With the reddening of leaves, the cold morning breeze and 5pm darkness, we know winter is soon is upon us. If any a reason to rejoice, this also means fall auction season is heading our way.
I take a look at some of the lots that most caught my eye. (by Mr. A).
Phillips – Saturday/Sunday 10/11 November
Lot 14: A unique series FP Journe
Few contemporary watchmakers have risen to become multifaceted brands with cult-like following, and honestly FP Journe might just be the most coveted of them all.
This Subscription Tourbillon is a milestone in modern horology, a key turning point in the collecting sphere; when collectors turned to individual watchmakers as opposed to big brands, and the start of independent watchmaking as we know it today.
A true must have for any hardcore FP or independent collector.
Before Panerai and bad re-ditions, there used to be a time when oversize were uber exclusive and usually for military purposes only. This particular example features a lovely steel case with glossy black radium dial with correct spotting – and not the questionable perfection you often see.
I have personally been looking for a great AP chrono to add to my collection and this would tick many boxes for me, but I’m sure I’m not alone.
Case is exceptional and dial is so unique to AP with long numerals and indexes. I would kindly suggest the future buyer to immediately go to his/her watchmaker and get these hands changed with a much more suitable thin baton handset (which was also original to the watch to begin with).
If you are after a unique Nautilus, of the highest importance and rarity look no further.
Though considered “small” this case still comes in at a perfectly wearable 37.5mm with a unique dial. Definitely in my ‘would buy’ category.
My love for Universal is no secret and am excited that Phillips will be offering this outstandingly mint 885108. 10/10 dial, correct and very rare handset. My only concern would be the service bezel but hey, looks great nonetheless.
These are exceedingly rare watches with less than 20 examples known.
Sothebys – Sunday 11 November
I am a big fan of this early Genta creation and was stunned to see and original SAS 1954 Polarouter come up for this.
As these were intended for the crew and some hosts of the very first transatlantic commercial flight, not many were made and even less have surfaced, possible the first all correct SAS to come up in recent years.
The best way to differentiate yourself in a Rolex GTG.
That thin blue line that makes all the difference. A special watch that really makes you say: “but look closer”.
This platinum 1831 is cased in what might seem like a Oysterquartz case but instead is a very exclusive model made only on special request.
In NOS conditions this also comes with a special red Khanjar dial. Super cool and under the radar. For more on the ref 1831 Rolex watches which is the rarest reference ever created by Rolex in their history – please see a detailed report here.
An incredible pink gold reference 6085 with black lacquer dial and the most beautiful full brick bracelet.
This might be one of my all time favorite Rolexes.
Antiquorum – Sunday 11 November
Antiquorum’s selection for this catalogue includes some gorgeous Nautilii (is that the correct plural?) a nice steel 8171, a gold 6062 stelline, a 1518 and 1526 and a few Daytonas.
What most caught my eye and attention were minor lots with loads to offer at relatively bargain prices. Let’s go through them:
This lovely Certina DS with funky numerals and incredible brown dial is a stunning vintage time only beater with much to offer to the new or more seasoned collector.
I think Day Dates are some of the coolest Rolexes that often fall much too behind their more sporty counterparts.
To me epitomize the Rolex DNA and ethos. The particularity of this Day Date lies in the special Arabic index dial, date and day – all in a much rare rose gold case.
Condition is key on this one. Also, love the rare world time bezel.
This is the sort of horologically important and cool timepieces I am getting more and more attracted too.
Looks are deceiving on this and what might seem like an ordinary rectangular watch inside is a very rare single button chronograph. Notice the tachy scale around the seconds at 6 o’clock.
Lot 423: A battery powered Patek.
Unlike it’s more often seen and lugless twin, this 3587 has an exceptional case.
It seems to have retained all of its original glamour and at an outstanding 42mm size, is one of Patek’s early attempts to modernize their line of production.
I hope 31mm cases come back because they often are some of the most beautiful watches to have been made.
Pink and white gold hooded lugs, black sector dial and long Patek signature, this is one special gem.
Christies – Monday 12 November
Many interesting watches coming up for auction from Chrisites including a black stelline Rolex, a lovely Neptune cloisonné, a S&L 1st series 2499 and much more.
Here are my picks:
The ref. 10 is among one of Patek earliest yet most signature cases that propelled the maison into the wristwatch business as opposed to the pocket watch one.
This incredible example has in my view the most attractive dial qualities: exploding radium numerals and cathedral hands.
Gifted to the Mr Walter Chrysler by financial mogul James C. Brady, this piece is a true testament to history. Owning it means owning not only a hyper complicated and sophisticated piece of horology but also of American entrepreneurial history as this very likely was held and worn by Walter Chrysler.
A perfect mix of quality and pedigree.
The Paul Newman gave rise to the collectability of exotic dials.
Following the trend, collectors slowly uncovered that Rolex was not the only maison to have produced exotic/extravagant dial variations of otherwise more standard models.
This Skipperera is a perfect example of such exoticness with unique colors, perfect balance and impossible rarity. Finally a nice example to come up for sale, will be very sought after am sure.
By the looks of it, this very watch had popped up for sale back in 2002 at Phillips de Pury auction. It has since gained a little stain close to the crown – but otherwise seems unmolested.
I find this case so subtle and intriguing that I really cannot wait to get my hands on it.
Lot 140: Dream Rolex Pocket watch
If this is not the single most beautiful pocket watch ever then please send me a picture of another one can compete.
So many tones and hues of pink with this incredible sector to hold everything together. I am honestly amazed at this piece and any serious collector should consider buying it just for the pleasure of owning such a masterpiece.
Overall this auction season looks very promising with a nice diversity for all kinds of collectors to take their pick, and as always some great opportunities lie in the paths less travelled.
(To see my May picks at auction earlier this year please see the post here).
