Sotheby’s ‘Fine Timepieces’ Auction!
Next month might just be the most exciting month of 2018, not only is it the time of year when the warm weather starts to sweep in, it’s also the busiest season for some of the most popular auction houses in the western hemisphere. Phillips, Antiquorum, Sotheby’s and Christie’s will all host a number of ordinary and thematic auctions across Asia and Europe, including Phillips’ highly anticipated ‘Daytona Ultimatum’ spring auction.
But before we jump to next month, let’s take a quick look at Sotheby’s ‘Fine Timepieces’ auction, which will be happening right here in London on Tuesday 17th April.
After browsing the online catalogue, I thought I’d share with you a few special pieces that caught my eye.
LOT. 184 Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Chronograph ref. 5004J-012
The last lot up for sale next week, a rare Patek Philippe yellow gold perpetual calendar, is the most expensive piece in the collection, and boasts an estimate of £90,000 – 150,000. For over a decade, ref. 5004 was known as Patek Philippe’s most complicated wristwatch. However in 2014, the title was passed on to ref. 6300G.
Although ref. 5004 is no longer a current record holder, it is still one of the most desirable Patek pieces around. The stunning 18-carat yellow gold case features a clean white dial, yellow gold Arabic numerals, chronograph sub dials, moon phase indicator at 6 o’clock, and a day and month indicator at 9 o’clock. This beautiful timepiece really is the epitome of Patek Philippe’s exquisite watchmaking artistry.
Click here to learn more details about ref. 5004j-012.
LOT. 46 Audemars Piguet Titanium Tourbillon ref. CW1
Our next pick is the Audemars Piguet Tourbillon CW1. The Swiss manufacturer commissioned this limited edition piece in 2002 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Royal Oak. Only 150 pieces were ever made, and for good reason. The 44 mm case is made from Alacrite 602, an alloy that is known for its robust qualities and being extremely difficult to mould.
It is because of this reason that ref. CW1 is the only Audemars Piguet model to have ever been made from this material. It took watchmakers about 3 years to complete all 150 pieces!
The stunning semi-skeletonised dial, complex tourbillon movement and unique casing material makes the CW1 the perfect collectors piece.
Click here for more details.
LOT. 112, 164 and 165 Rolex GMT-Master II ‘Pepsi’ ref. 16700 and 1675
I thought I’d group the Rolex ‘Pepsi’ GMT-Master II’s together since they all ironically represent the ageing process of the ref. 1675. The ‘Pepsi’ model has recently returned to the spotlight following Rolex’s announcement of a new version, ref. 126710BLRO, earlier this year.
The oldest of the collection, lot. 164 (pictured left), features an aged ‘tropical’ dial, and a bi-coloured bezel insert that has started to chip and fade. The aged models are far more desirable to watch collectors than newer models, (hence the varying estimations), so I’m sure this particular GMT Circa 1961 will be a huge hit.
To read more about the watch specifications, click on the lot numbers above.
LOT. 44 Richard Mille ref. RM005
Richard Mille watches are famous for their complex design and high-quality movements. Although the RM005 is not the largest or most complicated RM on the market, it is still an undeniably stylish and reliable piece, with some great functions. The watch features a 37.8 mm titanium case and a black dial, which exhibits large white Arabic numerals, luminous hour dots and a date indicator at 7 o’clock.
With an estimate of £10,000 – 15,000, the now discontinued RM 005 is one of the more affordable RM’s in circulation. To read more about the watch specifications click here.
Those of you who are keen Rolex or Patek Philippe collectors will have a field day at next weeks auction. The large selection has around 34 modern and vintage Patek Philippe wristwatches, as well as 27 Rolexes, so this post has barely scratched the surface!
If you want to view the full online catalogue, click here.
Photo credit: Sotheby’s