Sotheby's - Exclusive Vintage & Modern Wristwatches
This autumn the grand art of watchmaking will take centre-stage at Sotheby's. Following hot on the heels of the landmark sale of "The George Daniels Horological Collection" which takes place in London on 6th November 2012, Sotheby's Geneva auction of Important Watches will be held at the Hotel Beau-Rivage on 13th November.
This season, Sotheby's Europe specialists, Geoffroy Ader and Thomas Perazzi have assembled an exclusive selection of vintage and modern wristwatches covering a wide range of prestigious brands such as Patek Philippe, Rolex, Vacheron Constantin, Audemars Piguet, Cartier, IWC and Panerai. Comprising over 300 lots, estimated between CHF 6 and 8 million, the offering is also highlighted by rare models of complicated timepieces.
"This sale is a celebration of elegance and style" commented Geoffroy Ader, Head of Watches, Sotheby's Europe. "It includes a selection of rare vintage and modern timepieces which demonstrate that watchmaking falls into the realm of art. Among highlights are two minute-repeating wristwatches by Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin which capture the essence of vintage wristwatches. These watches are most probably unique models which were made by the most important watchmakers in Geneva in the 1940s and 1950s, one of the richest period of modern Swiss horological history".
The top lot of the auction is an exceptional example of Patek Philippe's Reference 2524/1 retailed by Tiffany & Co. Most certainly the only known piece with a dial bearing "Tiffany & Co", this specially ordered 18 carat yellow gold wristwatch features a movement made in 1954 and cased in 1961 (est. CHF 250,000 - 350,000/ $252,000 - 353,000).