Antiquorum proudly celebrates its 50th anniversary by presenting an exceptional and important selection of 677 remarkable lots, each deserving collectors' attention. This collection serves as an homage to the rich history of the auction house and the expertise of its professionals.
Established in 1974 in Geneva, Antiquorum ignited a fervent passion for horology within the watch lovers community. Through its participation, it has transformed enthusiasts' excitement and appreciation for timepieces into profound knowledge and recognition of their investment value.
From their start with famous thematic sales to now, Antiquorum experts combine the efforts of their specialists, international network, and manufacturers with a thorough process for identifying and valuing watches. Even today, Antiquorum's archives are a key resource in the watchmaking world.
Geneva, the international capital of the watch world, will resonate with Antiquorum auctions celebrating this special anniversary year twice, in May and November.
In the beautiful setting of the Beau-Rivage hotel, along the peaceful shores of the Leman Lake, Romain Réa, CEO of Antiquorum and Julien Schaerer, Managing Director, will wield the auctioneer's hammer for bidders present in the room, as well as those participating via phone and online, spanning two days.
Exceptional Richard Mille: Pushing the Boundaries of Luxury and Engineering in Watchmaking
Antiquorum is proud to present an incredible selection of 5 Richard Mille watches, among them, the RM-UP01, Ferrari Ultra-thin limited edition of 150 pieces. Celebrating their partnership in 2021, Richard Mille embarqued on a new quest to create an ultra-thin wearable timepiece. After more than 6000 hours of development, research and testing, the 1.75 mm thin masterpiece was created. The RM-UP01 caliber was created using a baseplate and bridges made of grade 5 titanium and features a patented ultra-flat escapement with a variable inertia balance wheel in grade 5 titanium, developed in collaboration with Audemars Piguet. Upon its launch, it captivated watch enthusiasts worldwide and were all quickly sold-out, ensuring its desirability. A true masterpiece of horology.
Masterpieces of Time: Explore the Exquisite Selection of Patek Philippe Watches
LOT 672 - Ref 5074 was launched in 2002 only in yellow gold available with a stricking black dial. In 2005 during the Basel fair, Patek Philippe presented the pink gold version. It is considered the successor to the famous ref. 3974. Finally at the same fair in 2009, the platinum version was offered. The mechanism is the same in both references with the exception of the gong which goes twice around the watch case in reference 5074 in order to give a better and louder sound. This type of gong is called ‘cathedral gong’. This particular example has been maintained in perfect condition. This is a truly next-level timepiece.
LOT 668 - This particular model, the Ref. 4895G, stands out due to its elegant 18K white gold case and dazzling baguette diamond setting. Fitted with the manual wound caliber 215, this Calatrava was fitted with a beautiful cherry red guilloche dial surrounded by baguette diamonds that is sure to please any lady collector. This watch is a rarely seen impressive lady’s “Haute Joaillerie” model, featuring over 5 ct of baguette diamonds, a beautiful enamel dial and a mechanical caliber 215 movement.
Cartier Madness
LOT 229 - This specific model, Cartier Rotonde, numbered 07 out of a limited edition of 15, is particularly notable due to its striking red enamel skeleton dial and lightweight titanium case.
LOT 619 - Made from the 1940's until the 1950's, the Cartier Gouvernail has long been an iconic model made by the firm. The huge majority were made in yellow gold, the versions in platinum featuring baguette diamond indexes are extremely rare, in fact as of today only four examples are known. This example is the fifth known and has never been offered on the market. Preserved in very good overall condition still featuring the platinum punchmark on the back of the case and with its European Watch & Clock movement, it is only 2 case numbers away from the previous one offered at Antiquorum (Geneva, October 14, 2007, lot 501), a testament to the small production of such an exceptional timepiece.
For Rolex Afficionados …!
LOT 592 - Following the tremendous result of the last Rolex Zerograph reference 3346 that sold in our auction on May 9th 2021 (lot 292 sold for CHF 225’000), we are delighted to offer its sister version with a smooth bezel reference 3890.
There is no denying that the Rolex Zerographe (also known with an observatory dial as the Centregraph) has remained one of the biggest mystery and one of the most important watches made by the firm.
Featuring a fly-back second that is reset by the pusher at 2 o clock, it is the first known Rolex featuring this complication and was only available in steel. Another version featuring a smooth bezel was also produced under the name Zerograph (reference 3890) but was produced shortly after if one takes the serial numbers into consideration (usually with serials starting with 181’XXX).
From the overall condition of the watch, it is immediately obvious that it has remained in unworn condition, amazingly still fitted with rests of its protective stickers from the late 1930's.
Antiquorum is proud to highlights LOT 302, 305 and 595.
Not to be confused with the later diamond-set Daytonas often found under reference 116589, this Zenith (Lot 302) powered reference 16589 dates from around 1998.
One of the most sought-after references especially with the combination of the Sodalite dial with baguette sapphire bezel and sold by the famous retailer Asprey only makes it more desirable.
Produced from 1970 until 1987, the last series of manual wound Daytonas (reference 6263/6265) were the longest running until the introduction of the new automatic version reference 16520. While approximately 20'000 examples were made, it is estimated that about 10% of the production were dedicated to the 14 and 18k versions. The 6263 was distinguished by its black acrylic bezel deamed visually more attractive and desirable than the metal bezel version.
While the transition to automatic Daytonas was already in motion, these represent almost the last of the manual wound Daytonas as this example was sold in Genova in July 1987. (Lot 595)
LOT 677 - An extremely fine and unique, platinum, manual wind, Tourbillon Souverain in platinum with « Remontoir d’Egalité » N°24. 20 numbered examples in platinum. Directly sold by Monsieur Francois-Paul Journe.
Where Art, Geography, and Swiss Precision Sing in Harmony
LOT 526 - A magnificent and extremely rare , 18k gold, enamel, pearl-set Frères Rochat singing bird box with independent musical movement, manual wind rectangular case with rounded corners, all the panels entirely decorated with translucent Imperial blue enamel over engine-turning, borders with white and black champlevé enamel geometrical decoration, the outer lid opens on an engine-turned panel with the keyhole for the bird movement, on the side contains the key compartment, the other has the keyhole and button for the musical movement. The top panel with oval medallion concealing the bird very finely painted on enamel scene with a lady teaching the geography to two children within half-pearl-set frame.
When the bird cover is opened, the bird rises and begins to move and the song starts, being activated by a slide on the front of the case. The articulated bird sings, rotates, turns its head, opens its beak, flaps its wings and moves its tail.
