An amazing selection of rare timepieces at the Antiquorum’s auction of “Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces” in Hong Kong has drawn an extraordinary interest of the collectors that marked their competitive bids by spending breathtaking HKD $13,650,438. The highlight of the sale, held on August 25, 2012 at the Mandarin Oriental, was the extremely rare Jaeger LeCoultre Ref.233.64.20, “Reverso Gyrotourbillon 2″ in Platinum (lot 211) that was sold to a European collector for amazing HKD $1,880,000 (including the buyer’s premium).
Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso Gyrotourbillon 2 Watch
According to results from the auction, people from Antiquorum have the reason to be highly satisfied. Remarkable 80.6 percent of 211 offered timepieces was sold, including several pieces that reached four or five times higher price of their pre-sale estimate. “With our first auction held in August in Hong Kong, we are excited to see that collectors’ interests in exceptional timepieces continues to be strong even during the summer holidays,” said Evan Zimmermann, the President and the CEO of Antiquorum.
Among the sought-after lots were rare tourbillons, perpetual calendars, authentic products from unusual modern brands and interesting Seiko clocks. Speaking about brands, Patek Philippe, Breguet and Omega watches were highly priced. Thus, Patek Philippe Ref. 5100 10 days timepiece from 1944, crafted in 18 karat white gold (lot 203) reached an amazing HKD $487,500, while the brand’s 18 karat Yellow Gold Five Minute Repeater (lot 187) was sold for HKD $287,500 (including the buyer’s premium), which is four times higher of its pre-sale estimate.
Patek Philippe 18 karat white gold ladies’ wristwatch with a diamond set bezel and an integral bracelet set (lot 136) also went five times over its estimated price, attaining HKD $150,000. Finally, Patek Philippe Five Minute Repeater (lot 49), crafted in 18 karat yellow gold for Tiffany & Co., New York, back in 1917, went for HKD $ 300,000.
Omega “De Ville Central Tourbillon” NO. 11 (Lot209), made of 18 karat yellow gold, was created in 1994, celebrating 100th anniversary of the renowned watchmaker. It was the world’s first automatic wristwatch with central tourbillon regulator. This masterpiece reached the price of HKD $325,000. Furthermore, collectors showed incredible interest for Gerald Genta’s Skeleton Perpetual Calendar and Minute Repeater. This exquisite watch with an 18 karat yellow gold case set with round cut diamonds (lot 75), went for HKD $462,500.
Omega De Ville Central Tourbillon Watch
Very fine and rare Dewitt’s “Academia One Minute Tourbillon Mystérieux” timepiece in 18 karat pink gold was sold for HKD $462,500, while the second Breguet Classique Rattrapante watch from the 7 piece limited series attained the price of HKD $350,000.
Breguet Classique Rattrapante Watch
The next Antiquorum’s auction in Hong Kongwill be organized on October 19, featuring a great collection of vintage and contemporary Patek Philippe wristwatches.
