Welcome to our series highlighting the exceptional watches available through PERPETUAL, Phillips’ boutique service offering immediate access to the world’s rarest and most desirable timepieces. You can view all currently available watches by stopping in at our London headquarters at 30 Berkeley Square, or by visiting Phillips PERPETUAL online. Our new "Buy Now" button makes acquiring the watch of your dreams easier than ever.
With the Auction Team weighing in on the watches they’ve been wearing the most this summer, we thought we would also ask the International Perpetual Team what watches they’ve been sporting this summer.
Whether in hot and humid Hong Kong, the pleasant Swiss mountain air, or the summer that never was in London, the Perpetual Team had a varied list to offer us. And whilst the Auction Team enjoy their well-earned break during the summer, the Perpetual clock continues to tick year-round, offering you the ability to purchase watches whenever and wherever, round the clock.
A 2008 Bamford "Mickey Mouse" Milgauss
Chris Youé, Senior Specialist, Watches
Which watch would I like to take out of our window for my summer pick? I’d choose it for the people I’m spending my lazy days with. Most of my friends and family are not ‘watch people,’ so to have any sort of horological chat, the watch must stand out visually and have a cool backstory that doesn’t revolve around a new type of hairspring.
Enter Mickey.
Based on a Milgauss, yes, it looks great, yes, it is comfy on the wrist, and yes, it is famously reliable and ice-cream proof, but this watch is more than that. It is a story of a collaboration that never was—a mothballed commission from Disney executives to Bamford. Only a handful were produced from the planned run of 40, and we have no idea why this secret edition never got the final green light. One clue may be that the ‘Rolex for the House of Mouse’ came with one super interesting caveat: all Rolex branding must be removed!
The dial, the crown, the clasp are all anony-Mouse, and Mickey stands proudly in the centre, arms akimbo, waving the time. Low-key enough to not attract the wrong attention but arresting enough to get both my niece and oldest friends drawn into a watch story. Win-win.
A Rolex GMT-Master II 'Batman'
Clément Finet, Senior Watch Specialist, Perpetual Gstaad
Of all the watches I have here with me in Gstaad, I would have to fall for a modern Rolex as my pick for a Summer Watch.
My pick is handsome, well built and hassle free… What else could one ask for? And what could be a better choice than a Rolex Professional for a pool/barbecue/tennis scenario?
The only question at this stage is: which one will it be?
My heart leans towards a watch that I find “cooler” than a Sub but less “loud” than a Pepsi… Would you have guessed which watch I’m talking about if there hadn’t been a picture?
Personally, I’ve owned a Batman for many years now and believe me, this is not a watch you are going to grow out of any time soon…
An Omega Speedmaster Professional 321 Ref. 311.30.40.30.01.001
Jonathan Siu, Specialist, Perpetual Hong Kong
When it comes to iconic timepieces, the Omega Speedmaster undoubtedly holds a prominent place in the watchmaking world, and among its various models, the stainless-steel 321 version stands out as the most popular configuration. With its unique blend of style, functionality, and rich history, the Omega Speedmaster 321 is the perfect companion for the summer months.
This 39.7 mm model boasts a polished black ceramic bezel that elegantly frames a white enamel tachymeter scale, providing both aesthetic appeal and practical utility for measuring speed. The black step dial is beautifully designed, featuring Moonwatch hands and the distinguished Omega logo, along with a small seconds sub-dial, a 30-minute recorder, and a 12-hour recorder. This combination of features makes the 321 not only a statement piece but also an exceptionally functional watch that can suit any summer adventure.
At the heart of this model is the legendary Calibre 321, a movement with a remarkable legacy that includes being worn during historic space missions. After more than two years of dedicated craftsmanship shrouded in secrecy, Omega successfully revived this iconic movement, making it a prized possession for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
For those looking to make a statement this summer, the Omega Speedmaster 321, reference 311.30.40.30.01.001, is an excellent choice. Whether you’re attending a beach party, exploring the outdoors, or heading out for a night on the town, this timepiece is sure to elevate your style while honouring a legacy that extends well beyond earthly boundaries.
A 2021 F.P.Journe Élégante 40mm
Aylin Illel, Product Photographer and Content Creator, Perpetual
My pick for the summer will definitely be F.P.Journe Élégante! Combining elegance and comfort; it would elevate each and every mood and outfit! The lightweight quartz watch with diamonds has a larger than life presence unlike any other watch that I had photographed... I believe its sporty and understated design would capture the heart of even the most critical onlooker.
