December 9th auction in New York

Press release

The superb collection includes the extremely rare Patek Philippe Ref. 3974, in addition to an exceptional selection of diving watches formerly owned by record holding divers, Patrice Chemin and Robert Gauret. Clients can preview these remarkable timepieces in Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, Palm Beach, Miami and New York City.

 © Antiquorum

The highlight of the sale is the extraordinary Patek Philippe Ref. 3974. Produced in 1999, it is a minute repeating platinum wristwatch with perpetual calendar and moon phases. Prior to this sale, only three models of this reference in platinum have ever been sold at auction. This outstanding timepiece is being offered with two additional dials as noted in the extract from Patek Philippe's archives.
Estimate: ***

Also of interest for the Patek aficionado is the Patek Philippe Ref. 3450 with transparent case back. Made in 1983, it is a very fine and extremely rare 18K yellow gold wristwatch with perpetual calendar, moon phases, and leap year indicator. The Ref. 3450 only came with a transparent case upon a customer's special order and this is only the fourth time that such a watch has been offered in public auction.
Estimate: $ 200,000 - $ 300,000

Rolex and diving enthusiasts will want to bid on world renowned diver Patrice Chemin's collection of diving watches. Mr. Chemin joined Comex in the early 1970's and was selected to participate in several hyperbaric experimental dives including Physalie V, a world record dive at 530 m( 1706 ft) in Nov 1970, and Physalie VI at 610m (2001 ft) in May 1972 – a world record that he held for eleven years. His collection includes: a Rolex ‘Comex' Ref. 5514, a Rolex ‘Double Red' Sea-Dweller and a Rolex ‘Comex' Ref. 168000.

An exceptional Rolex Comex Ref. 5514, formerly owned by Patrice Chemin, is amongst the highlights in the December sale. It is a very rare stainless steel diver's wristwatch with first generation helium escapement valve and a ‘maxi' dial. It is being offered with Mr. Chemin's diving helmet.
Estimate: $ 40,000 - $ 60,000

Another extraordinary Rolex wristwatch being offered is the ‘Double Red' SeaDweller, Ref. 1665, given to Patrice Chemin by Rolex for his world record dive at 610 m (2001 ft). Produced in 1972, it is a stainless steel diver's wristwatch with double red Sea-Dweller logo, helium escapement valve and date indicator. It is accompanied by a Rolex advertisement and photo. Additionally, Mr. Chemin's co-diver for the Physalie VI, Robert Gauret was also given a ‘Double Red' SeaDweller for the dive which is also being offered in the present auction.
Estimate: $ 25,000 - $ 45,000

Also, Mr. Chemin's Rolex ‘Comex' Ref. 168000 will be on the block at the Antiquorum auction. Produced in 1986, it is a stainless steel diver's wristwatch with date indicator.
Estimate: $ 30,000 - $ 50,000

For the Patek collector, there is the Patek Philippe Ref. 2499, third series. Made in 1970, it is an exceptional and extremely rare 18K yellow gold wristwatch with round button chronograph, 30-minute register, perpetual calendar and moon phases.
Estimate: $ 300,000 - $ 400,000

Another extraordinary Patek Philippe being offered is the Patek Philippe Ref. 5004 in pink gold with a black dial. Sold on February 28, 2004, it is an extremely fine and rare 18K pink gold wristwatch with coaxial round button split-seconds chronograph, registers, perpetual calendar and moon phases.
Estimate: $ 200,000- $ 300,000

In addition, there will also be offered a "Jules Audemars – Grande Complication Automatic," Ref. 25806 PT in the auction. Made circa 2006, it is an extremely rare minute-repeating, self-winding, platinum wristwatch with co-axial round button split-seconds chronograph, register, perpetual calendar with indication of the weeks, and moon phases .
Estimate: $ 250,000 - $ 350,000

Furthermore, there will be a Jules Audemars - Tourbillon Répétition Minutes Chronographe”, Ref. 26050PT in the sale. This extraordinary timepiece was produced in 2008. It is a large, minute-repeating, platinum wristwatch with visible one-minute tourbillon regulator, round-button chronograph and register.
Estimate: $ 200,000 -$300,000

 
© Antiquorum

In addition, there will be a Rolex Ref 6234 “Pre-Daytona” with a black dial, in the December auction. Made in the 1950s, it is a very rare stainless steel wristwatch with round button chronograph and registers.
Estimate: $ 50,000 - $ 70,000

Also for the Rolex collector, there is a Rolex Milgauss Ref. 6541 with a ‘color change' dial. Made in 1958, it is a very fine and extremely rare, antimagnetic stainless steel wristwatch with honeycomb dial, lightning bolt center seconds hand and black bezel.
Estimate: $ 60,000- $ 100,000

For the Vacheron Constantin enthusiast, there is a stainless steel Vacheron Tourbillon Malte. This exquisite timepiece was produced in a limited edition of 10 pieces in 2006 for the 100th anniversary of the historic Geneva boutique: 1906-2006. It is an extremely fine and very rare, tonneau-shaped, water-resistant wristwatch with visible one-minute tourbillon regulator, 42-hour power reserve indicator and date.
Estimate: $ 60,000 - $ 90,000

IWC fans will be interested to note there is a platinum Grande Complication no. 019/50 included in the sale. Made in a limited edition of 50 pieces in 1994, it is a very fine and extremely rare, minute-repeating, self-winding platinum wristwatch with square button chronograph, registers, secular perpetual calendar and moon phases.
Estimate: $ 60,000 - $ 90,000

Antiquorum experts are also offering a Rolex Ref. 6102 “Bombay” with a blue enamel dial. This is the first time this reference with blue enamel dial has been seen at auction. Made circa 1952, it is an 18K yellow gold chronometer wristwatch with beautiful blue enamel dial.
Estimate: $ 20,000 - $ 30,000