Auction house Phillips has been on a streak of successful watch auctions one after another, and is showing no signs of slowing down. Just two weeks ago, in its Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE, the London-headquartered auctioneer sold the elusive Rolex "Bao Dai" Ref. 6062, fetching over CHF 5million, which makes it officially the most expensive Rolex ever sold in an auction. The legendary Rolex Paul Newman Daytona Ref. 6263 in yellow gold - or simply, "The Legend", one of three known examples ever - changed hands for a handsome CHF 3.7million in the same occasion. And it's not only the mega pieces that fared well, in fact, the rest of the lots did also sell for more than their respective high estimate consistently. Let's just say Phillips is enjoying a very good moment now with their unquestionably high quality watches on offer.
On 30th May, 2017, The Hong Kong Watch Auction: FOUR will take place, once again in the brilliant Mandarin Oriental and as usual, a public preview precedes the main event, with all pieces generously on display. We managed to spend some personal time with them in a sunny afternoon and here are our top picks from the 356-lot-strong lineup. You will see Patek Philippes, Rolexes, and some more. Let's check them out.
On 30th May, 2017, The Hong Kong Watch Auction: FOUR will take place, once again in the brilliant Mandarin Oriental and as usual, a public preview precedes the main event, with all pieces generously on display. We managed to spend some personal time with them in a sunny afternoon and here are our top picks from the 356-lot-strong lineup. You will see Patek Philippes, Rolexes, and some more. Let's check them out.
Patek Philippe
Ref. 530 in Steel
One of the three cover lots of the auction, the steel chronograph Ref. 530 brings together a myriad of elements lusted for by discerning collectors. A minty steel case, an "oversized" case diameter at 36.5mm and of course, the most exciting complication: the chronograph.
The reference was first launched in early 1930s, an era when anything with a case diameter north of 33-34mm was considered "oversized". For instance, the Ref. 130 from that same period boasts a much more then en vogue 33mm case (we will look at a great example of the Ref. 130 later on in this article). As such, there weren't that many Ref. 530 produced, making any Ref. 530 a rare find, let alone one with a steel case. In fact, it is believed there are less than 10 examples in existence. The current lot, sold to its first owner in 1943, remains in excellent condition and even comes with its original certificate and service paper from the 1950s. From a collectibility point of view, this very Ref. 530 is an absolute slam dunk.
It has an estimate of HKD4,000,000 to HKD8,000,000.
The reference was first launched in early 1930s, an era when anything with a case diameter north of 33-34mm was considered "oversized". For instance, the Ref. 130 from that same period boasts a much more then en vogue 33mm case (we will look at a great example of the Ref. 130 later on in this article). As such, there weren't that many Ref. 530 produced, making any Ref. 530 a rare find, let alone one with a steel case. In fact, it is believed there are less than 10 examples in existence. The current lot, sold to its first owner in 1943, remains in excellent condition and even comes with its original certificate and service paper from the 1950s. From a collectibility point of view, this very Ref. 530 is an absolute slam dunk.
It has an estimate of HKD4,000,000 to HKD8,000,000.
Ref. 2499 Two and a Half Series in Yellow Gold
Ah, the Ref. 2499. It's amazing how Ref. 2499, despite being a reference somewhat frequently seen in auctions these days (but still, they are crazy rare; only 349 were ever made in its 34-year production span), still generates as much admiration as ever amongst watch lovers every time one is on the block. It is not hard to see why. At 38mm, the exceptionally balanced Ref. 2499 is quite simply the most wearable vintage perpetual calendar chronograph from Patek Philippe by today's standard. That the Ref. 2499 has evolved over a total of four generations also provided ample opportunities for collectors to rejoice over the nuances between generations, the appreciation of which a key virtue in the realm of ultra high-end watch collecting. And here, we are looking at not a second series, nor a third series, but a 2½ series Ref. 2499 (another cover lot). No, seriously. Let us explain.
The present lot was produced and sold in 1966 during what was a transitional period for the reference between its second and third series, and it embodies features from both. For instance, the arabic numerals are decidedly second series, yet the lack of a tachymeter is most definitely a third series matter. Only three such 2½ series examples are known to exist. That, coupled with the present lot's fantastic condition, really is a sight to behold.
It has an estimate of HKD2,700,000 to HKD4,000,000.
The present lot was produced and sold in 1966 during what was a transitional period for the reference between its second and third series, and it embodies features from both. For instance, the arabic numerals are decidedly second series, yet the lack of a tachymeter is most definitely a third series matter. Only three such 2½ series examples are known to exist. That, coupled with the present lot's fantastic condition, really is a sight to behold.
It has an estimate of HKD2,700,000 to HKD4,000,000.
Ref. 565 with Breguet Numerals in Yellow Gold
After looking into two top-of-the-line, heavy-hitting cover lots, let's turn our attention to something simpler, just to cleanse the palate a little bit. The Ref. 565 is a simple, time-only reference we have been, and will always be looking for in any watch auction. We just love a good Ref. 565. And here we have exactly that.
First introduced in the late 1930s, the Ref. 565 was Patek Philippe's first large (well, it is 34.5mm after all) water resistant watch, thanks to its two-part case with a screw-down cash back. But that's really where the "sportiness" of it ends. The Ref. 565 is still by and large a dress watch, particularly so for variants cased in precious metals. And variations, my friend, are what make the Ref. 565 so fun to study. The Ref. 565 was produced in so many different combinations of numerals, hands, dial and materials that it's virtually impossible to exhaustively keep track of every single one of them (to put things into perspective, this auction alone sees THREE Ref. 565 on offer, all in completely different configuration from the other two; you can check them out here and here).
The current lot is very nicely preserved, evidenced by its crisp yellow gold case. In addition, the yellow gold Breguet numerals give it a harmonic and coherent profile, which is rounded out by interestingly a central sweeping hand, which accorded the watch a pleasantly relaxed vibe.
It has an estimate of HKD160,000 to HKD300,000.
First introduced in the late 1930s, the Ref. 565 was Patek Philippe's first large (well, it is 34.5mm after all) water resistant watch, thanks to its two-part case with a screw-down cash back. But that's really where the "sportiness" of it ends. The Ref. 565 is still by and large a dress watch, particularly so for variants cased in precious metals. And variations, my friend, are what make the Ref. 565 so fun to study. The Ref. 565 was produced in so many different combinations of numerals, hands, dial and materials that it's virtually impossible to exhaustively keep track of every single one of them (to put things into perspective, this auction alone sees THREE Ref. 565 on offer, all in completely different configuration from the other two; you can check them out here and here).
The current lot is very nicely preserved, evidenced by its crisp yellow gold case. In addition, the yellow gold Breguet numerals give it a harmonic and coherent profile, which is rounded out by interestingly a central sweeping hand, which accorded the watch a pleasantly relaxed vibe.
It has an estimate of HKD160,000 to HKD300,000.
Ref. 3448 in White Gold
The Ref. 3448 was the first automatic perpetual calendar wristwatch produced by Patek Philippe and only less than 600 were made between its production span from 1962 to 1981, most of which cased in yellow gold. Needless to say, it was a treat for us when we see one in white gold AND with the unusual feature of possessing luminous dot indexes and partially lume-filled hands.
The thing about the Ref. 3448 is that it has a completely symmetrical profile, complimented by what could be the most rounded watch case we've seen. The watch looks so clean, so unassuming that it's easy forget it is in fact a perpetual calendar watch. And that's what we like about it. The current lot even comes with the original certificate and box. Now that's a full set proper.
It has an estimate of HKD2,400,000 to HKD4,000,000.
The thing about the Ref. 3448 is that it has a completely symmetrical profile, complimented by what could be the most rounded watch case we've seen. The watch looks so clean, so unassuming that it's easy forget it is in fact a perpetual calendar watch. And that's what we like about it. The current lot even comes with the original certificate and box. Now that's a full set proper.
It has an estimate of HKD2,400,000 to HKD4,000,000.
Ref. 130 in Pink Gold (with a Two-Tone Pink Dial)
To look at a Ref. 130 is to look at a textbook specimen of a mid-century, luxury dress chronograph. Arguably one of the firm's best known chronograph models which enjoyed an almost 30-year long production span, the Ref. 130 was produced in many iterations, with the 33mm case size being the only constant throughout. The current lot comes with an attractive pink gold case and a two-tone pink gold dial to match, a combination more commonly known as "pink on pink".
