Five No Reserve Lots from The 2021 New York Watch Auction

Five No Reserve Lots from The 2021 New York Watch Auction

A no reserve lot is a watch that is offered without a reserve price being set by the owner, meaning that the watch can be sold at any price during the auction. Few auction pieces are sold without a reserve, and it's certainly worth paying attention whenever one does. Here are five from The 2021 New York:

A no reserve lot is a watch that is offered without a reserve price being set by the owner, meaning that the watch can be sold at any price during the auction. Few auction pieces are sold without a reserve, and it's certainly worth paying attention whenever one does. Here are five from The 2021 New York:

- By Isabella Proia, Specialist in New York

Lots 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 – A Quintet of No-Reserve Nautili

We kick off our auction on December 11th in New York City with five successive lots comprised of the hottest Patek Philippe sports watches. Described by one venerable colleague as “cocaine mixed with gasoline”, all the watches are either in new-old-stock or overall excellent condition, from the original owner. My personal favorite from the five has to be the 5712A.

Lot 18 – Rolex Bubbleback in 14K Pink Gold

Some dismiss the Bubbleback as having peaked in the 1990s, but examples of exceptional quality and originality should not be overlooked. Versatile and legible, it’s a great alternative to a precious metal vintage Datejust or Oyster Perpetual. Because of the thickness of the case, it wears well on any size wrist, and the architecture of the slightly hooded lugs sets apart from Rolex automatic wristwatches of the second half of the twentieth century. My personal favorite touch: the original Rolex Oyster “Brevet” crown.

Lot 87 – Grand Seiko SBGW033 in Stainless Steel

The quality for price of Grand Seiko never ceases to amaze. Just the dial alone on this watch is absolutely sublime, with a quality similar to that of a matte white ceramic glaze. In stainless steel, and a limited edition of 1,300 pieces from 2011, to me it’s the perfect daily wearer combining looks, versatility, and preternatural charm.

Lot 51 – MING x Massena LAB Duo of Black & Honey 17.09

After the amazing results for the MING x Massena LAB examples (in DLC-coated stainless steel) at our recent Geneva Watch Auction XIV, we’re excited to offer the stainless steel iterations of the inimitable collaboration from earlier this year between horological newcomer MING and industry veteran William Massena. Both are unworn and complete with all their accessories.

Lot 43 – Tiffany & Co. Patek Philippe “Tegolino” Reference 425

This “Tegolino” with a Patek Philippe case retailed by Tiffany has all the attributes of some of the most desirable vintage Pateks at an enviably affordable price. Double-signed, with crisp case with sharp hallmarks to the case, and charming patina to the dial. The dial, in my opinion, with the combination of the oxidation and hard enamel printing, flourishes under the faceted crystal particular to this reference. The nickname comes from a delicious, rectangular soft biscuit dipped in and drizzled with chocolate common in Italy as a breakfast or afternoon snack. A true delight, and with the rise of vintage Cartier, an opportunity to get a similar style from one of the Holy Trinity of watchmakers for a fraction of the price.

The 2021 New York Watch Auction

new york 31 December 1970