Insight Christies: Geneva auction highlights Nov 2016
Fine WatchesCollector's InsightFine WatchesEventsIt is that time of year again. The big November watch auctions in Geneva. With Phillips catalogue already out- Christies is next.
I went through their catalogue of 322 lots and choose my favorite 9 lots. Some are offered at no reserve, other watches I choose are probably completely overlooked. I have also chosen some obvious stars that are on many collectors wish lists too. What is cool about this catalogue is that there many under the radar watches that give an astute collector the opportunity to buy a killer watch – at times at no reserve!
Without further due – let’s get started.
(On a side note I have not inspected any of the watches yet and am basing my judgment from the pictures and talking to experts at Christies).
I do like multi scale dials and these are Rolex chronograph models are superb examples of attractive multi-scale dials.
The condition of this watch according to Christies is very strong with the dial untouched. What I also like about this watch are the oval chronograph pushers only found on early watches. The case is equally strong with both the case number as well as Rolex crown still visible on the back. I think all Rolex collectors who like chronographs would be well advised to take a look at this watch more closely. Estimate is CHF 100-150’000.
Lot 28: A 1963 Rolex 6239 Double Swiss underline Daytona
This is one lot that a lot of Rolex collectors will be looking at closely. It is one of those übercool Rolex watches that are a must have if you’re a Daytona collector.
A double Swiss underline was made when Rolex was going through a serious transition phase and many dials were underline (look also to the Double Swiss GMT). This 6239 has many of the correct attributes you would expect to see: Correct serial range, correct hour and minute hands that are thinner, correct Bezel calibrated to 300 and including the 275 number. The dial has a few spots but looks to be in original condition.
It is only a matter of time before these watches become unobtainable and forever sit in the best private collections in the world. Buy one now.
Estimate is CHF 60-90’000.
Below the wonderful detail of the dial.
Lot 31: A 1968 Rolex 6239 Daytona in gold.
All 6239 Daytona are quite rare by themselves. They were the first model made and are highly sought after.
But how often is it you see a gold 6239 Daytona? I honestly cannot remember the last time I have seen one. I do find that this watch look absolutely awesome in Gold. What makes this watch furthermore interesting is the following: It comes from the original owner’s family and includes all paperwork, original guarantee, original brochure – all rarities by themselves. This watch has never been offered at auction before.
A super cool watch – that all Daytona collectors will likely take a closer look at. Estimate is CHF 50,000 – 80’000.
Lot 48: A 1942 rectangular Patek Philippe Ref 1558 with Breguet numerals
When I said I would write about watches that will be under the radar – look no further than this example.
This early 1940s Patek is ref 1558, and has never been offered to the public before. It not only carries an elegant shape but has the sought after Breguet numerals on the dial. The extract of archives confirm this to be the case. The case is engraved with the date when the watch was bought with initials of first owner. I personally like engraved watches as it makes the watch much more personal.
This watch is offered at no reserve – a good chance for the astute collector to pick this watch up for a bargain.
Lot 103: A 1954 Rolex 6200 Submariner
This is another lot that will be on the radar screen of many collectors.
The 6200 is the holy grail of all submariners and this example here scores many points. First the watch is full of patina. Second it seems that the watch is more glossy than most recent 6200 that were for sale. I also prefer the hands on this watch to many others which have sold recently. Collectors looking to buy a 6200 would be well served to read my in depth report on what owners and collectors say about the 6200 here.
The estimate of this watch is CHF 100- 150’ooo. I can almost guarantee that this estimate will be trounced.
Lot 184: A 1980 Day date, with Green lacquer crown Khanjar dial.
I have seen a lot of day dates in my life. But this one is just ÜBER cool.
Not only is the dial color, this mint green lacquer dial a dream – the crown Khanjar dial made for the Sultanate of Oman is just the icing on the cake. This is without a doubt – one of the coolest day dates I have ever seen. The color just makes the dial pop out. The case is also awesome and carries this rare ‘bark finish’ – not everybody’s taste – but certainly mine. The case back of the watch also carries the Omani crown and Khanjar in red again.
According to Christies less than 5 exist of the Omani crown on the dial as well as case-back and none are known to have a Stella dial.
The next time your in the South of France and eating at Club 55 or at the Monte Carlo beach club – this should be your beach watch. Awesomely cool.
The estimate is also very cool at CHF 60’000 – 90’000.
The back of the watch is also signed the Omani crown with the Khanjar.
Lot 270: A 1964 Patek Ref 3435
I bet you nobody had this lot on their radar screen. But they should.
This is probably more rare than the sought after Patek 2526 and carries just a nice case. What is more beautiful with this watch is that- the PP crown is integrated into the case which is a piece of art. The dial seems to have taken on an incredible patina. This for me is the epitome of elegance – a 1960s Patek in platinum and diamonds with a beautiful case. The case also has what is known as a stepped case design. The celebrated automatic movement 27-460 sits in this watch (which is also the movement found in the 3448 series).
Yes I can see this watch – celebrating New Years in St Moritz or Gstaad with matching diamond studs (preferably Harry Winston 1960’s) and a nice black tie from Francesco Smalto while drinking a nice Blanc de Blanc Ruinart Champagne. No need to wind this watch up – it is automatic.
This watch is estimated at CHF 30’000 -50’000.
Lot 271: A 1964 Patek Ref 3466 in steel
This is another lot which will probably is not very high on collectors radar screens.
But it should be. This watch has much going for it. It the perfect example of understatement and great design. A Calatrava case, good size at 35mm, nice early bead dial and the very elegant sub seconds. This watch also carries the celebrated automatic movement 27-460 with the gold rotor. The wonderful PP winding crown is also part of this watch series – a piece of art in itself. This watch also has the advantage of being serviced at Patek Philippe with the service sticker still present on the case back.
Estimate of this watch is CHF 18 – 28’000. A great time only Patek wristwatch from the 1960’s that would be a superb buy anywhere near the lower estimate.
Lot 315: A 1971 Patek Ref 3448
The followers of my blog know that I love the 3448. I think it is one of the all time great designs (case design Gerlach) with integrated crown.
This watch could present an interesting opportunity for the collector looking for a bargain. Normally a superb 3448 in gold with these series dials can for $200k but this watch is estimated at only CHF 90 – 160’000. The reason presumably has to do with the dial that carries (what looks like an oxidation spot) right after the 2 o’clock hour marker. This will undoubtedly deter those collectors looking for only pristine dials. The dial of this watch is an Aprior dial (notice the sigma markings below) denoting it is cased in gold.
This could leave the astute collector with an opportunity to pick up a legendary reference at a bargain price.
