We are LIVE At The Bonhams ‘Fine Watches And Wristwatches’ Auction

Today, Bonhams will be hosting its final watch auction of the year. Instead of writing a pre or post coverage piece on the auction, we have decided to update our readers LIVE by posting the realised prices of our ‘top five timepieces to watch’ LIVE. Continue refreshing this page to ensure you don’t miss out on any of the action!

Lot.139 Rolex Stainless Steel Manual Wind, Triple Calendar Chronograph Bracelet Watch Ref. 6036

The Rolex Dato-Compax stainless steel manual wind wristwatch, nicknamed “Jean-Claude Killy”, is a classic example of just how much information a small mechanical watch can offer on such a minute surface area. The chronograph exhibits a 36mm case, which features two pushers that control two of the three sub dials, and a screw in Rolex signature stainless steel crown that alters the time and month indicator (located below the 12 o’clock marker).

The Dato-Compax wristwatch is a complexly engineered timepiece, which features a triple calendar along with a chronograph function. The blue calendar indicator located around the edge of the dial, and the blue tipped arrow “day” hand, complements the subtly silvered face and stainless steel case, and allows the watch to emit an understated appeal. The wristwatch is finished off with a brushed stainless steel bracelet with a signed Oyster folding clasp, and shows some signs of the previous owners care and wear.

• Date: 1953
• Calibre: 72C
• Movement: Manual Wind
• Price estimate: £90,000-£120,000
• LIVE UPDATE: Realised price: £72,000, the Rolex did not meet its estimate

Lot. 147 Patek Philippe Platinum and Rose Gold Automatic Astronomical Wristwatch with Sky Chart, Phase and Orbit of the Moon, Time of Meridian, passage of Sirius and the moon Wristwatch Ref. 5102PR-001

The Patek Philippe platinum and rose gold automatic astronomical wristwatch is by far one of Patek’s greatest creations and a true showstopper in the horological world. The extremely striking and attractive timepiece features a complex and sophisticated mechanical design, which offers the owner a wealth of information at just one glance of the wrist. The stunning timepiece exhibits a 43mm 18-carat rose gold and platinum case and is completed with a black Patek Philippe alligator leather strap with a signed 18-carat rose gold buckle.

The bold blue dial features a planisphere of the Northern Hemisphere and a darker royal blue outer ring with silvered roman numerals. The owner of the watch will be able to comprehend a number of astronomical occasions, including the orbit and lunar cycle of the moon, passage of Sirius, time of meridian, sidereal time and sky chart by simply looking down at their wrist instead of up into the endless sky.

• Date: 2009
• Calibre: 240/165
• Movement: Automatic
• Price estimate: £80,000-120,000
• LIVE UPDATE: Realised price: £85,000, the Patek achieved the lower end of its estimate

Lot. 81 Patek Philippe 18-carat Gold and Diamond Set Automatic Calendar Bracelet Nautilus Watch Ref. 3700/013

It’s unsurprising that the next timepiece on our list is yet another Patek Philippe design. The 18-carat yellow gold Nautilus wristwatch is considered to be “Jumbo” model at 42mm. However, it is important to note that the more recent “Jumbo” designs exhibit a much larger case width. Nevertheless, the beautiful wristwatch emits a sense of elegance with its 18-carat yellow gold bezel set with approximately 112 diamonds.

The timepiece features a black-ridged dial with bold baton hour markers that are filled with a luminous material to enhance legibility, and is presented with a fitted 18-carat yellow gold brushed and polished Patek Philippe bracelet to ensure comfort and security. The exquisite timepiece is a perfect companion for someone who desires to add a stylish non-chronograph functioning wristwatch to his or her collection.

• Date: 1979
• Calibre: 28-255C
• Movement: Automatic
• Price estimate: £40,000-60,000
• LIVE UPDATE: Realised price: £40,000

Lot. 111 Breguet Ladies 18-carat White Gold and Diamond Set Automatic Wristwatch – Reine de Naples Ref. 8918

The ladies Breguet 18-carat white gold automatic wristwatch is one of the more unique timepieces of today’s auction. The most striking feature is the oval shaped case and enlarged 12 o’clock hour marker. The wristwatch features ‘exploding’ markers on an elegant white mother of pearl dial, and is presented complete with a black Breguet fabric strap with diamond set and signed 18-carat white gold buckle.

The 18-carat white gold 29mm case exhibits a diamond set bezel and an unusually located crown, situated at 4 o’clock instead of the customary 3 o’clock location. The models appearance was largely inspired by the design of Caroline Murat’s (Queen of Naples) wristwatch Abraham Louis Breguet made specially for the royal in 1812. Caroline’s wristwatch was claimed to have been the ‘first wristwatch in horological history’.

• Date: 2005
• Calibre: 537/3
• Movement: Automatic
• Price estimate: £8,000-12,000
• LIVE UPDATE: Realised price:£11,000

Lot. 50 Rolex Stainless Steel Automatic Divers Bracelet Watch made for Comex Ref. 5513

The stainless steel wristwatch is an exceptional example of Rolex’s impressive and vast diving watch collection. The Submariner features an extra ‘Comex’ signature on its black dial, located above the 6 o’clock marker, to signify Rolex’s long-term partnership with Compagnie Maritime d’Expertise. The partnership has enabled Rolex to test its vast selection of diving watches in action by some of Comex’s professional divers. The wristwatch features a 39mm stainless steel case, luminous round hour markers, and a uni-rotatable black bezel, which is used to inform its wearer of immersion time. The timepiece is presented complete with a fitted Oyster link bracelet with signed folding clasp and a diver’s extension link stamped MA8.

The significance of this watch not only lies with its watchmaking excellence but also the personal history. The former owner has worn the timepiece whilst completing diving jobs across the world in locations like Brazil and Africa. The timepiece will be sold complete with a variety of Comex paraphernalia and the original owners dive log books.

• Date: 1970
• Calibre: 1520
• Movement: Automatic
• Price estimate: £30,000-40,000
• LIVE UPDATE: Realised price: £48,000, the Rolex Comex put on a strong performance!

To find out the realised prices of all timepieces present at today’s auction, simply click here, and you’ll be directed to the Bonhams official ‘Fine watches and Wristwatches’ auction page.