Following the announcements of The Jack Nicklaus Rolex Day-Date and The Marlon Brando “Apocalypse Now Rolex GMT-Master earlier this year, Phillips together with Bacs & Russo presents GAME CHANGERS. Thematic auction of watches held on December 10 in New York.
The sale will also include other notable watches that are particular in terms of provenance, aesthetics, condition or rarity.
The December auction will be led by two extraordinary vintage Patek Philippe perpetual calendar wristwatches publicly offered for the first time: a legendary reference 1518 in 18K rose gold with a pink dial and a possibly unique reference 2499 in 18K yellow gold. Another outstanding highlight is one of the most important watches ever made: a unique AMC Urwerk consisting of an atomic clock and a matching titanium wristwatch. Some of the best timepieces available worldwide in terms of quality and condition will also be offered, including dress, sports and complicated watches from prestigious collector brands such as Patek Philippe and Rolex, A. Lange & Söhne, Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantin , Omega, TAG Heuer, Jaeger LeCoultre and Breitling, along with leading independent brands such as Urwerk, Philippe Dufour, FP Journe and Richard Mille.
Before the sale the watches have already started a world tour in London, Singapore, Geneva, and in the coming days will also be in Los Angeles (November 15-16), Hong Kong (November 22-26), San Francisco (November 18) and New York (December 5-10).
Here are some outstanding examples:
PATEK PHILIPPE
Model Name: Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Reference: 1518 – Estimate: $1.200.000 – 2.400.000.
The world's first mass-produced perpetual chronograph, only 281 examples of the Patek Philippe reference 1518 are believed to have been made: the vast majority in yellow gold, rarely ever seen in rose gold, and only four known in stainless steel. Exemplary and extraordinary example of "pink on pink", in 18K pink gold with original pink dial. For the market it is previously unknown, coming directly from the original owner's family. As one of the most desirable perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatches to own, this rare timepiece is a treasure to behold and a true trophy watch for the connoisseur of complicated Patek Philippe wristwatches.
PATEK PHILIPPE
Model Name: Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Reference: 2499 – Estimate: $1.000.000 – 2.000.000
Among high-end complicated wristwatches, the Patek Philippe reference 2499 can be considered one of, if not the most, iconic trophy watches to crown any collection. The present, perhaps only yellow gold 1951 example is the only Vichet set 2499 ever to appear with round pushers originally delivered by Patek Philippe, making it one of the most prominent examples of the reference to ever surface. Absolutely fresh to the market, remains in well-preserved original condition. Its sheer rarity, combined with its exceptional condition, beauty and superb collection present a rare opportunity for the discerning collector.
URWERK
Model Name: AMC (Atomic Mechanical Control) – Estimate: $1.000.000 – 2.000.000
A tour-de-force of modern watchmaking, Urwerk has dedicated 10 years of research and development to create this masterful work of art which is a marriage of two cutting-edge approaches to chronometry. By fusing traditional watchmaking and atomic physics, two completely self-contained but connected systems have been created that achieve high-performance precision timing within a one-second margin of error in 317 years. Synthesis of centuries of innovations, the AMC can be considered one of the most important watches ever created. Consisting of a master atomic watch and a mechanical wristwatch, the master watch winds, sets, and uniquely adjusts the wristwatch to improve its timekeeping. It is one of fewer than a handful of watches ever created capable of this remarkable feat.
ROLEX
Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona “Paul Newman Lemon” | Reference: 6264 – Estimate: $450.000 – 900.000
Collectors talk about “grail” watches and the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona with “Paul Newman Lemon” dial is one such watch. A very rare reference 6264 in 18K yellow gold, the current watch features an extremely rare and coveted dial with a gorgeous matte grèné, or fine-grained deep yellow color dial with a distinct white stamped graphic stamped on its sub-dials blacks. Originally sold in France, the case back is hallmarked with coveted French hallmarks: two owls and a “Société Rolex” mark. Appearing publicly for the first time, it is one of the very few examples of a vintage Daytona with a Paul Newman Lemon dial ever to appear at auction, and its breathtaking condition makes it one of the finest examples known.
