Watch Collectors Gearing Up for Rare Timepieces Auction

Watch Collectors Gearing Up for Rare Timepieces Auction

Adrienne Faurote
By Adrienne Faurote October 25, 2012

Luxury watch collectors are gearing up for Heritage Auction’s upcoming auction of rare timepieces. According to JustLuxe, the New York Fine Timepieces auction which will take place on November 18th at the Fletcher-Sinclair Mansion, which today houses the Ukrainian Institute of America.  More than 300 luxury brands are set to go under the gavel, including Tiffany, Rolex, and Patek Phillipe, to name a few.

Some of the standout pieces generating excitement include a prototype minute repeating wristwatch with a perpetual calendar by Franck Muller, expected to fetch approximately $70,000 (pictured above). A rare Patek Phillipe Platinum World Time wristwatch is a new classic in the world of luxury watchmaking, and is expected to generate up to $25,000.

The Patek Philippe Ref. 5110 Platinum World Time Wristwatch

Jim Wolf, director of fine timepieces for Heritage Auctions, told JustLuxe: “The variety of lots being offered in this auction is truly outstanding, with premier examples by the most respected names in modern watch making as well as rare vintage wristwatches, small unique clocks and a wide assortment of complicated pocket watches.”

The lot has already been accepting early bids; for example, an anonymous individual has already bid $7,500 for a Swiss-made time repeater that was made circa 1895. The timepiece, which features a polo scene and automatic movement, is expected to cause a bidding war which could reach up to $15,000 or more.

Rare Gold Minute Repeater With Polo Theme circa 1895
Rare Gold Minute Repeater With Polo Theme circa 1895

Meanwhile, a rare Tiffany time repeater, which was originally given as a gift by infamous Wall Street financier Jay Gould to his partner Giovani Morosini in 1884, will also be up for bid.  With a pre-auction value of $20,000, it is expected to be one of the most sought-after items.

Tiffany & Co. Rare Minute Repeater Presented To G.P. Morisini By Jay Gould
Tiffany & Co. Rare Minute Repeater Presented To G.P. Morisini By Jay Gould

With up to 60 Rolex watches ranging from $10,000 up to $40,000 and innumerable unique timepieces up for grabs, this auction is certain to be a hot ticket.

 

For more information about the auction, please visit the Heritage Auctions website. Source courtesy Justluxe. Photos courtesy Heritage Auctions.