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Extremely fine and equally rare, this early 1950s Patek Philippe, Ref. 2497, men’s wristwatch has phases of the moon and perpetual calendar features. In like-new condition, it carries a $203,000-$240,000 estimate. Image courtesy of Patrizzi & Co. Auctioneers.

Patrizzi & Co. auction features stellar lineup of watches May 7

Tom Hoepf
Tom Hoepf
Extremely fine and equally rare, this early 1950s Patek Philippe, Ref. 2497, men’s wristwatch has phases of the moon and perpetual calendar features. In like-new condition, it carries a $203,000-$240,000 estimate. Image courtesy of Patrizzi & Co. Auctioneers.
Extremely fine and equally rare, this early 1950s Patek Philippe, Ref. 2497, men’s wristwatch has phases of the moon and perpetual calendar features. In like-new condition, it carries a $203,000-$240,000 estimate. Image courtesy of Patrizzi & Co. Auctioneers.

GENEVA – Important collectors’ wristwatches, pocket watches, clocks and historic manuscripts will comprise Patrizzi & Co. Auctioneers’ Timeless Emotions auction May 7. More than 300 lots will be sold beginning at 2 p.m. Central European Time (8 a.m. Eastern). LiveAuctioneers will provide Internet live bidding.

At the top of the list is a fine and rare Patek Philippe, Genève, Ref. 2497, men’s wristwatch, circa 1953, but in like-new condition. The auctioneers describe the watch as “one of the best examples of Reference 2497 that has appeared on the market in a long time,” adding that Christie’s Geneva sold an identical watch, although not as early, for $466,109 in May 2008. Patrizzi & Co. gives their watch a $203,000-$240,000 estimate.

Audemars Piguet, long famous for producing sophisticated wristwatches in ultrathin profiles, will be represented in the auction by a Jules Audemars tourbillion with minute repeater, a luxury watch made in limited numbers since 2000. It has a $111,000-$138,000 estimate.

Nothing says “cool” like a Rolex, especially if it’s the Explorer II Ref. 1655, which is known as the “Steve McQueen” Rolex. McQueen, the “King of Cool” who starred in such films as Bullitt, Le Mans and The Great Escape, was a fan of Rolex watches. The model that unofficially bears his name was discontinued in 1985. The watch in the auction is circa 1977 and has a $14,000-$18,000 estimate.

The auction will conclude with nine lots of documents, including manuscripts by legendary Paris watchmaker A.L Breguet (1747-1823), written late in his career. Each of the Breguet manuscripts carries a $37,000-$74,000 estimate.

For details contact Patrizzi & Co. Auctioneers at +41-22-3182838.

View the fully illustrated catalog and register to bid absentee or live via the Internet as the sale is taking place by logging on to www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE

Although movie star Steve McQueen wore a Rolex Submariner Ref. 5512 in daily life, it’s this Explorer II Ref. 1655 that has become known as the ‘Steve McQueen Rolex.’ Known also as the ‘Freccione’ for its large orange 24-hour hand, this late 1970s classic has a $13,000-$16,600 estimate. Image courtesy of Patrizzi & Co. Auctioneers.
Although movie star Steve McQueen wore a Rolex Submariner Ref. 5512 in daily life, it’s this Explorer II Ref. 1655 that has become known as the ‘Steve McQueen Rolex.’ Known also as the ‘Freccione’ for its large orange 24-hour hand, this late 1970s classic has a $13,000-$16,600 estimate. Image courtesy of Patrizzi & Co. Auctioneers.

This Audemars Piguet tourbillion watch with minute repeater was made in a limited edition of 10 in the 2000s. With 18K pink gold hands, numerals and clasp, it has a $111,000-$138,000 estimate. Image courtesy of Patrizzi & Co. Auctioneers.
This Audemars Piguet tourbillion watch with minute repeater was made in a limited edition of 10 in the 2000s. With 18K pink gold hands, numerals and clasp, it has a $111,000-$138,000 estimate. Image courtesy of Patrizzi & Co. Auctioneers.

Audemars Piguet launched the Royal Oak, the world's first luxury steel sports watch, in 1972. This Royal Oak tourbillon chronograph made in a limited number since 2000 is estimated at $111,000-$138,000. Image courtesy of Patrizzi & Co. Auctioneers.
Audemars Piguet launched the Royal Oak, the world’s first luxury steel sports watch, in 1972. This Royal Oak tourbillon chronograph made in a limited number since 2000 is estimated at $111,000-$138,000. Image courtesy of Patrizzi & Co. Auctioneers.

Patek Philippe, Ref. 1463, was the company’s only vintage waterproof chronograph. Made in 1953, this fine and rare men’s watch in 18K gold has a $148,000-$203,000 estimate. Image courtesy of Patrizzi & Co. Auctioneers.
Patek Philippe, Ref. 1463, was the company’s only vintage waterproof chronograph. Made in 1953, this fine and rare men’s watch in 18K gold has a $148,000-$203,000 estimate. Image courtesy of Patrizzi & Co. Auctioneers.