Wow. For the first time in quite a while I got off work rather early today. So after hitting the gym for a bit, I thought it’d be nice to browse Antiquorum’s latest auction catalog to see if there are any nice vintage watches to be found.. Here’s what I spotted – I tried to stick to either my personal favorites or unusual pieces that caught my eye.. so no sports Rolex, you have plenty of resources to educate you on these 😉 .
Please note: the 36mm Rolexes in this auction can be found at: https://amagnetic.wordpress.com/2013/06/01/spotted-36mm-antiquorum-hong-kong/
Full catalogue at: http://www.antiquorum.com/catalog/auctions/hong-kong-2013-06-22/lots
Rolex Bubbleback 2764
Lot 65: Rolex Bubbleback reference 2764
I don’t think I have posted a Bubbleback before on these pages, so it’s about time. I think a comeback is due for early Oysters.. Might not be in the next 1-2 years, but it will be coming – mark my words.
http://www.antiquorum.com/catalog/lots/rolex-ref-ref-2764-lot-273-65?page=7
Rolex Air-King 5500
Lot 67: Rolex Air-King in 14kt gold with unusual matching bracelet and stunning Sigma dial.
The clean look of the Air-King is a joy to behold. No fuss, just clean and clear lines. In full gold it is somewhat rare, and this one is fitted with a killer dial and unusual bracelet – a beauty.
http://www.antiquorum.com/catalog/lots/rolex-ref-ref-5500-lot-273-67?page=7
IWC Automatic Cal. 8531
Lot 103: IWC Automatic Cal. 8531 in 18kt gold.
These IWC’s are wonderful, but somewhat overlooked in today’s market, especially compared to similar models from Omega like the Constellation. They are powered by great movement and the designs are -in the best IWC fashion- clean and sober. Why overlooked? Maybe since there is no model name? No stories attached to them? However, they represent great value and look stunning.
http://www.antiquorum.com/catalog/lots/iwc-lot-273-103?page=11
Mido Multifort 3478
Lot 105: Mido Multifort ref. 3478 with enamel dial.
This is just great.. Mido with a stunning dial featuring an enamel map of Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia.. So charming!
http://www.antiquorum.com/catalog/lots/mido-ref-ref-3478-lot-273-105?page=11
Longines Cal. 528
Lot 106: another enamel piece – Longines Saudi Arabia cal. 528.
These cloisonne enamel watches are just to die for, although this one seems a bit ehm.. clean compared to others. Still lovely. You gotta love the Middle East for the great watches that they ordered!
http://www.antiquorum.com/catalog/lots/longines-lot-273-106?page=11
Universal Geneve 0233-1
Lot 107: Universal Geneve Ref 0233-1 with cloisonne enamel dial made t.o commemorate the founding of Saudi Arabia by King Abdul al-Aziz III Ibn Saud .
http://www.antiquorum.com/catalog/lots/universal-ref-ref-0233-1-lot-273-107?page=11
Omega Chronometre 30 T2 SC Rg
Lot 110: Omega Chronometre 30T2 Pink Gold.
‘Nuff said IMHO – pure elegance.
http://www.antiquorum.com/catalog/lots/omega-lot-273-110?page=11
Omega DeVille Co-Axial AT 168.1849
Lot 117: Omega DeVille Co-Axial Limited Edition Platinum AT 168.1849
These were the first Omega’s to be fitted with the Co-Ax escapement by George Daniels and this is the most rare version – platinum, limited edition of just 99 pieces. Such a joy! The markers are very reminiscent of vintage Constellations.. What’s not to love? Note – the following lot is the same watch in yellow gold.
http://www.antiquorum.com/catalog/lots/omega-ref-ref-at-168-1849-lot-273-117?page=12
Omega Speedmaster Apollo XI 25th anniversary BC 348.0062
Lot 119: Omega Speedmaster Apollo XI 25th anniversary BC 348.0062 in white gold.
Although I love the Speedmaster, I find the standard version a bit dull.. I have seen way to many. But this one? YES PLEASE!
http://www.antiquorum.com/catalog/lots/omega-ref-ref-bc-348-0062-lot-273-119?page=12
Patek Philippe 5050p
Lot 147: Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar 5050 in platinum.
The 5050 is one of my favorite recent Patek Philippe’s, together with the 3940, 5004 and 3970. I love the clean and simple lines – and a perpetual calendar PP is a joy any day!
http://www.antiquorum.com/catalog/lots/patek-philippe-ref-ref-5050p-lot-273-147?page=15
Patek Philippe 3940
Lot 212: Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar ref. 3940.
And there it is.. One of my other favorites from Patek’s recent history, the 3940. So discrete yet so wonderful. I love it.
http://www.antiquorum.com/catalog/lots/patek-philippe-ref-ref-3940-lot-273-212?page=22
Universal Geneve 21307
Lot 216: Universal Geneve Triple Date ref. 21307
I have a weak spot for UG. It is one of those brands that used to produce some stunning watches and movements, but sadly didn’t make it. Although mostly known for their chronographs, I find this Triple Date rather charming..
http://www.antiquorum.com/catalog/lots/universal-geneve-ref-ref-21307-lot-273-216?page=22
Universal Geneve Compur
Lot 220: Universal Geneve Chronograph Compur.
