The Best Birth-Year Watch For You (If You Must Have One)
“I have yet to meet a great collector that started with a birth-year watch.” - Eric Wind
The idea of the birth-year watch is that it is a watch that was made the year that you were born and it’s significant because the watch has been around for about the same time as you have. Birth-year watches are the bane of most watch dealers’ existence. Usually it’s a phone call or email from a stranger who needs a watch from the year they were born. Most of the time they just specify the brand and maybe the metal, but hardly ever the actual model and definitely not the specific model number. These requests are annoying and tiresome because it’s basically the customer saying “surprise me” and invariably they’re disappointed with the model, condition, or whatever. Dealers would much rather get a call from a collector looking for a specific model in the best condition possible, regardless of the year it was made.
The problem with the birth-year watch is that almost all of the time the collector ends up with a watch that is significant to them and no one else. Often the collector looks past condition, horology, and significance and instead purchases some watch that was supposedly made the year they were born. Ultimately, if your goal as a watch collector is to find unique, interesting watches, you're not likely to find one by setting the first parameter as a specific year only.
If you're dedicated to owning a birth-year watch, though, let me at least help you find a good one.I compiled a list of years and a significant watch that was released that year as a guide of which watch you should buy if you’re dedicated to having a birth-year watch. This way you’ll end up owning a significant watch for your collection and the fact that it is the same age as you is just a bonus that you can enjoy.
The other purpose of this list is to help collectors find out which year the watch was actually made. Many times, watches were made from components that were made over the years, with the case from one year, the movement from another and so on. This is a list of the first year these watches were released, which makes them not only more valuable for being first editions, but less likely to be assembled from a hodge podge of different components made at different times. There are exceptions to this. Some of the models were only updated with different movements meaning that the case was made previously. These watches still fit the parameters because the model as we know it was new that year.
Take a look and find your ideal birth-year watch! Mine is the Rolex Explorer 14270.
If you need any help tracking down your birth-year watch email me at steve@flaneurwatches.com. I’m happy to help.
2019 – Rolex GMT Master II 126710 BLNR
Manufacturer: Rolex
Model: GMT Master II 126710 BLNR
Years Produced: 2019 - Present
Movement: Automatic 3285 movement
Case: 904L stainless steel
Dial: Black
Bracelet: 904L stainless steel Jubilee
2018 – Rolex GMT Master II 126710 BLRO
Manufacturer: Rolex
Model: GMT Master II 126710 BLRO
Years Produced: 2018 - Present
Movement: Automatic 3285 movement
Case: 904L stainless steel
Dial: Black
Bracelet: 904L stainless steel Jubilee
2017 – Rolex Sea-Dweller 126600
Manufacturer: Rolex
Model: Sea-Dweller 126600
Years Produced: 2017 - Present
Movement: Automatic 3235 movement
Case: 904L Stainless Steel
Dial: Black with one line of red text
Bracelet: 904L stainless steel Oyster bracelet
