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The world\u2019s watch collecting community is poised for a special sale in May, as once-in-a-lifetime timepieces go up for auction with FutureGrail. The renowned auction house is anticipating a bidding frenzy for items that have never been publicly sold before, and in some instances, vintage timepieces that have not been seen in public for over 100 years since being manufactured. The sale features \u2018one-of-one\u2019 Patek Philippe references of the highest quality, exquisite jewelled pendant watches from Vacheron Constantin, rare Audemars Piguet pocket watches and highly sought-after Rolex models.<\/p>\n
A customized Rolex by George Daniels<\/p>\n
Rolex enthusiasts and fans of independent watchmakers will undoubtedly be drawn to Lot 33, a special Oyster Perpetual \u2018Datejust\u2019 reference, created and modified by famed English horologist George Daniels, the inventor of the \u2018co-axial escapement\u2019 \u2013 a mechanism that dramatically improved the accuracy of mechanical watches.<\/p>\n
The watch originates from George Daniels\u2019 personal collection and is one of only a handful of prototypes that Daniels ever customized. Horology experts agree that Daniels was one of the greatest watchmakers of all time.<\/p>\n
Ultra-rare Audemars Piguet pocket watch<\/p>\n
One of the most stunning items for sale is a \u2018Triple Complication\u2019 Art Deco pocket watch, made by Audemars Piguet for retailer E. G\u00fcbelin in 18-carat white gold and enamel, in 1911. There are only ten known examples from this series, with the only other white gold reference last appearing at auction in 1990, demonstrating how rarely this type of watch comes to market. Collectors may well drive bids higher than the conservative range of $200,000 to $400,000.<\/p>\n
Unique and exquisite Patek Philippe timepieces
\nPotentially the biggest draw of the auction is an extremely rare 1954 Patek Philippe \u2018Turtle Lugs\u2019 (Ref. 2549 \/ 1J), with a silver guilloch\u00e9 (decoratively engraved) dial with \u2018tropical\u2019 patina. This is one of only eight known examples, with a beautiful case manufactured by Markowski. Its \u2018Turtle Lugs\u2019 refers to the curved extensions that resemble a turtle\u2019s flippers. It represents a true \u2018Grail\u2019 for collectors.<\/p>\n
Lots 20 and 21 are also likely to drive significant interest amongst the watch community, not least because they are both believed to be unique timepieces; the only types of their kind in the world. One is a Patek Philippe Ref. 3589 \/ 90G \u2018Ellipse d\u2019Or\u2019 (Golden Ellipse), produced in the 1970s. The vertical rhomboid-shaped gentleman\u2019s wristwatch in 18-carat white gold is decorated with diamonds and a black onyx dial and is expected to be claimed by bidders in the range of $30,000 to $50,000. The subsequent lot is also a Patek Philippe valued at between $150,000 to $250,000 \u2013 a 1995 18-carat yellow gold Reference 4700 \/ 160 J \u2013 featuring the only known example of a gold vertical \u2018tram\u00e9\u2019 (ribbed) dial with diamond and ruby setting.<\/p>\n
Other key Patek Phillipe examples for sale include a 1955 Reference 2526 G HB (2nd series) white-gold and diamond round wristwatch with silver \u2018tropical\u2019 dial; an 18-carat yellow gold 1990 Reference 3971 J (2nd series) chronograph with minutes counter, bissextile perpetual calendar, moon phases, and AM-PM indication; and a limited-edition \u2018World Time Moon\u2019 (Reference 5575 G \u2013 001) especially made for the prestigious watchmaker\u2019s 175th anniversary.<\/p>\n
An unmissable auction for global watch collectors<\/p>\n
Several of the May Auction timepieces feature in FutureGrail CEO Ali Nael\u2019s limited-edition book \u2018My Dream Collection\u2019.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur May auction represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for collectors to own some of the world\u2019s rarest timepieces. Many of these watches may not be seen at auction again for a generation. It is a privilege to bring these vintage timepieces to the global watch community and highlight the mastery of the finest watchmakers,\u201d said Ali Nael, collector and CEO of FutureGrail.<\/p>\n
FutureGrail is one of the world\u2019s leading auction houses for exceptional timepieces, with a museum in Singapore and an expanding global presence in major horological markets such as Switzerland and the UAE.<\/p>\n
FutureGrail\u2019s May Online Auction takes place from 9th to 12th May at http:\/\/www.futuregrail.com\/auctions, with buyer and seller premiums of 6% of the hammer price<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The world\u2019s watch collecting community is poised for a special sale in May, as once-in-a-lifetime timepieces go up for auction with FutureGrail. The renowned auction house is anticipating a bidding frenzy for items that have never been publicly sold before, and in some instances, vintage timepieces that have not been seen in public for over …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":130746,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[439],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-130745","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-english-news"],"yoast_head":"\n