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In this two-part article, Watch Manila highlights some of the notable watches auctioned off in November 2021. While the Patek Philippe x Tiffany & Co. Nautilus dominated the headlines in the last few weeks, it is important to note that watch afficionados still appreciate the watchmaking landscape beyond any hype.
Here are some of the other watches which have achieved success during the Geneva auctions last month:
9. Rolex Daytona in Platinum
Auction House: Christie’s
Estimated Price: CHF70,000-170,000 (P3.8M-9.2M)
Price Sold: CHF200,000 (P10.09M)
Clearly, the fan favorite for the Daytona is the stainless steel variation with a “panda” dial. But Watch Manila notes that the prices of platinum Rolex watches have started to increase dramatically. There is an increased demand for this precious metal. The Rolex quality combined with the rarity of platinum has propelled this watch’s price above the estimates.
10. Rolex Day-Date “Rainbow” Ref. 18058
Auction House: Phillips
Estimated Price: CHF150,000-300,000 (P8.2M-16.4M)
Price Sold: CHF792,300 (P43.3M)
In today’s watch market, the “Rainbow” Daytona is very much sought after. Around 30 years before the Rainbow Daytona, Rolex released a possibly unique piece with “rainbow” colored precious stones on the bezel for a Day-Date. This “Rainbow” Day-Date is perhaps one of Rolex’ first rainbow inspired watches.
11. Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date Perpetual Calendar
Auction House: Christie’s
Estimated Price: CHF100,000-200,000 (P5.4M-10.8M)
Price Sold: CHF250,000 (Almost P13.6M)
There are approximately 11 pieces made of this prototype Rolex. This Rolex Day-Date Oysterquartz does not appear visually different from the other Oysterquartz. However, an inspection of the movement reveals a more complex mechanism. Rolex tried to make a perpetual calendar which can be operated through the same crown used to adjust the time. This watch is incredible as it is one of the prototypes wherein the movement is fully functional.
12. Rolex Deepsea Special
Auction House: Christie’s
Estimated Price: CHF2,000,000-4,000,000 (P109M-218M)
Price Sold: CHF1,890,000 (Almost P103M)
Unlike other watches in our list wherein the sale price exceeded the estimate, this one was slight below. However, it is worth taking a look at. Both Phillips and Christie’s offered Deep Sea Specials for the November auctions, However, the one being offered by Phillips is a commemorative edition made for the displays of the Rolex boutiques. This one offered by Christie’s was said to be used in the dive by Jacques Piccard’s bathyscaphe “Trieste” to 3,700 meters.
As Christie’s put it “This extraordinary watch can be considered as the most important Rolex diver’s watch to remain in private hands and without doubt one of the most desirable Rolex watches in the world.”
There are only 7 known pieces of the Deep Sea Special. This piece is No.1.
13. Philippe Dufour Grande and Petite Sonnerie
Auction House: Phillips
Estimated Price: CHF1,000,000-2,000,000 (P54.5M-109M)
Price Sold: CHF4,749,000 (Almost P258.9M)
Philippe Dufour has clearly emerged as a leading independent watch maker. Its creations are sought after as the brand has demonstrated a near-perfection in crafting watches. The appeal of this watch is due to the fact that it is the first Philippe Dufour watch and the world’s first Grande & Petite Sonnerie wristwatch ever made.
Last time, Watch Manila featured another Philippe Dufour watch called “Simplicity” as it has no major complications. Despite the absence of complications, the Simplicity managed to do incredible as well in the auction.
14. F.P. Journe Chronometre a Resonance “Souscription”
Auction House: Phillips
Estimated Price: CHF200,000-400,000 (P10.9M-21.8M)
Price Sold: CHF3,902,000 (Almost P212.7M)
F.P. Journe is one of the most recognized independent watchmakers in recent times. The watch shown here features resonating escapements and is the first out of a limited run of 20 pieces. The watch features a combination of platinum and pink gold case. It has been said that the Resonance of F.P. Journe was most likely inspired by A.L. Breguet.
15. Omega Speedmaster Broadarrow
Auction House: Phillips
Estimated Price: CHF80,000-120,000 (P4.3M-6.5M)
Price Sold: CHF3,115,500 (Almost P170M)
This is the most expensive Omega sold at an auction ever. This Omega carried the reference 2915-1 which makes it part of one of the first production runs of the historic Speedmaster. The dial features a tropical color which has aged. As a note, none of the preview ads of the auction even mentioned this lot. Most of the people were surprised at the result of this lot.
16. Richard Mille RM27-04 Rafael Nadal
Auction House: Phillips
Estimated Price: CHF800,000-1,600,000 (P43M-87M)
Price Sold: CHF1,663,500 (P90.7M)
Richard Mille continues to be polarizing. Nevertheless, it has established itself as a strong brand in terms of value. This RM027-04 was built to withstand the shocks during professional tennis matches of up to 12,000 Gs. And yes, it has a tourbillon.
To visit part 1 of this article, click here.
Images are courtesy of the auction houses: Antiquorum, Christie’s, Phillips, and Sotheby’s.