Except, some might argue that the two Cartier Ballon Bleu golden dudes kicking a ball around mars the clean classic looks of the watch. But, as Antiquorum helpfully inform us, this watch wasnt just modified by someone who really liked football (or soccer if you like); it was made to celebrate the 1954 FIFA tournament held in Switzerland, and it was given to the tournament's Golden Shoe winner Sandor Kocsis of Hungary.So this watch is rare and has provenance, which brings us back to the fine line we mentioned earlier. Provenance and rarity are things which often tend to make Rolex prices go way up, but we imagine the dial on this watch would put quite a few potential buyers off. I guess the hammer price on the day will be the final indicator. What do you, esteemed Hodinkee readers, think - is this 1954 special dialled Rolex a goal, or does it deserve a red card?For more Cartier Ballon Bleu information on this auction lot, click here.
As a brand, Rolex can epitomise the best of the watch industry, and occasionally inspire those who don't fully understand the brand to procure, well...some pretty tacky stuff. Rolex can inspire deep passion and command incredible prices, on pieces like this. Rolex is also arguably responsible for some of the worst excesses of bling (Leopard print anyone?). This watch from the upcoming Antiquorum auction (in only a few day's time) treads a very fine line, but before you decide on which side of the imagined fence it falls on, lets see what exactly it is.Basically this Rolex is a reference 6085 in 18k gold, dating from 1953. Its 34mm wide and would make a great, somewhat dressier watch, and its in overall Cartier Ballon Bleu excellent condition.
