbeer” GMT Master II.  Although many aficionados and enthusiasts have had a surprisingly unwelcome attitude toward this watch in the past, since its relative scarcity on the market compared to other GMT’s many have revised their initial opinions of the classic look. The Rolex GMT Master II Men’s 18k and Steel Watch 16713 is the classic example of the Rootbeer GMT. The two tone 18k yellow gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet is in perfect harmony with light brown and gold numbered bezel, known commonly in the Rolex vernacular as the “rootbeer” bezel. The bezel on the Rolex GMT Master II Men’s 18k and Steel Watch 16713 is 18k gold, bi-directional, and encases the traditional 24 hour GMT insert.

Perhaps the most unique feature on the Rolex GMT Master II Men’s 18k and Steel Watch 16713 is the dial. The “Rootbeer” Brown dial has a metallic finish that looks to almost have an oscillating or ripple effect in the light. The brown tones of the bezel and dial along with the 18k yellow gold and stainless steel bracelet make this truly one of the most striking  ‘Two Tone” Rolex watches ever created. Few watches produced by any manufacturer have ever had such a coordinated style so immediately apparent. The Pepsi, Coke, and Rootbeer GMT’s have all been discontinued. Easily the most tenuous or rare of the three is the Rootbeer GMT and that limited availability and new appreciation for its classic design elements has seen a renaissance of appreciation world wide. The Rolex GMT Master II Men’s 18k and Steel Watch 16713 is a must have for any Rolex fan and just possibly is the next great collectible Rolex in demand.