It's the third and final part of our wonderful series pairing auction watches with classic styles by The Armoury, and in some ways we've kept the best until last. After giving readers an early preview of some of the watches in our online auction (Part 1), and shared some of the team's personal timepieces worn during the creation of the catalogue (Part 2), we are finally able to unveil some of the heavy hitters included in INTERSECT, shot by The Armoury in their characteristic style and laid upon their fine bespoke fabrics
We hope to have found the perfect watch for your own collection.
F.P. Journe Vagabondage III in platinum (Lot 6)
A remarkable timepiece and a horological first, the Vagabondage III is the world’s first mechanical digital jumping seconds wristwatch devised by mastermind, Francois-Paul Journe. The limited edition trilogy began in 2006 with the premier of the Vagabondage I with an unusual flat tortue case with wandering hours complication, followed by the Vagabondage II in 2010 with an exposed digital jumping hours and minutes display with the remontoire d’égalité. Eagerly awaited by collectors, the final edition of the trilogy was launched in 2016 revealing a digital jumping hour and seconds 18K pink gold iteration and a platinum iteration like the present example.
Visually extraordinary and deemed to be impossible to achieve, the exposed mechanical finesse under the smoked sapphire dial allows the wearer to appreciate every dynamic pivot of a second of this significant creation. With the tremendous energy needed to power the digital jumping seconds, Journe once again incorporated his signature remontoire d’égalité mechanism to power this full digital display marvel. Discontinued in 2019, the present example in platinum is numbered 56 of a limited edition of 69 pieces and is offered in excellent overall condition and furthermore accompanied by the full set of accessories. To every Journe collector, this is a fantastic opportunity to complete the trilogy and possess one of the most unusual model in horological history.
Patek Philippe Ref. 5370P-001 (Lot 8)
Absolutely considered to be one of the brand’s most collectible reference produced in recent times, the Patek Philippe ref. 5370P split-seconds chronograph encapsulates the prestigious 1940s complication of the past and the prowess of modern innovation with the entirely in-house movement calibre CHR29-535 PS.
A celebration of Patek pureness and launched in Baselworld 2015, the gloss of a stunning rich black enamel dial decorated with the beauty of Breguet numerals works harmoniously with the choice of a sinuous platinum case. Without a doubt a pleasure to operate, the ref 5370P features a rattrapante innovation with a brand-new isolator that uncouples the split seconds wheel from the chronograph wheel to eliminate unwanted friction. Furthermore a split-seconds lever that positions a ruby roller between the two flat heart cam shoulders, allow the hands to be precisely aligned with satisfaction.
Made in extreme scarcity and an absolute stunner for the astute gentlemen, the reference was discontinued in 2020 with the launch of a blue enamel successor. The present ref. 5370P offered by the original owner with sparing use is preserved in excellent condition and is accompanied by its complete accessories. Furthermore, the present example has been recently serviced by Patek Philippe ensuring longevity for this future classic.
Rolex Submariner Ref. 16808 "nipple dial" in yellow gold (Lot 15)
In 1979, Rolex introduced a technological upgrade to reference 1680 with the launch of the transitional reference 16800. While carrying the aesthetical DNA of its predecessor, the new reference 16800 series is not only fitted with sapphire crystal for the first time, the introduction of the new movement cal. 3035 is truly a blessing thanks to the quickset date feature that made life a whole lot easier. Furthermore, incorporating a new unidirectional bezel, the practical feature provides enhanced security. The reference was produced in both stainless steel and yellow gold with a black dial and black bezel insert or a blue dial with a blue bezel insert that is exclusive to the 18k yellow gold variant models.
Boasting a stunning masculine appeal with a rich black dial against the deep yellow gold case, the present example bears yet another reason for collectors to fall in love with, the coveted “nipple dial”, nicknamed from the round applied gold hour indexes with smaller tritium marker. Extremely collectible and masterfully executed, the present example is furthermore preserved in an extremely attractive overall condition with a strong case with sharp contour.
Bearing a 6.6 million case number, the present ref. 16808 indicates it as an example from circa 1981 and is accompanied by a later associated guarantee. The reference was discontinued in 1987 for gold models whilst stainless steel examples were discontinued in the following year. A perfect representation of luxury classics, the ref. 16808 blends both greatness of vintage appeal and modern advancement into one.
INTERSECT: 16 - 23 September 2021
We are delighted to announce that the Phillips INTERSECT online auction is now live. Collectors have a week to place their bids on our selection of contemporary artworks, collectible timepieces and colourful jewels. Good luck to all the participants.