While I’m usually tempted to establish a theme for these selections, today, I’m simply focusing on showcasing the finest watches I’ve come across – no overarching theme required. This roundup will feature a diverse range of vintage Rolex, Patek Philippe, and more, all with fascinating stories behind them.
In our August 16, 2025 auction, several standout watches found new homes. Notably, a Heuer Camaro with a Champion dial fetched $11,025 on eBay, while a Habring² Chrono-Felix sold for $11,055. I hope some of the new owners are among our readers and enthusiasts!
Now, let’s dive into the highlights of this week’s picks, including a Tudor with American football history, a vintage Patek Philippe with unique provenance, and one of the most coveted modern Patek models, which is up for auction after being seized by the UK Police.
The Cotton Bowl, one of college football’s oldest and most prestigious bowl games, has a history dating back to 1937. Over the years, the bowl has pitted top-ranked teams against each other, and today, it remains part of the “New Year’s Six” bowls that help determine the National Championship matchups.
What makes the Cotton Bowl special for watch enthusiasts? For several decades, players who participated in the game were gifted watches, and from 1967 to 1976, these gifts were Rolex and Tudor replica watches. Among the watches awarded in the 1974 Cotton Bowl Classic is the Tudor Date + Day “Jumbo,” which stands out with its unique dial. The watch omits the usual Tudor branding to make space for the large Cotton Bowl logo and year at the 6 o’clock position. This particular watch, awarded to offensive guard Chad Leonardi, is engraved with his name on the case back, adding an extra layer of historical significance.
The allure of vintage replica Rolex watches has grown to the point where collectors are now finely attuned to what makes a piece exceptional. But sometimes, an obsession with perfect condition can overshadow a watch’s character. Take, for instance, this vintage GMT-Master, which shows wear and polishing, but has developed a stunning tropical dial. The patina gives the dial a rich, brown hue that only years of aging can produce, and the faded bezel insert adds even more vintage charm.
While many collectors seek unworn watches in mint condition, a piece like this tells its own story through decades of wear. For those who appreciate character over perfection, this tropical GMT-Master is a true gem. It’s available from Tortoise Watches in London, priced at £31,000.
One of the most sought-after modern watches is the Patek Philippe Nautilus, and in 2025, Patek released a final set of steel 5711 models to cap off the production run. Among them was the ref. 5711/1300A, featuring a green dial and baguette-set bezel. This reference, while not as headline-grabbing as the Tiffany blue variant, is equally impressive due to its exclusivity and the first-ever pairing of baguette diamonds with a stainless steel case.
This watch is now up for auction as part of a government-seized asset sale. The watch, originally distributed to VIP clients, is one of only two that have come up for public sale. Bidders can vie for this piece through Wilsons Auctions, with the auction taking place on August 30, 2025.