After the most successful Important Watches sale ever, organized by the prestigious auction house, Sotheby, the focus moves to the next event which will be held in Geneva. The following auction in Switzerland, scheduled for November 13, includes timepieces with great historical significance.
The first of them is Rolex Oyster Perpetual, made in 18K pink gold. This watch has a special meaning in the history of the second most populated country of the world. The timepiece was owned by the first president of India, Dr Rajenda Prasad, one of the most important people in the struggle to create the independent Indian Republic. It is suspected that the Rolex was given to the president Prasad during the commemoration of the first Republic Day which is suggested by the date January 26, 1950 that is engraved on the case. The face of this timepiece is decorated with the map of India.
The watch is obviously made especially for Dr Prasad which is confirmed by the letter that accompanies this historical product. The Rolex was commissioned together with the similar timepiece that was made for another giant of India’s independence, the country’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru (this watch was sold at another Sotheby’s auction some eight years ago). The estimated value of Prasad’s Rolex is somewhere between $222,000 and $444,000. One of the factors for such high price is the fact that it was never before available on the market.
However, the auction in Geneva will include one more timepiece that was in the possession of a famous statesman. The other watch of this kind at the event will be Rolex that belonged to the first Chancellor of West Germany, Konrad Adenauer. This 18K yellow gold Datejust Rolex (Reference 6305/1) timepiece has Adenauer’s name engraved on the case back, and will be sold together with the original leather folder and a rare treat, a letter written by the brand’s founder, Hans Wilsdorf.
Besides, the auction will include valuable pocket timepieces intended for the Indian, Chinese, Spanish and Ottoman markets during the 18th and 19th century. It is estimated that more than 270 watches which will be offered on the event on November 13 will earn about $9 million.
The Record Sale at Hong Kong Auction – Patek Philippe Watches Sold at the Highest Prices
This event will follow the record auction of Sotheby’s Important Watches which was held earlier this month in Hong Kong. The Autumn Sale 2011 reached yet unmatched total sum of $14 million, surpassing the highest estimated results for a whole million. The star of the show was Patek Philippe Ref. 1518 Pink Gold chronograph with perpetual calendar, moon phases which was sold for over $710,000. This timepiece was made during the mid-20th century and it is one of only 60 watches constructed of pink gold. Furthermore, it is one of just four pieces with a “Mile” tachometer. Prior to the auction, the watch with an exceptionally crafted 18K pink gold bracelet, made by Gay Frères, was a part of the private collection for more than three decades.
The exceptionally high price was reached for one more outstanding and rare wristwatch by Patek Philippe. The timepiece with the reference number 3939J reached more than $541,000. This wristwatch, made in 1992 is housed in Calatrava yellow gold case, has a white enamel dial and manual-winding caliber RTO 27 PS mechanical movement with the tourbillon and the minute repeater. This particular watch is the first Patek Philippe 3939 offered to the public. The only first watch with the same reference number is kept in the watchmaker’s museum.
The Honk Kong event was the first auction held since Tim Bourbe has become the Sotheby’s Worlwide Head of Watches. Another important detail is that it also marked the record participation for both online and telephone bidding.
