The next November 12 Christie's Geneva (Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues) presents an extraordinary watch auction, BEN 310 lots, with a forecast of total awards of over 15 million Swiss francs (about 16 million dollars) and above all, the three most important watches in the world created by Patek Philippe.
The piece most awaited by collectors is a rare "Patek Philippe platinum perpetual calendar chronograph 2499/100” i.e. a fabulous watch from the Eric Clapton collection (estimate: 2,600,000 – 4,300,000 USD), considered a legendary model showing the most perfect combination of design, function, mechanical complexity and proportions. Launched in 1951, has been in production for almost 35 years, with a production run of 349 units. This spectacular watchmaking masterpiece, as it has been termed, will be available at auction for the first time since its original sale nearly a quarter of a century ago.
Il second top lot a platinum chronograph wristwatch from 1952, by the legendary collector, JB Champion'JB Champion Platinum Observatory Chronometer' and bear the signature “Made for especially for JB Champion”, that is, made especially for this important American lawyer. The watch is in exceptional condition and is also being offered at auction for the first time (estimate: 2,100,000 – 4,300,000 USD). And finally the third top lot: Reference 1579, one of the largest chronograph watches ever made, has a diameter of 36 mm (estimate: 1,000,000 – 1,600,000 USD) This model, also in platinum, was predominantly available in yellow and pink gold and only a very few specimens were made in steel.
Furthermore the auction features one of the finest private collections of enamel watches for the Chinese market, all pieces made for export to China, enamelled gold watches, as well as gilt silver and enamel. Of particular interest is one pair of duplexes, watches that are distinguished by particular enamels, signed Vaucher, Fleurier circa 1830 (estimate: USD 85 -130). Finally, a Piguet et Meyland decorated in enamel depicting a scene attributed to Lissignol, circa 1820 (estimate: 85 - 130 USD).