On a summer evening at the rooftop of Majestic Hotel in Barcelona, with views of Sagrada Familia; the architectural masterpiece of Gaudi, another masterpiece from F.P.Journe would distinguish itself from its surroundings.
The Tortue-shaped gray case is enriched by the diamonds surrounding both sides of the dial. And the real surprise reveals itself when you check its case back! A nod to a mechanical watch’s heartbeat, F.P. Journe, once again, does not fail to surprise the viewer with a real heart and copper coils.
B. Franklin said “Lost time is never found again.” However, the magic of Élégante will allow time to be stopped and started again, always keeping time in its head and making sure never a moment is lost in time…
A 2019 Rolex Yacht-Master Ref. 226659
Jacky Lam, Business Manager, Perpetual
Air molecules are a lot more active under heat, much like we are. That’s why I picked this Yacht-Master as my summer companion - good looking and versatile enough for any summer adventures. Not only the contrast of polished white gold case and matt-black Cerachrom bezel that brings an instant “Wow!” from my inner 3-year-old; it will withstand actions that are mechanically challenging to other timepieces, thanks to the bullet-proof Rolex quality – ticking the rational boxes too. Although sometimes overshadowed by its elder siblings, I have always had a soft spot for a Yacht-Master and I am certain this is the one.
A Circa 1996 Cartier Tank Chinoise in Platinum
Antonia Fodor, Social Media Manager, Perpetual
During this demure and mindful summer, I reach for an elegant, sophisticated, and passe-partout watch. All these qualities are encompassed in the Cartier Tank Chinoise. A watch that can easily be worn both day and night, whether to accompany a tour of your favourite Provençal vineyard, or an evening of spaghetti vongole on the Italian coast, the Tank Chinoise is a tried-and-true friend. It is vintage, lightweight, and sophisticated - without being overly effeminate. And with the school bells of September sounding in the distance, this is also the perfect transitional watch to autumn, with the lingering hope of an Indian summer.
A product of the late 90’s much like me, the rarity of this particular Tank Chinoise comes from the metal it’s cased in: platinum. Believed to be one of just ten pieces publicly offered, it features the classic “Paris” dial, reminding me of the city I spent my childhood in. Cartier truly creates some of the most artistically beautiful watches on the market, in my opinion, and this watch holds a dear place in my heart.
A 2011 A. Lange & Söhne Double Split Ref. 404.035 in Platinum
Logan Baker, Senior Editorial Manager, Watches
I’m obsessed with chronographs, and my favorites are those of the split-seconds variety. And there are few split-seconds chronographs out there that can compete with the ingenuity of A. Lange & Söhne’s Double Split, the world’s first-ever double rattrapante chronograph.
The movement inside the Double Split was eventually christened caliber L001.1. No skinny splitter, the caliber L001.1 measures a thick 30.5mm × 9.5mm, runs in 3 Hz, with 38 hours of running autonomy, and is wound by hand. There's also a pair of column wheels (one for the chronograph; one for the rattrapante mechanism), a flyback lever, a hand-engraved balance cock, and a lateral clutch. The minute hand jumps instantaneously, with no fault, for extra-precise timekeeping. Oh, and the original Double Split also included the first application of A. Lange & Söhne's in-house hairsprings, a part of the company that we take for granted today but wasn't always a part of its repertoire.
While the Double Split's mechanics might have turned your mind to mush already, don't forget it also incorporates a flyback function. Which, alongside the instantaneous jumping minute counter, cement the Double Split as one of the most impressive purpose-built mechanical tools for timekeeping available today. With a combination of rattrapante chronograph and flyback capability, it's possible to measure elapsed time with the utmost precision, allowing you to measure split time and then reset that time in the blink of an eye.
The platinum, black-dial example that’s currently available from Perpetual dates to 2011 and comes with its full set of accessories. It’s priced at £78,500.
All the watches mentioned are available for immediate purchase in their respective Perpetual boutique locations. Please contact Perpetual@phillips.com for more information, or browse additional offerings here.
About Phillips In Association With Bacs & Russo
The team of specialists at PHILLIPS Watches is dedicated to an uncompromised approach to quality, transparency, and client service. Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo holds the world record for the most successful watch auction, with its Geneva Watch Auction: XIV having realized $74.5 million in 2021. Over the course of 2021 and 2022, the company sold 100% of the watches offered, a first in the industry, resulting in the highest annual total in history across all the auction houses at $227 million.
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