9 Rare and Exceptional Watches in Geneva

Graff, A Fine and Superlative White Gold and Diamond-Set Automatic Skeletonised Tourbillon Wristwatch, circa 2013
Estimate CHF 150,000–250,000

The case of this exceptional timepiece consists of 188 diamonds, which total approximately 22 carats. The ring is set with an emerald-cut diamond weighing 10.13 carats.

Important Watches
13 May 2018 | Geneva

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Audemars Piguet 'Tradition D'excellence No 3' Edward Piguet, A Fine and Rare Limited Edition Platinum Rectangular Tourbillon Chronograph Wristwatch, circa 2002
Estimate CHF 80,000–120,000

This model is part of the ‘Tradition d'Excellence’ collection, introduced by Audemars Piguet in 2000, and is named after Edward Piguet, one of the founding fathers of Audemars Piguet. Cases named after one of these great men are distinguished by their elegantly curved rectangular forms, subtly reminiscent of understated Art Deco sophistication.

Important Watches
13 May 2018 | Geneva

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Property of a Gentleman, Probably by Piguet & Meylan, An Exceptional and Rare Gold Enamel and Pearl Musical Fruit Knife with Double Blade Made For the Chinese Market, circa 1805-1815
Estimate CHF 250,000–350,000

Musical fruit knives are especially rare treasures, the majority of which are single bladed. The present lot is double-bladed, and according to our research, one of only three known examples of musical fruit knives of this type. Of these, two reside in museums, with the present example the last in private hands.

Important Watches
13 May 2018 | Geneva

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Girard-Perregaux, A Fine and Rare Limited Edition DLC-Coated Titanium Semi-Skeletonised Tourbillon Wristwatch, circa 2012
Estimate CHF 80,000–120,000

The unique movement of this exceptional wristwatch, combining two concentric cages rotating independently, creates a stunning visual spectacle but also enables excellent rate precision.

Important Watches
13 May 2018 | Geneva

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Bovet ‘Shooting Star’, A Fine and Rare Limited Edition Pink Gold Semi-Skeletonised World Time Tourbillon Wristwatch, circa 2016
Estimate CHF 80,000–120,000

The Bovet Récital 18 Shooting Star, released in 2016, combines artistic and innovative design with highly complicated watchmaking. An entirely hand-engraved constellation of stars beautifully decorates the back of the movement and the carriage and small bridges of the tourbillon.

Important Watches
13 May 2018 | Geneva

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Rolex ‘Day-Date’, A Very Rare Platinum and Diamond-Set Automatic Centre Seconds Wristwatch, circa 1971
Estimate CHF 50,000–80,000

Ever since its official launch in 1956, the Day-Date model has been a symbol of luxury and prestige. This example, featuring a burgundy Stella dial, is one of the rarest examples to have recently appeared at auction.

Important Watches
13 May 2018 | Geneva

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Property of the Original Owner, Rolex ‘Paul Newman’ Daytona with “Tropical” Dial, A Very Rare Stainless Steel Chronograph Wristwatch, circa 1969
Estimate CHF 200,000–400,000

The unusual colour of this watch’s three subsidiary dials, referred to as “tropical” and caused by exposure to sunlight, has become an incredibly appealing rarity for collectors. Purchased new as a gift in 1975 for just £134, this rare and desirable watch has remained a treasured possession of its original owner and, until now, hidden beneath the cuff of his jacket.

Important Watches
13 May 2018 | Geneva

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Patek Philippe, A Rare Yellow Gold Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Wristwatch, Made in 1943
Estimate CHF 100,000–150,000

This watch played a critical role in the development of Patek Philippe's complicated wristwatches. It was one of the first perpetual calendar wristwatches ever produced by the company in series, greatly contributed to the manufacturer's dominant position in the Swiss watchmaking industry.

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13 May 2018 | Geneva

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Patek Philippe, An Exceptional and Rare Yellow Gold Chronograph Wristwatch, Made in 1938
Estimate CHF 200,000–250,000

Sotheby’s is honoured to present this exceptional and extremely rare Patek Philippe, a momentous occasion in the vintage watch collecting world. This piece represents the first time in nearly a decade that a gold reference 130 featuring a black sector dial has been offered at auction and appears likely to be one of only two known to the public.

Important Watches
13 May 2018 | Geneva

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