Unique Watches from Patek Philippe & Vacheron Constantin Achieve Remarkable Results at Antiquorum’s

New York, December 13, 2012 -- Antiquorum's last sale of the year totaled $ 4,132,775. An impressive 86% of the 340 timepieces were sold by lot and 122% sold by value. In addition to the many telephone, room, and commission bidders, there were an exceptional 464 registered internet bidders competing for the sought after timepieces, including rare Patek Philippe and Rolex lots, offered in the sale.

“2012 has been an exciting year for Antiquorum, and we've had the privilege of selling some of the world’s most coveted timepieces, resulting in exceptional prices and several world records. We were delighted to end the year on such a high note, again offering our customers the best examples from leading brands,” said Evan Zimmermann, President & CEO, Antiquorum. “We look forward to our next auction, which will be in Hong Kong on January 26^th and will feature a Patek Philippe Ref. 5074 Minute Repeating Perpetual Calendar and a Patek Philippe Ref. 3939 Tourbillon Minute Repeater in Pink Gold with Enamel Dial.”

 The highlight of the sale was undeniably the Patek Philippe Ref. 5016 [lot 340]. The platinum minute repeating perpetual calendar wristwatch with tourbillon and unique dial inspired a bidding frenzy. After several minutes of intense competition, the exceptional timepiece sold to a phone bidder for an extraordinary$722,500.

Competitive bidding was seen throughout the auction from collectors around the globe, as bids came in from The Russian Federation, China, Hong Kong, Italy, Mexico and the United States. The enamel pocket watches offered in the sale were of particular interest to bidders.  Exceptional examples made by Vacheron Constantin and J. Ullmann & Co. obtained extraordinary prices; the Vacheron Constantin keyless dress watch with enamel scene of Lake Geneva by Helen May Mercier [lot 145], obtained $110,500, over three times its high estimate; while the J. Ullmann & Co. Chinese market pearl-set and enamel keyless hunting-cased minute-repeating pocket watch with chronograph [lot 212], brought $36,250, over twice its  low estimate.

“From vintage timepieces including the Vacheron pocket watch with enamel scene of Lake Geneva and the Patek Philippe Ref. 1526 through to the Patek Philippe Ref. 5016, we saw pre-sale estimates exceeded with aggressive bidding from Asia and the Americas in addition to enthusiastic participation from Europe,” said Michael Friedman, Horological Director & Watch Expert, Antiquorum USA.

Other Patek Philippe timepieces also achieved superb results. The Patek Philippe Ref. 5035 annual calendar in pink gold [lot 194] sold for $32,500; while the Patek Philippe Ref. 5070 [lot 196]  in white gold achieved $67,300. In addition, the Patek Philippe limited edition Ref.5125 retailed for Wempe [lot 338] elicited lively bidding and obtained $64,900 at the December auction. Also achieving strong results was the Patek Philippe Ref. 2526 1^st generation with enamel dial [lot 57] which sold for an impressive $37,500 as well as the Patek Philippe Split Seconds Chronograph in pink gold with regulator dial in box case [lot 336] which fetched $50,000.

The property of a North American collector which included lots 321 -331 also achieved noteworthy results, with 100% of the collection sold. Highlighting the collection was the Patek Philippe Ref. 1526 [lot 331], an 18K yellow gold wristwatch with perpetual calendar, which brought $86,500.  Also from the collection, the Patek Philippe Ref. 2551 Disco Volante in white gold [lot 327], attained a notable  $ 26,250; and the Patek Philippe Ref. 4364 watch and earring suite in yellow gold with diamond onyx and chrysoprase bracelet [lot 328] sold for $30,000.

Also attracting attention was the exceptional Patek Philippe dome clock hand-painted by the renowned graffiti artist, John “Crash” Matos. The incredible timepiece sold for an impressive $30,000, twice its high estimate. Proceeds from the clock will be donated to Aids Community Research Initiative of America (ACRIA).

In addition, Rolex was well represented in the sale with several examples selling above pre-sale estimates. In particular, the Rolex Ref. 6538 Submariner gilt dial and hands [lot104], was in great demand by collectors and inspired a worldwide bidding war, finally selling for an incredible $40,000, over 30 times its high estimate. Also achieving excellent prices were the Rolex Ref. 6239 Paul Newman Daytona [lot 319], that sold for $68,500 as well as the Rolex Ref. 6034 Pre-Daytona in pink gold [lot 114] that achieved $47,500.

Not to be outdone, Breguet realized important results; the Breguet Ref. 5827 Marine Chronograph in pink gold [lot 31] attained $20,000; and the Breguet Ref, 8908, an egg shaped 18K white gold wristwatch set with diamonds [lot 32], sold for $31,250. In addition, the Breguet Ref. 7027 Classic Tradition in white gold [lot 150] attained $22,150.

Also in high demand by the collector community was the F.P Journe Octa Calendar in platinum on special order bracelet [lot 313]. The rare chronometer inspired aggressive bidding resulting in an impressive final price of $56,250.

The "top lots" of the December 13^th sale are as follows: