Vintage
Baron - Mr Red presents a compelling economic theory linking formative years to adult collecting habits, specifically focusing on the 30-40 year lagged demand cycle for aspirational goods. He illustrates this with his personal connection to 1970s Rolex watches, sparking a nostalgic discussion among collectors.
I am a child of the 1970s. My formative years were based around the 1970s.
I have this theory about economics that is based on one’s formative years. It goes like this…..during one’s formative years, one sees many things that one cannot afford or indeed use. I remember very well seeing my first Porsche 911 when I was 13. It was the car that caught my imagination. Newspaper reports of City financial dealers getting their bonuses at Christmas and immediately visiting the Porsche dealership were commonplace. I loved that car. Of course, at 13 years of age, I could neither afford one nor drive one. Instead, this iconic dream had to sit unsatisfied in my teenage brain for many years. It was an enforced situation and one I could do nothing about. I wanted a 911 so badly, but of course it remained something that just could not be satiated. So, the first part of my economic theory is the building of an entrenched demand.
Today, I sit back and look at the past and I see things in a slightly different way. As much as living in the present is the “mode du jour”, there is something quite exciting about reflecting on the past. This is especially so when one can change history. And here is where my economic life cycle theory gets its second element. Yes, it is 2015, but it is also true that I can now buy things from the 1970s that I couldn’t afford at the time! So, the third part of my economic theory argues that demand for iconic goods will tend to have a 30-40 year lagged-cycle to them. In other words, what I am just loving right now are 1970s watches!
But actually, it is going a little further than that. I think the 1970s had a very specific type of feel to it. For me, two watches stand out amongst the entire Rolex references as having that 1970s feel. Two watches that just scream 1970s.
The Rolex Explorer II reference 1655, often recognized by its distinctive orange 24-hour hand, was introduced as a tool watch for speleologists and polar explorers. It offered enhanced legibility in low-light conditions and a fixed 24-hour bezel to distinguish between AM and PM in environments where day and night cycles are obscured. This model stands apart from its GMT-Master sibling by focusing on a specific utility rather than multiple time zones, making it a specialized instrument within the Rolex professional line.
This reference features a 39 mm stainless steel case, housing the automatic Caliber 1575 movement. The movement provides a power reserve of approximately 42 hours. A robust acrylic crystal protects the black dial, which is characterized by its luminous hour markers and the prominent orange 24-hour hand. The watch is water-resistant to 100 meters, suitable for its intended robust use.
Collectors value the 1655 for its unique aesthetic and its position as the original Explorer II. Its fixed bezel and distinctive hand set differentiate it from later Explorer II iterations and other Rolex sports models. The reference appeals to those who appreciate purpose-built watches and the early design language of Rolex's professional series, representing a specific chapter in the brand's history.
I spent a lof of time, today, looking at 911s from the seventies, Alfas, too, like the Montreal, and a few watches, such as this 1655, which is on my wrist, while typing these words, or at a Tudor Homeplate or 7159, and a few JLCs such as a 2648 Chronograph, or a... Polaris II Red... There is something cool which is the common point between all these things, and which are typical from the Seventies. Without forgetting that the size is bigger, and more legible ( watches ) for our tired eyes. Love
Several points touch a string within myself.. Love (!) your 2 pics, whereby the 1019 with the rain drops is a splendid shot - the watch likewise, needless to say. On a personal note, am really glad to see & read you back here ! My Best to you & yours, hs
Bargains... Best, Nicolas
Who could argue with your theory and theorems Me certainly not ;) Now I see why I madly love Countach and still have Sex Pistols and Metallica records Bulls eye again dear friend and nice shots as well Yours D
Some trouser flairs too, maybe?
and why I am hankering after this piece
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