Spring Auctions: revealing our selection of watches at Christie’s and Phillips

However some lots are already suspected and might heat up the atmosphere in the room. The novelty for this season is the reopening of the Phillips watch department in association with Bacs & Russo with a rather small but promising selection of watches.

Phillips The Geneva Watch Auction, ONE. | Geneva auction, 10 May 2015 6:30 pm

Lot 79 - Rolex 6062

This rare example features a black lacquer dial with spade numerals preserved in excellent condition. In addition to this eye catching dial, the case oxidized around the bezel and crown and showing some light signs of wear however was kept in remarkable condition over years.

With an incredibly rich story, this 6062 is known as “General Sweeney 6062” after Major General Walter C. Sweeney to whom it was presented on August 8th 1955 as confirmed by the engraving on its back. 

Lot 85 - Zenith El Primero Prototype

Very nice with a comfortable feel when worn, this example has caught our attention for its sporty design yet very elegant with a deep grey dial. Showing some scratches due to time setting, the case was well preserved. The light bracelet is one reason why this is a must-wear watch. 

Lot 123 - Patek Philippe 130 single-button chronograph

One would have expected nothing else but such a watch from Mr Aurel Bacs selection. This single-button chronograph is a mere beauty in every aspects. A beautifully aged gem part of only two pieces in steel known bearing consecutive numbers 504’146 (this watch) and 504’147 now part of the Patek Philippe’s Museum collection. 

Lot 125 - Patek Philippe 565

Mr Briggs Swift Cunningham II (1907 – 2003) who was an American entrepreneur and sportsman purchased this example in 1949. It is the third of his steel stainless steel Patek Philippe wristwatches publically known.

Auctioned for the first time, it is a great opportunity to acquire one of his watches. The watch has most probably undergone professional servicing which shows how much he cared for his watches and preserved them from any bad treatment.

Lot 164 - Patek Philippe 570 Calatrava

Reference 570 is often considered as the most perfect Patek Philippe time–only. This is further enhanced in this instance through the two-tone pink dial on a pink gold case featuring Breguet numerals. Its signs of aging conferring it a very charming feel attest from the fact that it was preserved with all the due care and that the dial remains untouched.  

Lot 165 - Patek Phillippe 1518

Exceedingly rare with only 12 “pink on pink” examples of this reference 1518 known today, this example is simply stunning. All is said and done!

Lot 198 - Longines 13ZN chronograph

Featuring calibre 13ZN and retailed by Casa Welsch in Peru, this large chronograph will provide its future owner with full satisfaction while worn through its great condition considering its age and its timeless design. For passionate collectors who love to experience their watches on the wrist. 

Lot 214 - Rolex Oyster Cosmograph “Albino” 6263

Formerly the property of Eric Clapton, this example of the “Oyster 6263 Albino” is one of only four known cosmographs with white registers as opposed to the expected black ones with white writings. 

In overall good condition and showing aging coherent with the period. 

Lot 224 - Patek Philippe 3448

Showing very light surface wear, this reference 3448 in white gold is in new old stock condition. A great opportunity to own a mint example of this true collector’s reference. 

Christie’s Important Watches | Geneva auction, 11 May 2015 10:00 am

Lots 217, 219, 220 and 221 - A selection of Longines watches

We like this selection of Longines wristwatches for their vintage look. All in beautifully preserved condition and nicely aged, lot 221 stands out with its “new old stock” case condition.

Lot 224 - Panerai 3646 Kampfschwimmer

It’s always a very special feeling to have one of these extremely rare stainless steel diver’s wristwatches appear at auction.

The hallow in its middle and the orange-brown colour of the luminous material render this dial warm and charming although one can imagine of its tough condition of use attested by the marks on the case.

Lot 248 - Breguet Diver

This extremely rare Diver’s wristwatch has most probably provided great services to its owner considering the signs of wear and aging one can observe on the case, bezel and dial. However this is closely related to its specific function and does only add up to the collectibility of this example.

271 - Rolex “single red” Submariner 1680

Bearing the “Fuerza Aerea Del Perù” engraving on its back, this reference 1680 is extremely rare to find. Showing signs of wear and polishing, it was once worn on a bracelet as confirmed by the marks underneath the lugs. Overall an appealing example with the n° 52 engraved to the back that is still clearly visible.

282 - Rolex “big crown” 6538

This “big crown” reference 6538 features a red printed indication of depth that stands out on a charismatic dial that has evenly aged. This example must absolutely be considered for its rarity and desirability.

291 - Patek Philippe 3448

Preserved in very good overall condition, this reference 3448 shows very sharp definition with crisp satin-finish to the lugs eluding any suspicion of polishing. However with light surface wear, it may be slightly overpriced compared to lot 224 of the Phillip’s auction that is in mint condition.

For collectors who are only looking at “new old stock”, we recommend the Tudor lot 141 as well as the Universal lot 205 and a more modern example with a Patek Philippe reference 5016 under lot 127.

AUCTION CATALOGUES: Phillips & Christie's

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