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