October was an unbelievable month in the world of vintage Rolex, as two iconic gold watches, one c.1953, the other c.1985, shattered auction records and sold for a collective $11.4 million. The first, an incredibly rare yellow-gold Rolex Ref. 6062 “Triple Calendar Moon-Phase” with a black dial and diamond hour markers, sold through Monaco Legend Group for approximately $6.2 million. Days later, a diamond-set Ref. 6270 Daytona reportedly changed hands in Hong Kong for around $5.2 million.
The $6.2 Million Rolex Ref. 6062 “Stelline” Moon-Phase
As with all such acquisitions at this level, there is bound to be speculation that Rolex itself was the buyer. The Rolex 6062, nicknamed the “Stelline” aka Star Dial, is one of the most sought-after vintage watches in the world. Introduced in the early 1950s, it was one of only two models in Rolex’s history to combine an automatic movement with a triple calendar and moon-phase display.
The watch sold in Monaco features a black dial, diamond hour indices, and an immaculate yellow-gold case, making it one of the rarest Rolexes ever produced. The $6.2 million hammer price makes it the third-most expensive Rolex ever sold at auction, surpassing the 2017 record set by the “Bao Dai” version of the same reference. The 6062 “captures a fleeting moment in Rolex’s post-war experimentation,” when the brand briefly dabbled in complications.
The Ultra-Rare Rolex Ref. 6270 Daytona
Changing the course of horological history, Rolex decided instead to focus on tool watches like the Submariner and the GMT-Master, leaving complications to the likes of Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin. While much more modern, the Ref. 6270 Daytona represents an equally interesting period in Rolex production, when it made almost outlandish specialties for extremely valuable clients, in this case Sultan Qaboos Bin Said, former Sultan of Oman.
Industry experts believe no more than 10 examples of the 6270 were ever made, based on the iconic Daytona 6263. Crafted in yellow gold, it features a baguette diamond-set bezel and lugs, along with a striking pavé diamond-set dial accented by sapphire hour markers and gold baton hands, and is often said to be the most expensive Daytona ever made. Jay-Z made headlines when he wore a $4 Million diamond Rolex 6270 to an A-list party in the Hamptons last year.
When Christie’s sold a 6270 for what now seems like a bargain $1 million in 2014 it noted that, “this piece is so rare that one can hardly find any documentation or literature devoted to it.” Phillips later added, “It was beyond outlandish to imagine a bejeweled sports watch at the time. And yet, in the 1980s, that is exactly what Rolex made, predating by a couple of decades what is today a mainstream trend.”
Vintage Rolex Market Proves Its Strength
Together, these two eye-popping results mark a landmark moment in the evolution of the Rolex market, especially as they occurred in the same week. Despite fluctuations and myriad speculation in the luxury watch world, exacerbated by the uncertainty of the global economy and tariffs in particular, demand for genuinely rare vintage Rolex references has once again shown to be bulletproof.
As the gavel fell on these two extraordinary pieces, one thing is crystal clear: vintage Rolex remains the benchmark by which the entire collectible watch world is measured. The 6062’s celestial complication and the 6270’s jewel-laden glamour may sit at opposite ends of the design spectrum, but they both speak to the inestimable value of timepieces wherein rarity, condition, and beauty converge.
A Testament to Rolex’s Enduring Legacy
These two record-breaking sales reaffirm what collectors have long known, Rolex occupies a unique place in horological history. Whether it’s the celestial sophistication of the Ref. 6062 or the opulent rarity of the Ref. 6270, both timepieces embody the craftsmanship, innovation, and prestige that continue to define the brand. As the market for vintage watches evolves, Rolex remains the ultimate benchmark of desirability, its finest creations not just keeping time, but making history.
