The top lot of the auction was unquestionably the extremely rare Rolex Single Red Prototype, Ref. 1665 Sea-Dweller Submariner (lot 126), appearing for the first time at an auction and property of a Japanese Collector, which fetched an astounding CHF 490,900 (including buyer's premium), more than 400% its pre-sales estimate. It is the highest price ever paid for a Rolex sportwatch and for a Sea Dweller.
Other rare and unique lots were the recently discovered magnificent Royal Presentation Musical Fan with concealed watch from Piguet & Capt (lot 189). It was a gift from Prince Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha to Vicomte de Morais. This exceptional timepiece fetched CHF 386,500 (including buyer's premium).
A series of Patek Philippe timepieces also drew attention and heavy bidding, including a Patek Philippe Ref. 1518 (lot 612), a very fine and rare perpetual calendar chronograph First Series, made in 1951, it realized CHF 266,500 (including buyer's premium). Other notable sales were a Patek Philippe Ref. 2499 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph (lot 511), which sold for CHF 290,500 (including buyer's premium). Finally, an extremely rare steel Patek Philippe Ref. 1463 (lot 582) that was created and owned by a Patek Philippe régleur sold for CHF 194,500 (including buyer's premium), more than 50% its pre-sales estimate. The watch caused a lot of pre-auction chatter and after intense bidding, sold to an Asian collector. “It's clear that collectors took into account the great provenance of this watch as it belonged to one of the most respected watchmakers of his time,” said Etienne Lemenager, Watch Expert and Director of Antiquorum Geneva.
“Antiquorum is proud to continue to offer timepieces of exceptional provenance and rarity, several of which have never before been available at auction,” said Evan Zimmermann, President and CEO of Antiquorum.
"This was an amazing auction on all counts,” said Julien Schaerer, Watch Expert and Managing Director, Antiquorum Geneva. “We are of course thrilled with the impressive results, but equally so with the unique examples that inspired such competitive bidding from very enthusiastic clients.”
Strong results were achieved with 485 of the lots sold, representing 135% by value. The auction preview was held in Antiquorum's new showroom, located 3 rue du Mont-Blanc in Geneva, offering more than 100 square meters of exhibition space as well as a special lounge for customers. The collection of 613 exceptional vintage and modern timepieces and the selection of clocks attracted many bidders from around the globe, including China, Hong Kong, Russian Federation, the United States, Italy and the Middle East.
www.antiquorum.com
PHOTO : M/M - SvE
M/M www.maisonmadame.com
