Paul Boutros, Head of Watches, Americas
1.
Lot 10: Vacheron Constantin Minute Repeater, ref. 30010
Sublime good looks and utter rarity – 1 of only 18 examples made in platinum, this highly complicated minute repeater made in 2001 is amongst the most beautiful watches ever made by Vacheron Constantin. Accompanied with two case backs, one of which is engraved with a unique geometric pattern, the chiming tones of the caliber 1755 are wonderful in this example.
2.
Lot 49: F.P.Journe Resonance Souscription
The Resonance is without a doubt one of the most important watches of the 21st century, and this early, platinum and pink gold version is without a doubt the most important Resonance ever to appear at public auction. Fresh-to-the-market and consigned by the original owner, it is the 14th example made for an early friend of Francois-Paul Journe. With two escapements that oscillate at the same rate due to the physical phenomenon of resonance, it is one of the most accurate mechanical wristwatches ever made. Further enhancing this watch’s appeal, it’s accompanied with original design sketches from Francois-Paul Journe.
3.
Lot 63: Patek Philippe reference 530 in Pink Gold
The largest vintage chronograph model ever made by Patek Philippe, the reference 530 is also amongst the brand’s rarest models with only 30 total examples known in all case metals. This is one of only 16 known in 18 karat pink gold and stands out with its rare two-tone dial and exceptional state of preservation. Measuring 36.5 mm in diameter, it’s perfectly sized for today’s tastes and one of the finest to appear at auction in recent years.
4.
Lot 77: Rolex Turn-O-Graph Thunderbird ref. 6609
“Pristine” is the perfect adjective to describe this rare and exceptional find. Featuring the emblem of the U.S. Air Force’s demonstration team, the Thunderbirds, on the black lacquer dial at 6 o’clock, what makes this 18-karat gold ref. 6609 truly remarkable is the factory original and perfectly preserved "U.S. Airforce Thunderbirds" engravings on the caseback. It’s a feature I’ve never seen before and didn’t even know existed – superb!
5.
Lot 93: Omega Speedmaster ref. 2998-1
There is more than meets the eye with this early Speedmaster from 1959. Beyond its incredible tropical dial that aged from black to milk chocolate brown, the presence of a coveted lollipop chronograph seconds hand, and its original “base 1000” bezel, what really makes this Speedmaster historically important is its serial number - 17’301’000. Based on our research, this is most probably the very first production example of the 2998 reference. Talk about a conversation piece!
6.
Lot 150: Cartier Tank Cintrée
A gorgeous and oversized watch originally designed in 1921, the Tank Cintrée is my personal favorite Cartier Tank variant of all time. This vintage example was made in 1968 and features a classic Roman-numeral dial with a “Paris” designation at 6 o’clock. The blued steel hands match the faceted sapphire-tipped crown in a perfect nod to Cartier’s jeweler roots. It’s one of the most elegant mens’ watches ever made, and to find a vintage example in such a well-preserved state of preservation is a rare opportunity.
7.
Lot 155: Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Chronograph ref. 2499
From the remarkable collection of Phillips’ Advisory Board member and watch industry legend, Jean-Claude Biver, this superb reference 2499 is as good as it gets! Manufactured in 1957, it’s a hardly-ever-seen second-series example with faceted dauphine hands and tachymeter scale calibrated for miles. Its case is stunningly well preserved, with all of its edges, curves, contours, and hallmarks perfectly intact as it left the factory. Likewise, the dial is stunning and retains all of its raised, hard enamel printing with no signs of any prior interventions. It’s one of the most desirable configurations of Patek Philippe’s most sought after vintage model.
7.
Lot 209: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Jumbo” ref. 5402
Launched in 1972, the Royal Oak was the world’s first stainless steel luxury sports watch with a fully integrated bracelet – and my favorite of all luxury sports watches. Nicknamed the “Jumbo” because of its large-for the-era, 39 mm case diameter, this example is extraordinary not only for its condition but also for what it lacks – a case serial number. One of only a handful known without a serial number, it’s believed to be a transitional model from 1975 that followed the production of the first 2000 models with an A-serial number, before AP transitioned to the use of serial numbers starting with the letter B. Complete with its original box and guarantee, it also includes a letter from Audemars Piguet written in 1979 that confirms the watch was made without a serial number.
Viewing
Wednesday 24 June 10AM-8PM
Thursday 25 June 10AM-8PM
Friday 26 June 10AM-8PM
Saturday 27 June 9AM-12.30PM Auction (Session 1) 2PM
Sunday 28 June 9AM-12.30PM Auction (Session 2) 2PM
Auction
Saturday 27 June (Session 1) 2PM
Sunday 28 June (Session 2) 2PM
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