2016 – Rolex Daytona 116500LN
Manufacturer: Rolex
Model: Daytona 116500LN
Years Produced: 2016 - Present
Movement: Automatic 4130
Case: 904L stainless steel
Dial: Black and White available
Bracelet: 904L stainless steel Oyster
2015 – A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 191.021
Manufacturer: A. Lange & Söhne
Model: Lange 1 191.021
Years Produced: 2015 - Present
Movement: Manual L121.1
Case: Yellow Gold
Dial: Champagne
Bracelet: Crocodile with pin buckle
2014 – Rolex Milgauss 116400GV Z-Blue
Manufacturer: Rolex
Model: Milgauss 116400GV Z-Blue
Years Produced: 2014 - Present
Movement: Automatic 3131 movement
Case: 904L stainless steel
Dial: Blue Sunburst
Bracelet: 904L stainless steel

2013 – Rolex GMT Master II 116710 BLNR
Manufacturer: Rolex
Model: GMT Master II 116710 BLNR
Years Produced: 2013 - 2018
Movement: Automatic 3186 movement
Case: 904L stainless steel
Dial: Black
Bracelet: 904L stainless steel
2012 – Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15202
Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet
Model: Royal Oak 15202
Years Produced: 2012 - Present
Movement: Automatic 2121 movement
Case: Stainless Steel
Dial: Blue
Bracelet: Stainless Steel
2011 – Rolex Explorer II 216570
Manufacturer: Rolex
Model: Explorer II 216570
Years Produced: 2011 - Present
Movement: Automatic 3187 movement
Case: 904L Stainless Steel
Dial: White and Black
Bracelet: 904L Stainless Steel
2010 – Rolex Explorer 214270
Manufacturer: Rolex
Model: Explorer 214270
Years Produced: 2010 - 2016
Movement: Automatic 3132 movement
Case: 904L Stainless Steel
Dial: Black
Bracelet: 904L Stainless Steel
2009 – Rolex Submariner Date 116613LB
Manufacturer: Rolex
Model: Submariner Date 116613LB
Years Produced: 2009 - Present
Movement: Automatic 3135 movement
Case: 904L steel and yellow gold
Dial: Blue
Bracelet: 904L steel and yellow gold Oyster
2008 – Rolex Deepsea 116660
Manufacturer: Rolex
Model: Deepsea 116660
Years Produced: 2008 - 2018
Movement: Automatic 3135 movement
Case: 904L Stainless Steel
Dial: Black
Bracelet: 904L Stainless Steel
2007 – Rolex GMT Master II 116710
Manufacturer: Rolex
Model: GMT Master II 116710
Years Produced: 2007 - 2018
Movement: Automatic 3186 movement
Case: 904L Stainless Steel
Dial: Black
Bracelet: 904L Stainless Steel
2006 – Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711
Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
Model: Nautilus 5711
Years Produced: 2006 - Present
Movement: Automatic 26-330 S C. movement
Case: Stainless Steel
Dial: Blue
Bracelet: Stainless Steel
2005 – IWC Ingenieur 3227-01
Manufacturer: IWC
Model: Ingenieur 3227-01
Years Produced: 2005 - 2009
Movement: Automatic 80110
Case: 42.5mm Steel
Dial: Black
Bracelet: Steel
2004 – IWC Aquatimer 3548
Manufacturer: IWC
Model: Aquatimer 3548
Years Produced: 2004 - 2009
Movement: Automatic 30110
Case: 42mm Steel
Dial: Blue
Bracelet: Rubber
2003 – Rolex Submariner 16610 LV
Manufacturer: Rolex
Model: Submariner 16610LV
Years Produced: 2003 -2010
Movement: Automatic 3135
Case: 40mm Steel
Dial: Black
Bracelet: Steel
2002 – IWC Big Pilot 5002
Manufacturer: IWC
Model: Big Pilot 5002
Years Produced: 2002 - 2005
Movement: Automatic 5011
Case: 46mm Steel
Dial: Black
Bracelet: Leather
2001 – Patek Philippe Sky Moon Tourbillon 5002
Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
Model: Sky Moon Tourbillon 5002
Years Produced: 2001 - 2014
Movement: Manual R TO 27 QR SID LU CL
