Antiquorum Set to Auction Never Before Seen Timepieces

Antiquorum Set to Auction Never Before Seen Timepieces

Adrienne Faurote
By Adrienne Faurote March 3, 2014

Antiquorum is set to auction off never been seen before and exceptionally rare timepieces.

The auction house will put items including a rare Vacheron Constantin Ref. 4261 Minute-Repeater, a Rolex Ref. 1831 Day Date with Stella dial, and a Mirror Image Pair of Chinese Bronze Red and Lacquer Elephant Clocks from the 18th century under the gavel at the Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces auction in Geneva on March 16.

Here’s a look at some of the most highly-anticipated pieces:

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The highlight of the sale is this Vacheron Constantin Ref. 4261 Minute-Repeater in pink gold with two-tone silver dial, which is estimated to fetch approximately US$147,643 – $204,429. According to Antiquorum, no more than ten examples of this model with 13” caliber movement without subsidiary seconds exist, making this timepiece – which was produced in 1945 – exceptionally rare.
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This unique Patek Philippe Ref. 1489 “Poissons Des Caraibes” Pendulette Dome Clock is estimated to fetch approximately US$102,214 – $147,643. Produced in 2004, this solar-powered and electro-mechanical brass table clock with polychrome cloisonné enamels depicts tropical marine fish of the Caribbean.
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This Audemars Piguet Platinum & Diamond Grande & Petite Sonnerie & Repeating watch is expected to fetch approximately US$90,857 – $136,286. Produced circa 2000 in less than five pieces according to Audemars Piguet, this timepiece features a case set with 399 round white diamonds, a diamond-set dial and a platinum Audemars Piguet buckle.
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This stainless steel Rolex Ref. 6239 Paul Newman with black dial is expected to fetch approximately US$68,143 – $90,857. Produced in 1967, this chronograph watch features registers, tachometer and a stainless steel Rolex Oyster folded bracelet.
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This Rolex Ref. 6200 with Explorer Dial – made circa 1954 – is expected to fetch approximately US$56,786 – $79,500. One of the most collectible big crown Submariners, this diver’s reference with center-seconds, bi-directional revolving black bezel, large 8mm winding crown and stainless steel Oyster riveted bracelet is something of a holy grail for Rolex collectors.
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This Mirror Image Pair of Chinese Bronze Red and Lacquer Elephant Clocks is expected to fetch approximately US$34,071 – $56,786. Although unsigned, according to Antiquorum this pair of 18th century (Qianlong period) clocks are of Chinese workmanship and show a European influence based on the French designs of the Louis XV period. The movement of the clocks were produced by Chas. Wall and S. Tracey of London, England.
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This stainless steel Patek Philippe Observatory with Luminous Dial – produced in 1903 – is expected to fetch approximately US$22,714 – $45,428. Never been seen before at auction, this Staybrite wristwatch with subsidiary seconds dial at 9 o’clock has remained in the hands of the family which originally purchased it. It will be accompanied by an Extract from the Archives.

Photos courtesy Antiquorum.