Bonhams is delighted to announce its Modern Wristwatches Spring Auction will be held on 26 May at the Island Ballroom in Island Shangri-La Hotel. The auction features over 100 lots of fine wristwatches and pocket watches sourced from all over the world with a total estimate of over HK$12.4 million. Some are exclusive timepieces rarely seen in the collector’s market.
The most exclusive piece featured in this season’s auction is Lot 875, a Patek Philippe 18ct gold perpetual calendar chronograph manual wind wristwatch, Reference 1518. This particular reference was first introduced in 1941 and was one of the first perpetual calendar chronograph timepieces in the world; it has been made in very limited quantity. The present lot was made in 1950, with an estimate of HK$2,500,000 – 2,800,000.
Another limited timepiece is Lot 844 A. Lange & Sohne Langematik Perpetual, 18ct rose gold perpetual calendar manual wind wri stwatch, made exclusively for Sincere Haute Horlogerie, a renowned luxury watch retailer in Singapore. There are only 25 pieces produced in this unique combination of 18ct rose gold case and black dial; the present lot would certainly be sought after by connoisseurs. The estimate of this lot is HK$250,000 – 350,000.
Lot 861 Audemars Piguet PT950 platinum tourbillon calendar automatic wristwatch is another timepiece with special meaning. It was made in 2001 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the birth of Jules Audemars, co-founder of the brand. The estimate of this timepiece is HK$665,000 – 750,000.
The auction also features some popular perpetual calendar complication models. For instance, Lot 891 Patek Philippe 18ct rose gold perpetual calendar chronograph manual wind wristwatch, Reference 3970E, has its black dial with white gold hour markers changed by the brand upon the owner’s request, which results in a rare combination such as this lot. Estima te for this lot is HK$610,000 – 854,000.
Lot 874 is a Patek Philippe 18ct white gold perpetual calendar automatic wristwatch, Reference 5040G; its unique tonneau shaped case makes it one of the iconic timepieces from the brand. Estimate of this lot is HK$430,000 – 490,000.
Lot 876, is a Patek Philippe PT950 platinum calendar chronograph automatic wristwatch, Reference 5960P. Sealed in its original packaging, it retains its original condition. The present lot is one of Patek Philippe’s highly sought after models, with an estimate of HK$500,000 – 600,000.
Lot 877, a Patek Philippe 18ct white gold perpetual calendar automatic wristwatch with retrograde date, Reference 5159, is the new officer’s watch. Its larger case and fluted crown gives the watch a timeless elegance. The watch is in superb condition, with an estimate of HK$430,000 – 530,000.
Other highlights include Lot 906, a F.P. Journe 18ct rose gold manual wind tourbillon chronometer wristwatch; the Tourbillon Souverain is essentially the masterpiece of the brand. The timepiece has won various awards and became a highly sought after model after production ceased in 2003. The estimate for this lot is HK$480,000 – 550,000.
Making its debut at an auction is Lot 864, a Richard Mille RM028 titanium calendar automatic wristwatch. Following in the successful footstep of the RM025 diver’s watch with its avant garde design,.this timepiece is water resistant to 300 meters. The estimate of this lot is HK$385,000 – 450,000.
Besides wristwatches, the auction will also feature some exquisite pocket watches from the 18th to 19th century. Lot 833 is a Charles Reuge gold plated open face pocket watch with alarm automaton. In addition to the lovely chimes and automata when the pocket watch hits full hour, the back of the watch features concealed erotic automaton. Estimate of this lot is HK$59,000 – 70,000.
The highlight lots include:
1. Lo t 875
Patek Philippe 18ct gold perpetual calendar chr onograph manual wind wristwatch
Estimate: HK$2,500,000 – 2,800,000
2. Lot 844
Lange & Sohne Langematik Perpetual, 18ct rose gold perpetual calendar manual wind wristwatch, made exclusively for Sincere Haute Horlogerie, luxury watch retailer in Singapore
Estimate: HK$250,000 – 350,000
3. Lot 861
Audemars Piguet PT950 platinum tourbillon calendar automatic wristwatch
Estimate: HK$665,000 – 750,000
4. Lot 891
Patek Philippe 18ct rose gold perpetual calendar chronograph manual wind wristwatch,
Estimate: HK$610,000 – 854,000
5. Lot 874
Patek Philippe 18ct white gold perpetual calendar aut omatic wristwatch
Estimate: HK$430,000 – 490,000
6. Lot 876
Patek Philippe PT950 platinum calendar chronograph automatic wristwatch,
Estimate: HK$500,000 – 600,000
7. Lot 877
Patek Philippe 18ct white gold perpetual calendar automatic wristwatch with retrograde date
Estimate: HK$430,000 – 530,000
8. Lot 906
F.P. Journe 18ct rose gold manual wind tourbillon chronometer wristwatch
Estimate: HK$480,000 – 550,000
9. Lot 864
Richard Mille RM028 titanium calendar automatic wristwatch
Estimate: HK$385,000 – 450,000
10. Lot 833
Charles Reuge gold plated open fac e pocket watch with alarm automaton
Estimate: HK$59,000 – 70,000