ROLEX
Model name: Cosmograph Daytona “Paul Newman John Player Special”
Reference: 6241 – Estimate: $350.000 – 700.000
Among the most sought after and iconic Daytonas of all the 'Paul Newmans', the 'John Player Special' gets its nickname from the black and gold livery found on Team Lotus' Formula 1 racing cars of the 70s. Brand new to the market, this previously unknown 18k yellow gold “John Player Special” features some highly collectible and coveted traits, including a well-preserved case, and a stunning dial that comes as close to a perfect 10 of 10 as one will ever see. Elevating its desirability, the watch also comes with its original Rolex guarantee.
BREITLING
Model Name: Navitimer Cosmonaute | Reference: 809 – Estimate: $40.000 – 80.000
Also offered will be an exceptionally well-preserved example of the extremely rare Breitling reference 809 Cosmograph Navitimer with an “all black” dial – the same reference that was the first ever Swiss chronograph worn in space by Mercury Seven astronaut, Scott Carpenter. Produced in June 1962, this example was owned and worn by another original Mercury Seven astronaut, making it one of the most important Breitling watches ever to appear at an international auction and a true trophy watch for connoisseurs. The consignor intends to donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of this watch to the Ohio State University John Glenn College of Public Affairs.
LECOULTRE – Model Name: “Lucky 13” | Reference: 3027 – Estimate: $20.000 – 40.000
The LeCoultre “Lucky 13” is a truly remarkable and unique timepiece presented by the Chicago Anti-Superstition Society along with 13 United States Senators to an original Mercury Seven USA astronaut to commemorate his historic achievement of becoming the first American astronaut to orbit the Earth. With the number 13 at each hour, the watch celebrated the Friendship 7 spacecraft capsule used for the Mercury-Atlas 6 mission. Friendship 7 was the 13th space capsule manufactured by McDonnell Aircraft Corp, and the 13 on the face was used to illustrate society's rejection of the number 13 as unfortunate. The ceremony, held on Friday, April 13, 1962, was entered into the House Congressional Record on October 13, 1962. The consignor intends to donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of this watch to The John Glenn College of Public Affairs at the Ohio State University.
Vacheron Constantin
Model Name: Overseas Dual-Time Prototype | Reference: 7910V/000T-B603 – Estimate: $20.000 – 40.000
A one-of-a-kind piece made for the American climber, mountaineer, explorer and photographer, Cory Richards, Vacheron Constantin created this Overseas Dual-Time prototype in collaboration with Richards for his third attempt to climb Everest. Richards was looking for a rugged wristwatch that could accompany him on one of the world's most grueling expeditions, tracking time on Everest and back home to the United States. The 41 mm case is made of titanium with tantalum reinforcements, a first for the brand. This Overseas is being sold to benefit the National Geographic Society, a non-profit dedicated to pushing the boundaries of exploration and generating solutions for a healthier, more sustainable future.
URWERK
Model Name: UR-105C Avengers Endgame | Reference: UR-105 CT Iron – Estimate: $30.000 – 60.000
The UR-105 CT Iron combines the best of Urwerk's design and innovative watchmaking skills in a wristwatch that can be enjoyed by watch enthusiasts. The current UR-105 CT Iron “Endgame” is a unique piece, worn on the wrist of Tony Stark and Iron Man, played by Robert Downey Jr. in the record-breaking 2019 film, Avengers: Endgame. Proceeds from the sale of this watch will be donated to Random Act Funding, a charitable organization founded by Susan and Robert Downey Jr. Robert Downey Jr. states, “I have always been a fan of URWERK watches and was proud to have one on my wrist for Endgame … Having it end up in a prestigious auction to be sold for charity is the icing on the cake. “
TAG HEUER
Model Name: Monaco Piece d'Art, Unique Piece 50th Anniversary – Estimate: $30.000 to $60.000
Created to mark the 50th anniversary of Tag Heuer's iconic Monaco model, the Monaco Piece d'Art was born as a “new old watch” originally produced in 1969, with Caliber 11, the industry's first self-winding chronograph movement. Swiss watchmaking. For the first time ever, TAG Heuer watchmakers have disassembled the vintage Caliber 11 movement inside and applied high-quality finishes to every part, including mirror polishing functional surfaces, screw heads, and the addition of three new jewels to create a truly unique work of art. Proceeds from the sale of this watch will be donated to the United Way of New York City.
