NEW YORK – Daylight Savings Time is right around the corner – a reminder that no one should ever be caught without a functional yet stylish timepiece on their wrist. Whether the preference is for a handsome men’s wristwatch by Rolex, Cartier or Jaeger-LeCoultre; or a dressy ladies’ watch by Tiffany or Omega, the perfect choice is waiting to be discovered in the October 31st Exceptional Vintage Timepiece Auction presented by Last Chance by LiveAuctioneers.
The 113-lot absentee and online auction is brimming with luxury brands. Lot 113, shown above, is one of only 10 wristwatches made by Rolex, Cellini Collection, to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Mexico’s independence from Spain. Designed in 24K and 18K yellow gold, the dual-dial watch is housed in a hunting case made from a 1947 Mexican 50-peso pure gold coin. This watch has been featured in prestigious publications the world over, including the renowned watch periodical Hodinkee. Rarely available for public sale, an example of this exquisite rarity most recently sold at auction for 400,000 HKD (US$51,612). The watch to be auctioned on October 31st is expected to reach $25,000-$40,000. Here is a view of the watch that shows the gold coin:
Lot 112 (below), a Patek Philippe stainless steel men’s watch with (new) alligator strap dates to the 1930s. A highly collectible model, its auction estimate is $9,000-$11,000.
Also from the revered Swiss workshops of Patek Philippe, Lot 88 (below) is a 1980s 18K gold model with blue face and latticework bracelet. Estimate: $7,000-$9,000.
A wide range of ladies’ watches includes tank styles and other daytime classics, as well as elegant jeweled models for evening wear. Lot 45, a 1982 18K gold Rolex Automatic with blue dial is an unusual bracelet watch estimated at $4,500-$5,500. Combining utility with their much-admired aesthetic fusion of 18K yellow gold and stainless steel, Cartier’s square Cougar watch, circa 1990s, is offered as Lot 21 with a $1,600-$1,800 estimate. And, Lot 94 (below) a chic 18K yellow gold bracelet watch with mother of pearl dial made by premier Swiss watchmaker Ebel, is estimated at $5,000-$7,000.
For ladies’ after-five options, the impressive selection includes Lot 33, a 1940s Bulova link-bracelet cocktail watch in pink, green and 14K white gold, adorned with 13 rubies and 11 diamonds, $2,000-$2,500; and Lot 19 (below), a 1970s Omega 18K gold mesh and diamond watch with 7 diamonds accenting an aster-shape dial cover. Estimate: $2,700-$3,000.
Many antique gold and silver pocket watches of outstanding quality will be available, led by Lot 27 (below), an 1865 18K gold American Watch Company example with white porcelain dial and original slide chain. Beautifully ornate, the lustrous and well-preserved timekeeper is likely to reach the $3,500-$4,000 price range.
Last Chance by LiveAuctioneers produces specialty auctions of select goods presented in an online-only boutique environment. Bidders may participate absentee or live as the auction is taking place. The October 31st Exceptional Vintage Timepiece Auction will commence at 12 Noon Eastern Time at www.LiveAuctioneers.com.