Pre-Owned Picks A Rolex 'Polar' Explorer II With Patina, A Patek Philippe Aquanaut, And A TAG Heuer Monaco

The Rolex Explorer II almost needs no introduction. As the evolution of the original Explorer (and then this being the evolution of that evolution), the 40mm neo-vintage darling brings '90s charm to a tried and tested dual-time recipe. Where we consider the GMT-Master to be a GMT, the Explorer II was crafted as a true explorer's timepiece that allows for AM/PM differentiation which was designed for cave diving. Nowadays it works just fine as a GMT.

This particular example has aged beautifully with patina on the markers which play against the stark white, polar dial. Key aestehtic callouts here are the black surrounds on the markers, the red GMT hand, and the satin steel bezel with a 24-hour readout. These neo-vintage Explorer II models are certainly having their moment.

You often hear folks talking about their love for the Patek Philippe Nautilus – how they wish they could get their hands on one, how it's their grail watch. Well, in the past few years, another Patek has snuck into grail territory and has become just as much unobtanium as the Nautilus. Today we are featuring that very watch: The Aquanaut.

Consider this the sequel to the Nautilus with a different sort of sporty feel, a highly legible dial with applied Arabic numerals and that iconic rubber strap. This watch is, in some ways, Patek's take on an absolute, do anything, go anywhere, everyday watch. Oh, and we love it.

We have just come off the Grand Prix Historique in Monaco, so what better time to talk about the watch called Monaco? It's the watch made famous by Steve McQueen known best for its unique square shape and oh so '70s look and feel. This year the model range was updated but today are looking at an example that pays homage to the original.

What we have is the classic blue dial iteration in a stunning sunray execution. The balance of the blue with the red flourishes against the sub-seconds counters creates an automatic chronograph steeped in history with enough modern touches to make it feel fresh along with the use of the Calibre 12.

Speaking of watches on the tips of everyone's tongues, when it comes to Cartier it's undoubtedly the Tank and the Santos. We rarely look to the Roadster with its unique case shape that houses all the design codes we know and love from the brand.

Today's Roadster comes in a two-tone configuration and has an ornate dial layout with Roman numerals. It comes affixed to a matching two-tone bracelet with a hidden clasp and boasts a magnified date window that flows seamlessly into the crown. This is Art Deco design at its finest.

We have written about the IWC Portuguese Chronograph countless times here on Hodinkee and for good reason. Outside of the normal boundaries of sports chronographs, this watch has established itself as a true icon in the realm of horology that blends sport and dress. It's a watch with a particular style that is decidedly, and entirely, its own thing.

Today we have a green dial iteration which is a color variation we do not often see. The deep sunray green finish to the dial nicely compliments the Arabic numerals circumventing the large surface area of this 42mm chrono. It comes affixed to a leather strap and stands out as a unique offering within the Portuguese line.