It seems like there’s always auctions going on in the world of watches. Some celebrity’s heirloom becomes a headliner after attracting what is undoubtedly a record for that particular watch. But, it also allows us to get hold of some interesting horological and historical memorabilia, here are some of the highlights of what’s coming up at the Antiquorum auction on Sunday the 28th.
Lot 587 – Patek Philippe for Cartier Ref 736/2
This gold pocket watch features a paint on enamel picture of Stanislas
Count Potocki (1742-1821), a politician and the Polish Prime Minister who promoted the arts and collected paintings, Etruscan vases and engravings while sacrificing his entire fortune to do it. The paint itself is by J. Pellarin Leroy.
Estimate: HKD 1,000,000 – 2,000,000
Lot 503 – Rolex Submariner Ref 6536
This Submariner watch from 1955 is bound to attract a high bid price, not only is it a vintage Rolex which always commands a high price, it’s a Ref 6536, nicknamed the ‘James Bond’ because, like Sean Connery’s Submariner in Dr No, this one doesn’t have crown guards.
Estimate: HKD 310,000 – 460,000
Lot 505 – Rolex GMT Master Ref 6542
Just like the modern day GMT Master IIs which go for ludicrous amounts of cash compared to their retail price, the vintage GMT Masters are the same. This Reference 6542 watch from 1956 is the very first reference for that line. Presented on its bracelet, this watch was THE actual watch designed for Pan-Am.
Estimate: HKD 500,000 – 800,000
Lot 508 – Rolex Daytona 6263/6265
The vintage Rolex Daytona, always asking for humongous sums of dosh for the privilege of owning one. This Daytona features the almost trademark tachymeter bezel and ‘Floating Big Red’ dial, referencing the red Daytona text printed on it.
Estimate: HKD 580,000 – 800,000
Lot 604 – Breguet Tourbillon Squelette Haute Joaillerie Ref 3356
The last time one of these watches was sold at auction was nine years ago, signifying just how rare the 3356 is. Almost no records of it exist online it’s so unique, so there isn’t a lot we can tell you about it. You don’t need us to say anything, though, you can appreciate it for yourself.
Estimate: HKD 1,000,000 – 2,000,000
Lot 606 – Audemars Piguet Jules Audemars Grande Complication Ref 26023OR.oo.113OR.z 01
Seeing an Audemars Piguet that isn’t a Royal Oak these days is a feat unto itself. The calibre 2885 inside this watch integrates a chronograph, a calendar and a minute repeater into a 42mm case. This one was initially sold in 2016 with its gold case and gold bracelet.
Estimate: HKD 1,500,000 – 2,800,000
Lot 610 – Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Ref 5020P
This lot is a rare one; there are only three known Ref 5020 watches with a black semi-gloss dial and diamond markers, which means, you guessed it, this one is going to be expensive. It features the hallmark complications of the brand, a chronograph and a perpetual calendar.
Estimate: HKD 2,000,000 – 3,000,000
Lot 612 – Patek Philippe Grand Complications Sky Moon Celestial 5102G
The Sky Moon Celestial from Patek Philippe is a bit of a cult legend in the watch world with its astronomically inspired dial. It not only indicates the time but also the phase of the moon, lunar day and sidereal days with a moving dial showing the milky way. This one needs an entire article to explain, but it’s gorgeous nonetheless.
Estimate: HKD 1,100,000 – 1,560,000
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