MINT EDITORIAL
WHAT’S HOT · UPDATED DAILY
What collectors are talking about
The auctions, market moves and moments shaping demand, drawn from reported sources.
Auction
A Paul Newman Daytona brings €448,000 in Paris
Sotheby's Paris sold a circa-1968 Rolex Daytona "Paul Newman" ref. 6241 on October 7 for €448,000, well above its €120,000–260,000 estimate.
Auction
A Royal Oak outperforms its estimate in New York
At Bonhams New York on October 8, a 2024 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak "Mini Frosted Gold" ref. 67630BA sold for $76,700, above its $50,000–70,000 estimate.
Market data
The Pepsi GMT leads the market
The Jubilee Pepsi GMT-Master II, ref. 126710BLRO, was the top reference by sold value in the first half of 2026: $43.99 million, up 78%.
Market data
Patek's Aquanaut overtakes the Offshore
Aquanaut sales value rose 65% to $225 million in the first half of 2026, passing the Royal Oak Offshore for the first time.
News
Rolex retires the Pepsi
Rolex removed the GMT-Master II "Pepsi" from its catalogue at Watches and Wonders 2026, and secondary prices have risen since.
MARKET WATCH · UPDATED DAILY
Measured against the open market
Selected pieces from our collection, compared with independent market data each day.
Rolex · Market watch
Rolex Daytona "Le Mans"
Ref. 126528LN
Market guide
$227,400
MINT
$203,750
$23,650 below the market guide
The yellow-gold Le Mans ran only from 2024 to early 2025. Dealer asks have ranged from roughly $205,000 to $264,000.
Audemars Piguet · Market watch
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph
Ref. 26715ST
Market range
$47,600–$49,600
MINT
$45,250
$2,350 below the low end of the market range
The 38mm grey-dial chronograph is the most popular steel variant of the reference.
HOW-TO
How to wind and set an automatic watch
A simple routine for starting, winding and setting a self-winding watch without straining the movement.
HOW-TO
Water resistance ratings, decoded
What 30, 50, 100 and 300 metres really mean on a watch dial, and why a rating is not a promise for life.
HOW-TO
What a watch reference number tells you
How reference numbers identify a specific model, and why two watches with the same name can differ.
HOW-TO
How often should you service a mechanical watch?
General service intervals, warning signs, and what a full service involves.
HOW-TO
How to care for a steel watch bracelet
A gentle cleaning routine and a few habits that keep a metal bracelet looking sharp.
GOLD NEWS
Yellow, rose and white gold in watchmaking, explained
What 18k means, what alloys give each colour, and how brands create their own gold.