Case: 43mm Platinum
Dial: White
Bracelet: Leather
2000 – Rolex Daytona 116520
Manufacturer: Rolex
Model: Daytona 116520
Years Produced: 2000 - 2011
Movement: Automatic 4130
Case: 40mm Steel
Dial: White / Black
Bracelet: Steel
1999 – IWC GST Deep One 3527
Manufacturer: IWC
Model: GST Deep One 3527
Years Produced: 1999 - 2002
Movement: Automatic 8914
Case: 42mm Titanium
Dial: Black
Bracelet: Titanium
1998 – IWC IW3251
Manufacturer: IWC
Model: IW3251
Years Produced: 1998 - 2002
Movement: Automatic 37526
Case: 39mm Steel
Dial: Black
Bracelet: Leather
1997 – IWC GST IW3707-01
Manufacturer: IWC
Model: GST IW3707-01
Years Produced: 1997 - 2003
Movement: Automatic 7922
Case: Titanium
Dial: Black
Bracelet: Titanium
1996 – Vacheron Constantin Overseas
Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin
Model: Overseas
Years Produced: 1996 - 2000
Movement: Automatic 1310
Case: 37mm Steel
Dial: Blue
Bracelet: Steel
1995 – Tudor Prince Date Submariner 79190
Manufacturer: Tudor
Model: Prince Date Submariner 79190
Years Produced: 1995 - 1999
Movement: Automatic 2824-2
Case: 40mm Steel
Dial: Black
Bracelet: Steel
1994 – A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 101.001
Manufacturer: A. Lange & Söhne
Model: Lange 1 101.001
Years Produced: 1994 - 1997
Movement: Manual L901.0
Case: 38.5mm Yellow Gold
Dial: Champagne
Bracelet: Crocodile
1993 – Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 25721ST
Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet
Model: Royal Oak Offshore 25721ST
Years Produced: 1993 - 2002
Movement: Automatic AP 2126 / 2840
Case: 42mm Steel
Dial: Blue
Bracelet: Steel
1992 – Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 14802
Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet
Model: Royal Oak 14802
Years Produced: 1992 - 1995
Movement: Automatic 2121
Case: 39mm Steel
Dial: Blue / Salmon
Bracelet: Steel
1991 – Omega II DE LUXE ‑ PERPETUAL CALENDARBA 175.0302
Manufacturer: Omega
Model: II DE LUXE ‑ PERPETUAL CALENDARBA 175.0302
Years Produced: 1991 - 1997
Movement: Automatic 1118
Case: 34mm Yellow Gold
Dial: White
Bracelet: Leather
1990 – Rolex Explorer 14270
Manufacturer: Rolex
Model: Explorer 14270
Years Produced: 1990 - 2000
Movement: Automatic 3000
Case: 36mm Steel
Dial: Black
Bracelet: Steel
1989 – Rolex Submariner Date 16610
Manufacturer: Rolex
Model: Submariner Date 16610
Years Produced: 1989 - 2010
Movement: Automatic 3135
Case: 40mm Steel
Dial: Black
Bracelet: Steel
1988 – Rolex GMT Master 16700
Manufacturer: Rolex
Model: GMT Master 16700
Years Produced: 1988 - 1999
Movement: Automatic 3175
Case: 40mm Steel
Dial: Black
Bracelet: Steel
1987 – IWC Novecento 3545
Manufacturer: IWC
Model: Novecento 3545
Years Produced: 1987 - 1990
Movement: Automatic 32062
Case: 27mm Yellow Gold
Dial: White
Bracelet: Leather
1986 – IWC Da Vinci Zirconium Oxide 3755
Manufacturer: IWC
Model: Da Vinci Zirconium Oxide 3755
Years Produced: 1986 - 1992
Movement: Automatic 79261
Case: 39mm Zirconium Oxide
Dial: White
Bracelet: Leather
1985 – IWC Da Vinci 3750
Manufacturer: IWC
Model: Da Vinci 3750
Years Produced: 1985 - 1992
Movement: Automatic 79261
Case: 39mm Yellow Gold
Dial: White
Bracelet: Leather
1984 – Rolex Explorer II 16550
Manufacturer: Rolex
Model: Explorer II 16550
Years Produced: 1984 - 1989
Movement: Automatic 3085
Case: 40mm Steel
Dial: White
Bracelet: Steel
1983 – Rolex GMT Master II 16760
Manufacturer: Rolex
Model: GMT Master II 16760
Years Produced: 1983 - 1988
