The ‘Imperial Patek Philippe,’ which was previously owned by the Last Emperor of the Qing Dynasty sells by Phillips Hong Kong.

The Speedmaster is, without a doubt, one of the most important and recognizable watches in the history of Omega. However, when this particular Ref.2915 was made in 1958, its true claim to fame was still in the future. That didn't make the Speedmaster any less innovative when it was launched. It was the very first chronograph that had the tachymeter scale engraved on the bezel rather than printed on the dial. This increased the legibility of all the functions and was one of the reasons many professionals embraced it. This would later even include NASA, where one of the successors of this model would make history as the first watch worn on the moon.

Ulysse Nardin is a brand that has not only a rich heritage but also a very diverse one. The brand was founded in 1846 in Le Locle, Switzerland, and quickly made a name for itself with its high precision chronometers. While Ulysse Nardin has always thrived in mechanical excellence, they have presented their watches in a wide variety of different styles. Whether it is restrained or progressive, the brand's most outstanding achievement is most likely that they have all made it their own. Their DNA is undeniably present in all creations, including this exceptional minute repeater from 1950.

There is nothing quite like owning, and wearing, a watch that was made nearly a century ago. In particular, when this watch is from Patek Philippe. In the early 1920s, the brand has just started the production of wrist chronographs, and this specific watch from 1924 is a perfect example of their lasting beauty. It was part of a production run of just 27 pieces, all equipped with a single-button chronograph movement. Sixteen of them were fitted with a so-called officers-case with double hinges.

An auction house designing limited editions of one of the most iconic chronographs out there? That is precisely what Phillips in association with Bacs & Russo did earlier this year. This Zenith El Primero Ref.386 featured a dial made from Lapis Lazuli and will be the only El Primero Ref.386 ever to be made with a platinum case. It sold last weekend for CHF 250,000,- with the proceeds going to charity. After this watch, Zenith and Phillips have joined forces again for two more limited editions.

Jean-Claude Biver is a man that needs no further introduction to even the most novice of watch collectors. In the more than 45 years of his life that he dedicated to the Swiss watch industry, he has played a vital role in the renaissance of mechanical watchmaking. Through knowledge, courage, and tenacity, he developed what seems to be a Midas touch and shaped the watchmaking landscape as we know it today.

A Nautilus is by any means a desirable watch, but even among its peers, some rank higher on the scale than others. This also depends on what type of collector you are. Some want the very first version, while others prefer a more recent edition with complications. For those who want something really, really rare, is this platinum Nautilus is right up their alley!

Patek Philippe just didn't happen to become one of the benchmarks of the industry overnight. One thing that helped them establish this position, or actually continue this into the 20th century, was the way that they embraced the wristwatch. This single-button chronograph in and officers case is a perfect example of this.

Part of the appeal of the earlier Rolex Submariners is that they transport you to a different time. A time in which these type of watches where worn by people who mainly bought them as a tool for their chosen profession. People that explored the world, that went to places, and in case of the Submariner, depths that no human being has gone before. That appeal can still be found in this Rolex, but especially in the earlier models.

This weekend it is time for some action again in Geneva, as Phillips will be having its November auction. As is usual, there are many highlights among the 226 lots that will hopefully be welcomed by their new owners. As always, the selection is remarkably diverse, but also very high-end not only in terms of make and model but also in terms of quality. Here are a few lots that caught our eye!

There is something about a triple calendar with a moon phase. Especially with vintage watches, such a dial configuration gives a watch something extra. In the past, a few watches of this type have reached celebrity status, and one of them is the Omega Cosmic.

Haute Time sits down with Phillips Auction House Chairman Cheyenne Westphal to discuss the most recent London auction and the contemporary art world.

As a diving watch pioneer, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms is one of those watches that always get special attention from many watch connoisseurs. This goes for the current collection, but even more so of the vintage pieces, like this Fifty Fathoms "No Radiations".

The high expectations were met today as Paul Newman's Daytona was auctioned during a relatively short but sweet bidding war, being sold for 15.5 million dollars. That makes it instantly the most expensive Rolex ever to be sold at auction, as it scatters the record even quite recently set by the "Bao Dai", the full calendar Rolex that belonged to the last emperor of Vietnam.

Put steel, vintage, chronograph and Patek Philippe together in a sentence, and you know that we are talking about an extraordinary watch, especially when that watch is a ref.1436 split seconds chronograph!

When it comes to vintage Rolex some of the most coveted pieces are their famed cloisonné enamel dials, such as fitted on this ref. 6085, nicknamed "The Dragon."