Many Upcoming Auctions from the Major Auction Houses…
Patek Philippe Grand Complications ref. 3939P / Credit: Christie’s
As things slowly open up and September gets on the way, there are several auctions coming up from the major auction houses around the world that we wanted to highlight.
Starting with Sotheby’s, they have two auctions that began this week on September 2nd: ‘Life is Beautiful: London’ and ‘Fine Watches Including Masterworks of Time, Collector's Watches’. While the Life is Beautiful: London auction is not focused on watches, there are still a couple interesting watches for sale. The first is a Gerald Genta Retro Sport ref. RSP.L.10 and a limited-edition Roger Dubuis Easy Diver Ref. SED40. Both of these are from the early 2000s and match the theme of the auction with their white aesthetic.
Circa 1996 Vacheron Constantin 18k white gold, diamonds and emerald-set / Credit: Christie’s
Moving over to Christie’s, we have an auction ending September 7th that we mentioned in our last Report. This auction has 219 lots with the highest bid currently sitting (at time of writing) at 1.5 million HKD for what Christie’s described as a possibly unique platinum Patek Philippe ref. 3939P from 1999. A beautiful timepiece with an enamel black dial and Breguet numerals, the Patek Philippe ref. 3939 is a minute-repeating tourbillon that was produced for 16 years between 1993 and 2009, with very few watches produced in this collection. I’ve previously mentioned my belief that 1990s watches are ‘next up’, and this neo-vintage Patek Philippe is a great example of why. Measuring only 33 mm in diameter, this reference is very similar to the steel model that sold at Only Watch 2011 for $1.4 million. The stunning black dial was made by Donzé Cadrans S.A., a company founded in 1972 by Master Enameller Francis Donzé (acquired in 2012 by Ulysse Nardin). Many other watches are up for auction for Christie’s ‘Marvelous’ sale. As usual, Patek Philippe and Rolex dominate the lots. I would, however, highlight this stunning Vacheron Constantin from 1996 (above).
Circa 1939 Longines Lindbergh Hour Angle signed ‘A. Cairelli Roma’ / Credit: Bonhams
And finally, Bonham’s has an auction in London on September 7th, Watches and Wristwatches, that includes some very interested vintage timepieces – many pocket watches – but what stood out to me was a circa 1939 Longines Lindbergh Hour Angle watch, sold by the legendary A. Cairelli Roma who is also known for retailing the Zenith Cronometro TIPO CP-2. This is certainly the most intriguing timepiece in their auction in my opinion, not only for the history of Charles Lindbergh and his ‘Hour Angle’ design, but more so for the fact that it was retailed in Rome by A. Cairelli. And I think most of you may already be aware of my affinity for all things Italian.
By: Andres Ibarguen