horology

$2.5 Million Patek Philippe Stars in Christie's Megabucks Watches Sale

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Auctions

An exceptionally rare and highly important rose gold Patek Philippe timepiece made in 1953 (above) is expected to fetch up to $2.5 million at Christie's Important Watches sale in Geneva on November 15. The two crown world time wristwatch with 24 hour indication and blue enamel dial, Ref. 2523 is one of three pink gold Pateks in the sale, all of which are expected to top out at over $1 million, an extremely rare occurrence in a single sale. The other two are a perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moon phases, Ref. 2499, manufactured in 1957, estimated at up to $1.25 million; and a perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with phases of the moon, Ref. 1518, manufactured in 1948, estimated at up to $1.03 million. 388 lots in total will be offered in two sessions during the historic sale and are expected to realize a combined total estimated in excess of $13 million.

Gallery: Christie's Important Watches 11/10

Chopard?s L.U.C Louis-Ulysse - The Tribute

[via JustLuxe]

Tags: auction, Christies, chronograph, Geneva, gold, horology, Patek Philippe, pink gold, timepieces, watches, wristwatch

'Watches: The Ultimate Guide', New Edition

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Books

French horology specialist Fabienne Reybaud's brilliant book Watches: The Ultimate Guide quickly sold out when first published by Assouline in 2006. Now the luxury publisher has brought out a new, updated edition covering developments in the watchmaking world and market in the intervening years. Ranging from pocket watches to limited edition Patek Philippe timepieces that routinely fetch millions at auction, Reybaud shares her knowledge of the watch industry from the history of production through different means of mechanization, collecting, and selling in a lavishly-illustrated volume. In addition to chapters on every major watchmaker, an horological glossary and a price guide, there's an indispensable index of retailers, auction houses, repair shops and specialists.

Tags: Assouline, books, coffee table books, France, horology, Patek Philippe, pocket watch, timepieces, watches, watchmaker