Rolex King Midas

[Peej]

Hey TRF,

Are there any King Midas owners or enthusiasts out there?

I think it is often overlooked as the first “destro” production Rolex.

I appreciate the later iterations when it became apart of the Cellini line too, in addition to the square case variation with either stone or diamond dials.

These pieces seem to have gained some popularity recently and the prices reflect that. I think it’s partially due to the increase in demand for over the top dress pieces and also due to its Gerald Genta affiliation.

Would love to start a convo with any owners or enthusiasts here about watch and haven’t seen a thread about them.

[WatchTimes]

The real King Midas is ref 9630
They are very cool watches and I have been looking for a complete set for several years but prices have just gone up and up. If I ever find one at the right deal even if not a complete set I will likely buy it.
If you are looking for an even rarer one look for a WG version
From what I recall I heard about 800 in YG and 150 in WG

[dukie748]

Sir Jackie Stewart is a big fan.

[bkay001]

It’s cool to see how it’s gaining traction among collectors, especially with its history and design. The connection to Gerald Genta adds a whole other layer of interest, too!

[Peej]

Originally Posted by WatchTimes

The real King Midas is ref 9630
They are very cool watches and I have been looking for a complete set for several years but prices have just gone up and up. If I ever find one at the right deal even if not a complete set I will likely buy it.
If you are looking for an even rarer one look for a WG version
From what I recall I heard about 800 in YG and 150 in WG

Yes, the white gold are rare. Very similar to the production of the first beta 21 “Texano” quartz Rolex, and also the Oysterquartz Day Date. All seem to have minimal white gold production. Which makes sense because at the time yellow gold was all the rage.

Tropical watch has a white gold Midas for sale right now (https://tropicalwatch.com/watches/gfxt). It’s about 30K no box or papers. The box is kind of white makes for me too.

I wonder if Rolex would ever tap back into this design for a future model. I highly highly doubt it, but it would be a more interesting hunk of gold than the new DeepSea.

[Max7857]

I was not familiar with that model so I had to Google it. Very cool looking. Thought I would add a couple of pictures for others who were not familiar.




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[Peej]

Here are some other references. It’s certainly different than the typical Rolex design language and miles away from a stainless steel sports watch. That’s what I find so interesting about these in comparison to everything else in their backlogs. I wouldn’t say they are for everyone though.

[jb335]

It's a cool watch but also in the middle of a hype storm, so prices may not stay at this elevated level.

I've never tried one on so I could be wrong, but I bet it's a tough watch to wear and isn't going to stay this popular for long. I know nothing though.

[77T]

Bubblebacks ran this gamut too.

MIΔAΣ are radically different may go same route.

It was a stunning plan for Genta to pull Rolex into Terra Incognito.


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[ArtNouveau]

Even though I’m not a PM guy, the King Midas is just weird enough to make me want one. I’ve seen a few in person over the years, don’t remember much demand for them in the past. I certainly wouldn’t pay $30K.

[Bazil]

I’m an armchair fan, simply because of the history and somewhat iconic status of the watch … I wouldn’t buy one, but I sure can admire it …

[1William]

I appreciate it for what it is, a cool retro watch. Not for me though.

[ronricks]

I’ve handled one once and it was very heavy for such a small watch. I wonder if Rolex can still service these or if there are parts available for the movement? I know links for these are almost impossible to find.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by 1William

I appreciate it for what it is, a cool retro watch. Not for me though.

About where I land on it as well

[GradyPhilpott]

I don't remember any names at this time, but there was at least one member who owned a King Midas at one time.

[MRBolton]

It would be incredible if Rolex brought this back and competed with the integrated sports watch players again. I bet it would be a big hit!

[EzraPound]

For Midas fans...1962 Rolex Midas advertisement for the 100th issue of Graphis magazine which was dedicated to the Sun.

[Kap007]

The King wore one in a hot tub and damaged it. There are pictures online. I'm sure everyone is familiar with them.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by EzraPound

For Midas fans...1962 Rolex Midas advertisement for the 100th issue of Graphis magazine which was dedicated to the Sun.

Interesting, thank you. I didn't know there was also a Queen Midas and Princess Midas.

[Peej]

Cool advert! Reminds me of a Clifford Still painting.

[kilyung]

I few years ago I had to try one. Sold it a week later… too small for me.

[HogwldFLTR]

Where's Elvis when we really need him?



https://www.rolexmagazine.com/2008/0...html#gsc.tab=0

[Ekrutintexas]

I own a 9630 two tone. I have never seen another or anyone even refer to one. And yes, I have the original urn box. I think it is the ultimate geezer watch. I am trying to figure a way to post a picture

[Kingsking]

Originally Posted by Ekrutintexas

I own a 9630 two tone. I have never seen another or anyone even refer to one. And yes, I have the original urn box. I think it is the ultimate geezer watch. I am trying to figure a way to post a picture

Hope you figure it out I’d love to see it . The urn box alone is worth as much as an entry level Rolex . I love the Midas and all the integrated bracelet solid gold watches from that era . I have a Piaget polo 7131C myself and I love it .

[Peej]

Originally Posted by Kingsking

Hope you figure it out I’d love to see it . The urn box alone is worth as much as an entry level Rolex . I love the Midas and all the integrated bracelet solid gold watches from that era . I have a Piaget polo 7131C myself and I love it .

I second the picture, would love to see it. Also, a fan of the Piaget 7131c. There are many cool variants of the Polo. You should post a pic too! It’s definitely a watch I wouldn’t mind owning.

[Bazil]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

Where's Elvis when we really need him?



https://www.rolexmagazine.com/2008/0...html#gsc.tab=0

He’s working in my local fish and chip shop …

He was ‘Cod in a trap’ …

[Robf52]

Originally Posted by Bazil

I’m an armchair fan, simply because of the history and somewhat iconic status of the watch … I wouldn’t buy one, but I sure can admire it …

+1.

[BLACKHORSE 6]

Originally Posted by Bazil

I’m an armchair fan, simply because of the history and somewhat iconic status of the watch … I wouldn’t buy one, but I sure can admire it …

This

I’m glad that there are watches like this in the Rolex back-catalog that are different from all the sports watches that the brand is known for.

[HogwldFLTR]

This one of those watches to add to a collection because of its heritage but one that would be seldom if ever worn.

[R-Star]

FWIW
Not affiliated in any way (other than a fan of his content). But Jacek @ Tropical Watch has one on his page if anyone was interested or looking for one.

Edit: just noticed Peej pointed this out in an earlier post. My apologies for the redundancy