Crowned Koi

EVERY TIMEPIECE TELLS A STORY

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Welcome,

 

If you’re reading this you probably love watches, maybe even specifically vintage Rolex like I do.

I started Crowned Koi because of the way watches make me feel. It’s questionable if watches are a necessity in today’s age. An age where at any given moment you carry at least one or two pieces of technology that can feed you the date, time, location, and any reminder or alarm you’d like to set accurate down to the millisecond.

But that’s not why these watches are sought after. Not why we hunt them. Stay up looking at pictures or read about them. They’re here because of the way they make us feel. They bring us joy, happiness, confidence, and in a way connect us all. They’re a form of expression, an unspoken language. I feel a way when I see someone wear a 16710 with a faded insert in the wild, and a different way when I spot any Invicta. just kidding, but not really).

I started Crowned Koi on the way these watches make me feel and I hope you discovered me because of that same reason. I hope we’ll be in touch soon, but for now I hope you enjoy your stay in my digital showroom.

-Pat

Founder

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Is this the best modern Sea Dweller Rolex has made? There’s a lot of ceramic Sea Dwellers out there, but this one gets my vote for sure. Nicknamed the “SD4K”, if it’s not the best, it’s at least the quirkiest. P.S. Sorry for the finger prints. I’m never lubing up my hands before a video ever again. #116600 #seadweller #watchcollector #rolexwatch
My favorite vintage Rolex reference and my favorite kind of patina ❤️ Finding watches like this from the original owner feels like opening a time capsule. Does it get any better than a full set 1675 with stunning colors like this? #rolexgmt #vintagewatch #vintagerolex #1675 #gmtmaster
Vintage Speedies are one of the best looking watches to me. If you’ve ever wanted one, take a look at where they’re pricing these days. There are deals out there 👀 (This one being one of them). #speedytuesday #omegaspeedmaster #vintagewatch #watchcollector #chronograph
Finding vintage watches with this much patina is what makes the hobby so fun for me. You just don’t see colors like this in modern Rolex. Given that the price of a full set “white Sub” 1680 is about the same price as a watch only “red Sub”: which would you rather add to the collection? #vintagerolex #vintagewatch #1680 #rolexsubmariner #watchcollector
Sometimes the story behind the watch is just as fascinating as the watch itself. I definitely appreciate Cartier and the different Tank variations after this find. This one’s so rare it’s tempting to just stash away in the personal pile. #cartiertank #vintagecartier #vintagewatch #cartier
Is the Rolex “Panda” Daytona worth the 2x retail price tag? Even with the newer iteration Daytona reference 126500 circulating the market, this recently discontinued model remains as one of the most sought after sports models today. #watchcollector #116500 #rolexdaytona
A beautiful example of the rarely seen AP “Cobra” reference 5655ba. This watch is a reminder to me that there are plenty of good deals to be found out there if you’re not only looking for the biggest named brands and their most popular models. In full yellow gold and in stunning condition this looks barely worn! At 27mm and being manual wind to be this thin…..it just disappear on the wrist. It’a wild to me that this is priced less than a steel women’s Datejust. #vintagewatch #audemarspiguet #watchcollector
A stellar Rolex Submariner “White Sub” 1680 with a full set! Somehow been finding these full set four digits lately and I’m not complaining. This one even has the serialized hangtag! I just love how deep and rich the patina is on both the hands and the dial and they perfectly match. Someone help me pick a color to describe the dial and hands cause I’m struggling here. The insert has faded into a greyish lavender like tone. The case is honest and shows wear over the years, but is sharp retaining its original shape and chamfers! This one is now available! #vintagerolex #1680 #redsub #vintagewatch #watchcollector
This 70’s vintage Cartier Tank Jumbo wears so well. The Jumbo size blends well with today’s modern watch sizes. The “Stepped Case” gives this watch the extra depth and character compared to the more commonly seen Tank Must line. An exceptional find that’s gotten me more interested in Cartier! #vintagewatch #cartiertank #watchcollector #watchenthusiast #wristcheck
Probably the rarest watch I’ve had in with an interesting story (story comes later…probably in video format). The Cartier Tank “Stepped Case” NYC edition. Originally produced in the 70’s (before the Must collection), the Cartier Tank “Stepped Case” was offered in three different variations depending on which boutique it was made in. These were offered in an NYC, Paris, and London variation. Apparently it was because this trio was so successful, the “Must De” tanks were launched! To give you an idea of rarity: there were about 2,500 pieces of NYC edition made, 5,000 of the London, and 5,000 of the Paris edition. At the time, the NYC store was independent of the Paris and London stores. This one is the NYC edition and not only is it the rarest of the bunch, it’s also the one that is the most unique in build! The New York edition reference 15716 is the only one made in 14k rolled gold on brass alloy (Paris and London were 18k). The NY edition also was the only one to have a “four screw” back case (others had a snap back) and an elongated crown (others had a shortened crown). The NY edition is also the only reference that had true Cartier markings and serial numbers. The other two did not have serial numbers and were only lightly engraved. Only produced for a short three years from 1973-1976, not only is this a rare watch, but also the most sought after variation! In my opinion: a sleeper in the Cartier line up given its history and rarity. This reference 15716 New York edition Cartier “Stepped” Tank Jumbo XL is now available. #vintagecartier #cartier #vintagewatch