Lot 822 - Rolex, Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 16589SACI
One of the most extraordinary and phenomenal gem stone timepiece, the Rolex Daytona reference 16589SACI powered by a Zenith-base automatic movement and featuring a baguette-cut sapphire bezel and round brilliant diamonds on its dial is a pure beauty you won't see every day. The combination of sapphire blue and white diamonds is particularly elegant and glamorous. The present example is found in excellent condition with the factory sticker still intact at the back, and comes with guarantee and box as well. - Jill Chen, Head of Watches, Hong Kong
Lot 851 - Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 3800/1
This timepiece ticks many boxes for the collector who is looking for the most original state of the Nautilus ref. 3800/1. Born in 1983, the present Lot 851 not only bears the rarely seen gem-set dial fitted in a platinum case, it is also the second oldest example to grace the market. The feats: 1st series signature, 11 diamond-set indexes, beautiful caramel patina on the hands, black date wheel from early production, and great provenance. Bought in Hong Kong, this fresh-to-the-market example has been kept in private hands by a successful gentleman for 38 years. Absolutely well-preserved with rarity, provenance and collectability in mind, this Nautilus ref. 3800/1 is a sure keeper. - Gertrude Wong, Cataloguer & Designer, Watches
Lot 839 - Audemars Piguet, Quantieme Perpetual Automatique Ref. 25820SP
The masculine octagonal case, exposed screws and integrated bracelet has become the most recognizable features for the model Royal Oak and it is one of the most distinctive watches in today watch collecting world.
I really adore the configuration of lot 839, ref 28820SP with the steel and platinum combination. The polished platinum bezel and the black tapisserie pattern dial with silvered outer ring for the subsidiary dials gives off a strong contrast against the case allowing the wearer to admire the details and workmanship. The movement is visible through the sapphire case back and with a black coated open worked rotor.
It comes as no surprise with the renewed interest in perpetual calendar that Audemars Piguet has been recreating and releasing many of their iconic new models with perpetual calendar movements which have been a huge success. Collectors now have come to realize how rare and important some of the early production perpetual calendars are.
Complete with all the accompanied accessories that further adds on to its desirability, ref 25820SP is a true collector piece that will stand out in any collection. - Zi Yong Ho, Head of Sale, Associate Director, Watches
Lot 814 - Patek Philippe, Nautilus Ref. 5723/112R-001
With the recent throwback to gem-set timepieces, icons such as the Patek Philippe Nautilus ref. 5723R combine elements that the market most certainly desires. Being a fan of gem-set timepieces myself, the combination of precious rubies and a Patek Philippe Nautilus in 18K pink gold is simply sublime.
A formidable timepiece on its own, the Patek Philippe Nautilus is with no doubt still one of the hottest wristwatches in the market. For collectors who seek to step outside the boundaries for something rare and desirable, the present lot will certainly not disappoint. #gemsetisback. - Shoyo Kawamura, Associate Specialist
Lot 881 - Roger Dubuis Hommage ‘Condottieri’
Probably one of the earliest watches created by Mr. Roger Dubuis under his own brand name in the mid 90’s. The ‘Condottieri’ is the watchmakers' early defining creation and a deep-rooted essence of his watchmaking ethos and values, a watch he could express his idea in the purest form.
The white enamel dial is executed at the highest level with indexes painted nicely with precision and attention. The blue steel hands combination is very pleasing to the eyes. The watch measures 40mm which is slightly unusual during the 90’s to have such big dress watches, but it’s not without valid reason: it is fitted with a calibre known as RD Cal. 27 which was initially a pocket watch movement that was manufactured by Tavannes Watch Co of La Chaux-de-Fonds. The movement went through a 360° transformation with Mr. Roger Dubuis' expertise coming in after spending 20 years in the Patek Philippe complications department.
Applying top-notch movement finishing to the movement, no details were left out down to the very last screws. The movement was also stamped with the prestigious Geneva seal also known as Poincon de Geneve. But it didn’t just end with exquisite movement finishing. Mr. Dubuis sent the ‘Condottieri’ for chronometric testing at the Observatoire National de Besancon.
A simple 3-handed watch that offers so much detail is something really special these days, so unassuming and subtle. Therefore, ‘Condottieri’ that has so many ‘human touch’ elements and it wouldn't surprise me if his was one of the watches Mr. Roger Dubuis was proudest of. - Thomas Perazzi, Head of Watches Asia