Despite being a tad smaller than the Ref. 530, the Ref. 130 channels the sort of quiet elegance that defines a great dress chronograph. In fact, the smaller dimension allows the watch to sit squarely and comfortably on your wrist and that's when you realize you are truly owning something spectacular.
It has an estimate of HKD400,000 to HKD600,000.
Despite being a tad smaller than the Ref. 530, the Ref. 130 channels the sort of quiet elegance that defines a great dress chronograph. In fact, the smaller dimension allows the watch to sit squarely and comfortably on your wrist and that's when you realize you are truly owning something spectacular.
It has an estimate of HKD400,000 to HKD600,000.
Ref. 1415 in Pink Gold
Patek Philippe was responsible for a lot of "firsts" in the world of watchmaking in its long and illustrious history, including the first world timer wristwatch ever produced: the Ref. 1415. The current lot is cased in pink gold which bears 41 cities on its bezel, allowing its wearer to simultaneously read the local time and that of all other listed locations. The case and lugs are both strong and crisp, indicating the watch was perhaps worn only very occasionally. What's more amazing is the Gay Frères pink gold bracelet that's fluid, flexible yet hefty and substantial at the same time. It drapes so perfectly around the wrist that it is an amusing experience in its own right.
It has an estimate of HKD780,000 to HKD1,550,000.
It has an estimate of HKD780,000 to HKD1,550,000.
Rolex
Day-Date Ref. 1807 with Turquoise "Stella" Dial
It's generally the case that when you put on Rolex Day-Date in yellow gold, you are automatically inviting attention and scrutiny. Considering how the Day-Date has been the watch of choice for so many influential figures in the world, you'd be sorely mistaken if you wish to fly under the radar wearing one. No, the Day-Date doesn't do subtle. Even more so for a Day-Date with a bark bezel and, of all the colors, a catchy turquoise "Stella" dial, which is exactly what the current lot from 1971 is about. And I have to say, as much as that turquoise is a hue seldom seen on a wristwatch, in this particular instance it seems to do a really good job bringing the rest of the watch together, including the yellow gold case, the very 1970s bark bezel and even the grey suede strap. It's not your ordinary Day-Date; it's a little quirky even, but hey, let's admit we've seen funkier creations coming out of the "everything goes" 1970s.
It has an estimate of HKD80,000 to HKD120,000.
It has an estimate of HKD80,000 to HKD120,000.
Daytona Ref. 6265 in Yellow Gold with Heavy Bracelet
Another icon from Rolex (has there ever been a Rolex model that is not considered iconic?), the Daytona is the quintessential vintage chronograph to own. It is rugged, cool, edgy, and we love it. While a typical Daytona is cased in steel, here we have a well preserved ref. 6265 in yellow gold AND a highly unusual, heavy yellow gold bracelet. Not unlike the bracelet experience we've had with the Patek Ref. 1415 aforementioned, the current lot absolutely kills it when it comes to wearability and comfort. The 3 chronograph registers are finely aged to a warm champagne color that resonate well with the gentleness of the bracelet. If there ever is a "dressy" Daytona, this might just be it.
It has an estimate of HKD800,000 to HKD1,200,000.
It has an estimate of HKD800,000 to HKD1,200,000.
The Laurent Picciotto Collection
Moving on, we are going to run through some key pieces from the personal collection of Laurent Picciotto, owner and founder of Chronopassion, perhaps the most well known Paris-based watch retailer. The man himself has been a steadfast champion and partner for some of the biggest, most forward-looking watch companies, such as Richard Mille and Hublot, when they were still in their infancy. In an effort to reboot his collection, Mr. Picciotto is auctioning off the bulk of his electrifying watch collection via Phillips. And here are our top picks from this important private collection in the form of a slideshow.
Other Brands (Heuer, Longines and more)
Our picks don't stop here. Please enjoy yourself another slideshow below featuring some truly stunning pieces from the likes of Heuer, Longines, F.P. Journe and more.
To view the full auction catalogue of the Hong Kong Watch Auction: FOUR, visit here.
Until next time!
Until next time!
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