The important watch sector seems to be experiencing a moment of great interest with exponential growth in international collecting. Everything suggests that the difficult moment dictated by the uncertainty caused by the pandemic has created a different need also for investments, re-evaluating objects such as watches that take their place among safe-haven assets. Their exclusivity or rarity leads the collector to buy to await the certain revaluation that will happen given that it is not difficult to predict post-coronavirus growth in this market. From Hong Kong to Paris and London but also in Milan there is a growing interest where collectors compete for the best watches. Expectations just don't seem to disappoint. An example perfectly aligned with the interest that is manifesting was the auction of Sotheby's Hong Kong last October. An appointment led by two perhaps unique references from Patek Philippe and Rolex in the "Important Watches" sale which also presented vintage and modern watches from historic brands and independent watchmakers, including Audemars Piguet, Philippe Dufour and FP Journe.
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona nicknamed “President” or “The Big Blue“, this magnificent blue dial was produced in the Singer workshops in small quantities. Perhaps it was due to poor market feedback that its production was quickly cancelled. Subsequently, these dials were subsequently given to Rolex's friends, suppliers, executives and business partners, who would decide the fate of the dial by fitting it onto existing Daytona models and breathing new life into the watch. This current example displays an electroplated ocean blue dial with a sunburst finish, complementing the sumptuous gold case that increased in diameter from 37mm around the late 80s and early 90s. Other interesting details include the inverted numerical index at 6 o'clock indicating the Zenith El Primero movement and the classic red Daytona signature above the sub dial with gold rings. These dynamic features enhance iconic elements, such as the screw-down pushers, three sub-dials and raised gold-edged hour markers, typically seen on the Daytona – all of these details blend together to create a mesmerizing visual, which transcends beyond the scope of the watch. origins. Since these dark blue dials have never technically been sold to the public, they are one of the more unique collector's items available on the secondary market. With its elusiveness and limited production numbers, the upcoming auction presents a special opportunity to acquire this extremely rare yet iconic watch.
TOP LOT : PATEK PHILIPPE, REFERENCE 1436. AN EXCLUSIVELY UNIQUE YELLOW GOLD SEPARATE CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH ORIGINAL BOX, RETAILED BY TIFFANY & CO., MANUFACTURED IN 1960 AND SOLD IN 1961. ESTIMATE: HK$4.600.000 – 7.800.000 / US$590.000 – 1.000.000. Auctioned for HK5.257.000
The Patek Philippe two-second chronograph reference 1436 was first introduced to the market in 1938 and enjoyed continuous production until 1971. Approximately 140 examples were crafted in yellow gold, rose gold, and stainless steel. Possibly one of the most important 1436 gold references ever to hit the market, not only is the present example one of 5 known pieces retailed by Tiffany & Co, it is also in an unpolished condition that is as close to original as the market never seen before. Still fitted with the original band and crystal, the watch bears a clear hallmark with Tiffany inventory numbers between the lugs and features a modern character dial with short indexes and scales that has never been seen before or known in the literature.
ROLEX COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA, REFERENCE 16528. A POSSIBLY UNIQUE YELLOW GOLD AND DIAMOND WRISTWATCH WITH LAPIS LAZULI DIAL AND BRACELET, CIRCA 1996 ST / estimate 1,200,000 – 1,800,000 HKD – US$513.000 – 1.000.000. Auctioned for 1,512,000 HKD
Consigned to a prominent private collector and fresh to the market, this reference 16528 is incredibly rare and very likely a one-of-a-kind. The watch is the only known example with a lapis lazuli hardstone dial with diamond hour markers, as well as the only yellow gold Rolex Daytona to feature a hardstone dial. It's also worth noting that all stone-faced Daytonas in regular production are only ever available with a white metal case and fitted with a leather strap, which makes the current watch all the more desirable.
Cover clocks: A Patek Philippe Ref. 1436 retailed by Tiffany & Co. One of the Most Important Gold Ref. 1436 ever to appear on the market. A Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 16528. The Only Known Daytona in Yellow Gold with Hardstone Lapis Lazuli Dial. East.
