Phillips Announces Highlights from The Hong Kong Watch Auction XVIII

Patek Philippe, ref. 3700/1 in white gold, retailed by Asprey, made for the Sultan of Oman, circa 1978

Estimate: HK$4,000,000 - 8,000,000/ US$500,000-1,000,000

Patek Philippe, ref.3800/1 in pink gold, circa 1990

Estimate: HK$2,000,000 - 4,000,000/ US$250,000-500,000

Patek Philippe, ref. 1463 pink gold chronograph wristwatch with Gay Frères bracelet, circa 1970

Estimate: HK$2,000,000 – 4,000,000/ US$250,000-500,000

Patek Philippe ref. 1463, known to collectors as the “Tasti Tondi” (round pushers), was first introduced to the market in 1940 and distinguished itself from previous chronographs made by the maison. Chronographs by Patek Philippe prior to the introduction of ref. 1463 were made with snap-on casebacks and square pushers, whereas ref. 1463 was made with a screw down caseback and round pushers.

Approximately only 49 ref. 1463 in pink gold have appeared in the auction market, underlining the rarity of the present stunning example. Originally born on a leather strap, the current owner styled it with a gorgeous matching pink gold bracelet to enhance the collectability of this gorgeous specimen. Highly desirable and stamped with Gay Frères, it is considered one of the best bracelet makers of all times, his creations as scarce as they are sublime and comfortable.

Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin and fitted presentation box. It is delivered with Patek Philippe Extract from the

Archives confirming the date of manufacture of the present timepiece in 1970.

Patek Philippe, ref.530 pink gold chronograph wristwatch, circa 1949

Estimate: HK$2,000,000 – 3,000,000/ US$250,000-380,000

Launched in 1937, Patek Philippe’s ref. 530 remains one of the rarest and largest vintage chronograph models manufactured by the firm. Only a handful of chronograph ref. 530 are known to exist, with literature suggesting that approximately 30 were made in pink gold. Boasting a large 36.5mm case diameter, it was very unusual for a vintage Patek Philippe and the concave bezel makes it a very attractive timepiece even in modern days.

One interesting aspect of this model is that it can feature two different lug designs. Some have a lug gauge of 21.5mm, while others, like the present watch, have a 19mm gap, giving it a more

Modern appearance. The ref. 530 is powered by the Valjoux-based 13’’’ caliber, and the cases were made by one of the best casemakers at that time, George Croisier.

Patek Philippe, ref. 1579 pink gold chronograph wristwatch, circa 1955

Estimate: HK$800,000 - 1,600,000/ US$100,000-200,000

Introduced to the market in 1943, Patek Philippe’s ref. 1579 is highly regarded for its distinctive faceted lugs, nicknamed "spider lugs" by collectors due to their unique shape. With a diameter of 36mm, the case of this timepiece was oversized for its time, a characteristic that adds to its desirability today.

The present example is exceptionally well-preserved, of particular note is the signature of the renowned Italian retailer, Gobbi, Milano, which remains beautifully crisp on the dial. It is one of only nine pink gold ref. 1579 to feature the Gobbi signature on the dial. This watch is accompanied with a comprehensive set of accessories including the certificates of origin from both Patek Philippe and Gobbi, Milano, which further enhances the collectability of the timepiece.

Rolex ref. 6263 Cosmograph Daytona “Paul Newman Panda MK 2", circa 1972
Estimate: HK$2,600,000 - 4,000,000/ US$330,000-500,000

Rolex ref. 6263 marked the birth to the highly sought-after "Paul Newman" Panda dial. The ref. 6263 offered in this season’s Hong Kong auction features a stunning MK 2 "Panda" dial, characterised by the serif fonts of the entire "Rolex Oyster Cosmograph" text. This dial iteration represents the final development and is part of the last batches of "Paul Newman" dials seen in the market.

What sets this "Paul Newman Panda" apart is its inclusion of the original guarantee dated 27th July 1972 and its presentation box. As many examples of this watch are found without their accessories, this watch becomes a trophy timepiece among all Paul Newman Daytonas, making it particularly important and desirable for collectors.

Rolex, ref.6542 stainless steel dual-time wristwatch, circa 1959

Estimate: HK$640,000 - 1,280,000/US$80,000-160,000

Instantly recognizable by its red and blue Bakelite bezel, with radium filled twenty-four-hour numerals painted on the underside, Rolex’s ref. 6542 was designed to make sure that the viewer can track a second time zone under any weather conditions. The ref. 6542 was in production for only 4 years from 1955, adding to its exclusivity and rarity.

The present example is distinguished by its wonderfully preserved Bakelite bezel, which has morphed into a stunning hue of burgundy red and midnight blue with the passage of time. The gilt dial has aged beautifully and the case has retained strong proportions. This high-quality example will surely allure watch connoisseurs alike from around the world.

F.P. Journe, Chronomètre à Résonance platinum dual-time wristwatch, circa 2002

Estimate: HK$940,000 - 1,800,000/ US$120,00-230,000

Introduced in the year 2000, the Chronomètre à Résonance immediately captivated collectors worldwide with its impeccably designed dial and its double balance wheel. Produced from 2000 to 2004, the first-generation Chronomètre à Résonance, like the present lot, features a highly sought-after rhodium-plated brass movement housed within a perfect 38mm case. It is encased in platinum made in 2002, showcasing an attractively aged white gold dial that is truly a sight to behold. Not only does it belong to the desirable early generation of this model, but it is also accompanied by a full set of accessories. With the ever-growing demand and interest in early Journe pieces, the present example is highly coveted by collectors.

Richard Mille, RM030 “Japan Edition” white ATZ ceramic and titanium skeletonized wristwatch, circa 2017

Estimate: HK$780,000 - 1,560,000/ US$100,000-200,000

Coming to the auction market for the first time, the current iteration of the present RM030 is a limited edition of only 50 pieces created specifically for the Japanese market. Featuring a robust ATZ ceramic case made from aluminum oxide powder tubes, it was injected at a pressure of a whopping 2,000 bar. With the rigidity increased through the process, it is one of the hardest materials in the world. Notably, ATZ ceramic is highly hypoallergenic and exhibits exceptional resistance to scratches, shocks, and abrasion, making it an ideal material for a watch case.

It is the first time this reference has appeared in auction, and the watch is very versatile especially when equipped with the Velcro strap.

De Bethune, DB28 Kind of Blue, blued mirror-polished grade 5 titanium semi-skeletonized wristwatch, circa 2020

Estimate: HK$800,000 - 1,600,000/ US$100,000-200,000

The DB28 series was introduced in 2010, incredibly blue and visually striking, the present DB28 "Kind of Blue" features a heat blued grade 5 titanium case with an impressive mirrored-polish and the brand's signature delta shaped bridge decorated coté de De Bethune, and the hours are marked by arrow pointers in pink gold. The sense of detail can be found even on its pink gold back prong of the pin buckle. The blued balance wheel anchored by 6 white gold inserts of the calibre DB2115 animates this marvel. Featuring the brand’s signature spherical moon phase indication accurate to a degree of one lunar day every 122 years and the patented self-regulating twin barrel, triple pare-chute shock-absorbing system, the “Kind of Blue” has a power reserve of 6 days.