Christie’s singles out the usual suspects as the highlights in its catalogue of 176 lots offered for sale in Dubai on 15th March 2016. Top of the list, of course, is Patek Philippe with the ultimate lot of the sale: Lot 176 is a Reference 5101 tourbillon chronometer with 10-day power reserve estimated at between 130,000 and 230,000 US dollars. The oldest piece in the sale, a Louis Audemars minute repeater pocket watch made for Breguet in 1881 (Lot 60), which is expected to fetch between 25,000 and 30,000 US dollars.
But avid collectors probably already know this and Christie’s claims that the number of them participating in the Dubai auction has increased by 50% over the past four year. But there are a number of other interesting pieces hidden in the catalogue, some of which, if not quite bargains, have much more attractive estimates. Take, for example, the Tiffany minute-repeater watch from around 1920 (Lot 15). Its case and dial may not be in the best of condition but this piece with the grandest of complications has an estimate of just 18,000 – 28,000 US dollars.
Or if you are looking for a Patek Philippe but the estimate for the star lot is beyond your means, what about the less sought-after but no less attractive platinum and red-gold Gondolo model (Lot 132). It comes with a certificate of origin and a relatively simple movement with small seconds. But for an estimated 11,000 to 16,000 US dollars, this is your chance to get your hands on a “neo-vintage” platinum watch for the price of a new “manufacture” watch in steel.
One piece that is topical for two reasons is Lot 8: an early model Corum Bubble “Jolly Roger”. This 15 year-old piece comes to auction just as the re-introduced Bubble collection is gaining traction and pre-dates the fashion of skull designs. Its estimate is 3,000 – 5,000 US dollars. Quirkier still is the unbranded 55mm diameter IWC pilot’s watch from 1940 (Lot 98), which is sold with a wrist compass. This well-timed lot comes within months of IWC’s 2016 collection launch, which just happens to include a re-edition inspired by these original pilot’s watches. It may be something for the more serious collector, however, with an estimate of 20,000-30,000 US dollars.
Those who miss out on this chance to own a rare original need only wait a couple of lots, however, since lots 101 and 102 offer the chance to acquire watches from the now defunct Universal Genève brand. Much sough-after by collectors, these two pieces have low estimates of 2,000 – 3,000 US dollars and are to be sold without reserve, to boot.
For full details on the sale, visit the Christie’s website.Part