Speaking of Universal Geneve chronographs – this is cool beast. The previous lots featured a few other chrono’s, but I chose to feature this one since it has a rather unusual case in stainless steel and a cool -100% vintage- dial. I love patina. Great stuff.
http://www.antiquorum.com/catalog/lots/universal-geneve-lot-273-220?page=22
Universal Geneve Compur
Lot 223: Universal Geneve Chronograph Compur
And here we have yet another Compur Universal Geneve.. Man – I think I’m in love! The NATO strap is a great match for this piece. The case looks very sturdy and the strap matches this tool-look perfectly. Killer.
http://www.antiquorum.com/catalog/lots/universal-geneve-lot-273-223?page=23
Universal Geneve Aero-Compax 22403
Lot 226: Universal Geneve Aero-Compax ref. 22403
WOW – quite a few awesome UG’s in this auction; maybe someone unloaded her/his full collection? Anyway, this is IMHO one of the coolest UG’s available – the Aero Compax.
http://www.antiquorum.com/catalog/lots/universal-geneve-ref-ref-22403-lot-273-226?page=23
Omega Cosmic 3944
Lot 228: Omega Cosmic 3944
The Cosmic is an old skool collectors favorite. And be honest – what’s not to love? Unusual case shape, killer triple date movement, great brand – please shoot me now.
http://www.antiquorum.com/catalog/lots/omega-ref-ref-3944-lot-273-228?page=23
Longines Monopoussoir Chronograph
Lot 229: Longines Monopoussoir Chronograph
Longines is such a great brand.. I really hope they can reclaim some of the glamour and charm from back in the days, but I think they’re heading in the right direction. This Monopoussoir Chronograph is rather cheerful – the following lot is a similar piece with the button in the crown, but I love the wire lugs on this one.
http://www.antiquorum.com/catalog/lots/longines-lot-273-229?page=23
Longines Monopoussoir Chronograph
Lot 233: Longines Monopoussoir Chronograph
You gotta be kidding me – so many lovely Longines in this auction!
http://www.antiquorum.com/catalog/lots/longines-lot-273-233?page=24
Longines Monopoussoir Chronograph 2012123
Lot 234: Longines Monopoussoir Chronograph ref. 2012123
The strap is a rather poor choice, but the watch – to die for. Stainless steel case.. Killer.
http://www.antiquorum.com/catalog/lots/longines-ref-ref-2012123-lot-273-234?page=24
Patek Philippe Beta 21 3587
Lot 299: Patek Philippe Beta 21 Quartz ref. 3587
Beautiful? Maybe not. Yet I think the Beta 21 movements is very interesting from a historical point of view – it represents the struggle the Swiss had to go through during the Quartz-crisis.
http://www.antiquorum.com/catalog/lots/patek-philippe-ref-ref-3587-lot-273-299?page=30
Cartier Tonneau Alongée A105674
Lot 305: Cartier Tonneau Alongée A105674
Can you spell ELEGANCE?
http://www.antiquorum.com/catalog/lots/cartier-ref-ref-a105674-lot-273-305?page=31
Omega Monopoussoir Chronograph 33.3 ST955380
Lot 389: Omega Monopoussoir Chronograph calibre 33.3 ref. ST955380
Yes, Omega re-created this one in the Museum Collection.. And yes, this is the original.. So cool!
http://www.antiquorum.com/catalog/lots/omega-ref-ref-st955380-lot-273-389?page=39
Omega Chronograph 33.3 49
Lot 390: Omega Chronograph 33.3 ref. 49
Such a killer! At 38mm, the case is quite large for its day.
http://www.antiquorum.com/catalog/lots/omega-ref-ref-49-lot-273-390?page=39
Longines Wittnauer Weems Japanese Air Force
Lot 395: Longines for Wittnauer Weems made for the Japanese Air Force
One for you guys into oversized watches – vintage 47mm Longines with military heritage.
http://www.antiquorum.com/catalog/lots/longines-wittnauer-lot-273-395?page=40
Patek Philippe 5004p
Lot 549: Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Split Seconds Chronograph ref. 5004 in platinum.
I already stated this is one of my favorite Pateks, so I of course have to feature it.. This one has a platinum case and black diamond set dial – I love it. The 5004 is very rare, but I have a feeling its becoming a commodity.. Although very few were produced, it is not that hard to find. I truly hope some will find a good home at a collector who loves this awkward little piece – I mean, look at that oversized co-axial crown!
http://www.antiquorum.com/catalog/lots/patek-philippe-ref-ref-5004p-033-lot-273-549?page=55
IWC Da Vinci 3750
Lot 567: IWC Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar 3750 in stainless steel.
I love the original Perpetual Calendar Da Vinci. The design is something you have to get used to, but I think people often mistake the historical importance of this watch and the perpetual calendar module as developed by genius watchmaker Kurt Klaus. Go figure – mid eighties, quartz ruled supreme.. Only mechanical perpetual calendars available where from brands such as PP, AP and VC and they commanded deeeeeeeeeeep pockets.. And suddely IWC came onto the scene, with a perpetual calendar based on the VJ7750, with year indication -you might think this is bogus, but it can come in handy when setting the watch- and NO CORRECTOR BUTTONS IN THE CASE! This last bit is awesome. Somehow, after this, I always think corrector buttons on other perpetuals are a bit of a lazy solution…….
http://www.antiquorum.com/catalog/lots/iwc-ref-ref-3750-lot-273-567?page=57
Patek Philippe Calatrava 3923 ‘Japan’
Lot 596: Patek Philippe Calatrava limited edition for Japan in stainless steel, reference 3923
Pure elegance.. Should I add more?
http://www.antiquorum.com/catalog/lots/patek-philippe-ref-ref-3923-lot-273-596?page=60
Patek Philippe Nautilus 3700/1
Lot 606: Patek Philippe Nautilus ref. 3700/1
A post like this can’t be complete without at least one Jumbo – whether it’s AP Royal Oak, PP Nautilus or IWC Ingenieur SL. These are just killer watches. Forerunners in the high-end sports-watch segment. History.
http://www.antiquorum.com/catalog/lots/patek-philippe-ref-3700-1-lot-273-606?page=61
That’s it for now folks..
Amagnetic 