Movement: Automatic 3085
Case: 40mm Steel
Dial: Black
Bracelet: Steel
1982 – IWC Ocean 2000 Ref. 3504
Manufacturer: IWC
Model: Ocean 2000 Ref. 3504
Years Produced: 1982 - 1994
Movement: Automatic 3752-1
Case: 42mm Titanium
Dial: Black
Bracelet: Titanium
1981 – Rolex GMT Master 16750
Manufacturer: Rolex
Model: GMT Master 16750
Years Produced: 1981 - 1988
Movement: Automatic 3075
Case: 40mm Steel
Dial: Black
Bracelet: Steel
1980 – IWC Porsche Design 3700
Manufacturer: IWC
Model: Porsche Design 3700
Years Produced: 1980 - 1992
Movement: Automatic 7750
Case: 42mm Titanium
Dial: Black
Bracelet: Titanium
1979 – Rolex Submariner Date 16800
Manufacturer: Rolex
Model: Submariner Date 16800
Years Produced: 1979 - 1988
Movement: Automatic 3035
Case: 40mm Steel
Dial: Black
Bracelet: Steel
1978 – Rolex Day Date 18038
Manufacturer: Rolex
Model: Day Date 18038
Years Produced: 1978 - 1987
Movement: Automatic 3055
Case: 36mm Yellow Gold
Dial: Champagne
Bracelet: Yellow Gold
1977 – Rolex Sea-Dweller 1665 “Great White”
Manufacturer: Rolex
Model: Sea-Dweller 1665 “Great White”
Years Produced: 1977 - 1983
Movement: Automatic 1575
Case: 40mm Steel
Dial: Black
Bracelet: Steel
1976 – Patek Philippe Nautilus 3700
Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
Model: nautilus 3700
Years Produced: 1976 - 1990
Movement: Automatic 28-255 C
Case: 42mm Steel
Dial: Charcoal
Bracelet: Steel
1975 – Tudor Submariner 9401/0
Manufacturer: Tudor
Model: Submariner 9401/0
Years Produced: 1975 - 1980
Movement: Automatic 2483
Case: Steel
Dial: Blue
Bracelet: NATO Strap
1974 – Heuer Silverstone 110.313 B
Manufacturer: Heuer
Model: Silverstone 110.313 B
Years Produced: 1974 - 1979
Movement: Manual Caliber 12
Case: 42mm Steel
Dial: Blue
Bracelet: Steel
1973 – Longines Conquest
Manufacturer: Longines
Model: Conquest
Years Produced: 1973 - 1975
Movement: Manual 726
Case: 43mm Steel
Dial: Blue
Bracelet: Leather
1972 – Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 5402
Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet
Model: Royal Oak 5402
Years Produced: 1972 - 1981
Movement: Automatic 2121
Case: 39mm Steel
Dial: Gray
Bracelet: Steel
1971 – Rolex Daytona 6263
Manufacturer: Rolex
Model: Daytona 6263
Years Produced: 1971 - 1988
Movement: Manual Valjoux 727
Case: 40mm Steel
Dial: Black / White
Bracelet: Steel
1970 – Rolex Daytona 6262
Manufacturer: Rolex
Model: Daytona 6262
Years Produced: 1970 - 1971
Movement: Manual Valjoux 727
Case: 40mm Steel
Dial: Black / White
Bracelet: Steel
1969 – Rolex Submariner Date 16618
Manufacturer: Rolex
Model: Submariner Date 16618
Years Produced: 1969 - 2010
Movement: Automatic 3135
Case: 40mm Yellow Gold
Dial: Blue / Black
Bracelet: Yellow Gold
1968 – Vacheron Constantin Ultra-Thin
Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin
Model: Ultra-Thin
Years Produced: 1968 - 1969
Movement: Manual 1003
Case: 34mm Yellow Gold
Dial: Champagne
Bracelet: Leather
1967 – Rolex Sea-Dweller 1665
Manufacturer: Rolex
Model: Sea-Dweller 1665
Years Produced: 1967 - 1977
Movement: Automatic 1570
Case: 40mm Steel
Dial: Black
Bracelet: Steel
1966 – Rolex Submariner Date 1680
Manufacturer: Rolex
Model: Submariner Date 1680
Years Produced: 1966 - 1981
Movement: Automatic 1570
Case: 40mm Steel
Dial: Black
Bracelet: Steel
1965 – Rolex Daytona 6240
Manufacturer: Rolex
Model: Daytona 6240
Years Produced: 1965 - 1969
Movement: Manual Valjoux 72B
Case: 40mm Steel
Dial: Black / White
Bracelet: Steel
1964 – Omega 105.012
Manufacturer: Omega
Model: Speedmaster 105.012
Years Produced: 1964 - 1968
Movement: Manual 321
Case: 42mm Steel
Dial: Black
Bracelet: Steel
1963 – Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 6239
Manufacturer: Rolex
Model: Daytona 6239
Years Produced: 1963 - 1969
Movement: Manual 72B
Case: 40mm Steel
Dial: Black / White
Bracelet: Steel
1962 – Rolex Submariner 5513
Manufacturer: Rolex
Model: Submariner 5513
Years Produced: 1962 - 1989
Movement: Automatic 1530
Case: 40mm Steel
Dial: Black
Bracelet: Steel
1961 – Universal Geneve Tri-Compax Ref. 222100/1
Manufacturer: Universal Geneve
Model: Tri-Compax Ref. 222100/1
Years Produced: 1961 - 1968
Movement: Manual 281
Case: 35mm steel
Dial: White
Bracelet: Steel
1960 – Rolex Milgauss 1019
Manufacturer: Rolex
Model: Milgauss 1019
Years Produced: 1960 - 1988
Movement: Automatic 1580
Case: 38mm Steel
Dial: White / Black
Bracelet: Steel
1959 – Rolex GMT Master 1675
Manufacturer: Rolex
Model: GMT Master 1675
Years Produced: 1959 - 1980
Movement: Automatic 1030
Case: 40mm Steel
Dial: Black
Bracelet: Steel
1958 – Rolex Submariner 5510
Manufacturer: Rolex
Model: SUbmariner 5510
Years Produced: 1958 - 1959
Movement: Automatic 1530
Case: 40mm Steel
Dial: Black
Bracelet: Steel
1957 – Rolex Explorer 5500
Manufacturer: Rolex
Model: 5500 Explorer
Years Produced: 1957 - 1959
Movement: Automatic 1520
Case: 34mm Steel
Dial: Black
Bracelet: Steel
1956 – Rolex Submariner 6536
Manufacturer: Rolex
Model: Submariner 6536
Years Produced: 1956 - 1956
Movement: Automatic 1030
Case: 38.5mm Steel
Dial: Black
Bracelet: Steel
1955 – Rolex Pre-Daytona 6234
Manufacturer: Rolex
Model: Pre-Daytona 6234
Years Produced: 1955 - 1961
Movement: Manual 72A
Case: 36mm Steel
Dial: White
Bracelet: Steel
1954 – Rolex GMT Master 6542
Manufacturer: Rolex
Model: GMT Master 6542
Years Produced: 1954 - 1958
Movement: Automatic 1036
Case: 40mm Steel
Dial: Black
Bracelet: Steel
1953 – Rolex Submariner 6204
Manufacturer: Rolex
Model: Submariner 6204
Years Produced: 1953 - 1954
Movement: Automatic A260
Case: 36.5mm Steel
Dial: Black
Bracelet: Steel
1952 – Breitling Navitimer 806
Manufacturer: Breitling
Model: Navitimer 806
Years Produced: 1952 - 1959
Movement: Venus 178
Case: 40mm Steel
Dial: Black
Bracelet: Leather
1951 – Omega Cosmic OJ 3944
Manufacturer: Omega
Model: Cosmic OJ 3944
Years Produced: 1951 - 1952
Movement: Manual 381
Case: 34mm Yellow Gold
Dial: White
Bracelet: Leather
1950 – Heuer Mareograph
Manufacturer: Heuer
Model: Mareograph
Years Produced: 1950 - 1951
Movement: Manual Valjoux 71
Case: 36mm Steel
Dial: White / Black
Bracelet: Leather
1949 – Heuer Solunar
Manufacturer: Heuer
Model: Solunar
Years Produced: 1949 - 1950
Movement: Manual Valjoux 90.1
Case: 36mm Steel
Dial: White
Bracelet: Leather
1948 – IWC Mark XI
Manufacturer: IWC
Model: Mark XI
Years Produced: 1948 - 1983
Movement: Caliber 89
Case: 36mm steel
Dial: Black
Bracelet: Nato Strap
1947 – Tudor Oyster 4463
Manufacturer: Tudor
Model: Oyster 4463
Years Produced: 1947 - 19
Movement: Manually Wound 59 SC
Case: 34mm Steel
Dial: White
Bracelet: Steel
1946 – Rolex Air King 4499
Manufacturer: Rolex
Model: Air King 4499
Years Produced: 1946 - 1952
Movement: Manually Wound Caliber 10.5 Hunter Movement
Case: 34mm Steel
Dial: White
Bracelet: Steel
1945 – Rolex Air King 4925
Manufacturer: Rolex
Model: Air King 4925
Years Produced: 1945-1946
Movement: Manually Wound Caliber 10.5 Hunter Movement
Case: 34mm Steel
Dial: White
Bracelet: Steel