Quello che potrebbe essere definito l’orologio d’epoca più importante al mondo, sarà battuto da Phillips alla prima asta orologiera a New York il prossimo ottobre. Il Rolex Daytona Ref. 6239 con quadrante esotico dello stesso Paul Newman è ora atteso come un Santo Graal da una platea sconfinata di collezionisti.Si prevede un “autunno caldo” nella grande mela.
L’orologio appartiene a James Cox, che ha frequentato la figlia di Newman Nell Potts. La cosa incredibile è che James conobbe Paul Newman a Lime Rock (una pista in Connecticut) quando aveva 13 anni e per i primi mesi di frequentazione con Nell non aveva idea che suo padre fosse in realtà il grande attore.
Nell’estate del 1984, James era a casa Newman a Westport nel Connecticut, quando Paul gli chiese che ora fosse e James: “Non lo so, non ho un orologio”. Allora Paul gli diede il suo Rolex e disse: “Eccoti un orologio. Caricalo regolarmente e andrà molto bene.”
Il resto è storia. Cox ha portato il suo Daytona tutti i giorni fino alla metà degli anni ’90 quando venne a conoscenza del valore del suo “Paul Newman”.
Joanne Woodward
Due anni dopo la morte dell’attore, sua figlia creò la Fondazione Nell Newman e fu il tesoriere di questa fondazione a contattare un noto collezionista della California chiamato Tom Peck per vendere l’orologio. Alcune settimane dopo, niente meno che Aurel Bacs, l’uomo che ha battuto per Phillips i Daytona più famosi al mondo, era in California a vedere l’orologio.
Sul fondello è incisa la frase “Drive Carefullly Me” della moglie di Paul, Joanne Woodward. E per ciò che concerne l’importanza storica dell’orologio, stiamo a posto…
Come il mercato risponderà a un’asta così importante, non è dato sapere. Si tratta del “Paul Newman” di Paul Newman, l’orologio che fonde due icone in una e le riassume in un oggetto unico e irriproducibile. D’altra parte la storia che lo accompagna non si può riscrivere: è già leggenda…
Not only are Turn-O-Graphs amongst Rolex’s best sellers, but 63 years after their launch, they are still considered true icons in the world of fine watches.
The Turn-O-Graph, when originally launched by Rolex in 1953, was by all measures revolutionary in the history of watchmaking and of watch design. Its main feature, a rotatable bezel, was certainly a disruptive innovation—creating an all-new market for what was then an unheard of genre—the tool watch. With its genuinely useful function, the Turn-O-Graph was soon chosen by the Thunderbirds—the United States’ elite aerobatic squadron to aide in their pilots’ navigational calculations. Recognizing the opportunity, Rolex brilliantly propelled the success of the model by calling it the “Thunderbird” in the North American market.
The very first reference, the 6202, was the first series produced wristwatch to feature a rotating bezel. It was designed to measure and record time “as a reminder of times past, for phone calls, conferences, timing, parking, and countless other ways,” as Rolex’s original advertising explained. Interestingly, the ref. 6202 was not the first Rolex model to feature such a bezel. That distinction belongs to Rolex’s Zerograph created in 1937—an elusive prototype model so rare, the fact that it exists remains a mystery until the present day.
The rotating bezel of the Turn-O-Graph was a (pardon the pun) turning point for Rolex that would become the foundation for the brand’s key sports watches, including the Submariner and GMTMaster. Not only are these models amongst Rolex’s best sellers, 63 years after the Turn-O-Graph’s launch, they are considered true icons in the world of fine watches. In the formative early years of these models, it was with the Turn-O-Graph that Rolex was most experimental, even courageous.
In the following collection of lots, we present early examples of all three case metal configurations—steel, steel and gold, and an all gold Turn-O-Graph. All are impressive in their own right, with timeless designs that make them appear young as on the day they were originally sold. Each presented in superb condition, they offer tremendous value and speak volumes about the earliest history of one of the most important categories of collectible watches today—the sports watch.
Rolex “Turn-O-Graph”, 6202, Stainless steel, 1953
Reference 6202 can be considered the first Rolex tool watch ever produced in series. With its rotating bezel calibrated to 60 units, the ground-breaking “Turn- O-Graph” can be considered the starting point of Rolex’s 60-plus years of successful sport watches. This example from 1953, the first year of the Turn-O-Graph’s production, is fitted with all of its original components, including its metal bezel insert.
The most striking visual element however is the glossy black dial with luminous hour markers surrounded by a gilt-colored outer chapter ring—retaining its beautiful luster and original luminous hour markers. This example is in remarkable condition for a watch of its age, with a sharp, well-defined case that is consistent with the state of preservation of the dial. Accompanied by the original Rolex guarantee, product literature, plastic wallet, and pouch, this watch is a tremendous value for the savvy collector.
The Rolex “Turn-O-Graph” model, has in recent times achieved cult status in the Rolex collectors community. Also known as the “Thunderbird”, Rolex introduced the name for the U.S. market in the late 1950s when it began supplying the model to the U.S. Air Force’s Thunderbird aerobatic squadron. The reference 6309 was the second-generation Turn-O-Graph model introduced in 1954 with an upgraded movement and produced through 1959. Fitted with a graduated, rotating bezel, the Turn-O-Graph was designed to measure elapsed time similar to a chronograph, without the cost of a complicated chronograph caliber.
It was a revolutionary design that was quickly adopted by many brands after Rolex’s introduction. The Turn-O-Graph was essentially a Datejust model, modifed to become a tool watch by the addition of the rotating bezel. The larger bezel shrunk the visible surface area of the dial, causing the original “Swiss” of the Datejust dials used to nearly disappear. On this very early example, Rolex printed a second “Swiss Made” at 6 o’clock to ensure this important designation was clearly visible.
This yellow gold watch with yellow gold bracelet was at its time of production, one of the most expensive and exclusive watches produced by Rolex. The 3.54 stamped on the bracelet clasp is absolutely consistent with the case number, and when combined with its excellent condition, it is a superb example of a very early Datejust Turn-O-Graph model for the connoisseur.
Rolex Turn-O-Graph, 6202, 18k yellow gold and stainless steel, 1954
Reference 6202 can be considered the first Rolex tool watch ever produced in series. Reference 6202 also stands out as the first Rolex sports watch to be offered in stainless steel and gold—a more luxurious version compared with the sportier stainless steel model. An audacious aesthetic, particularly for the 1950s, the two-tone version was ahead of its time. It was very quickly discontinued, explaining why only a dozen of these watches are known to date. Some two decades later, Rolex would try again, launching two-tone GMT-Master and Submariner models, to a market that was finally mature enough to appreciate the look.
The two-tone reference 6202 hereimpresses with its amazing condition. The cream-colored dial is all original with a pleasing mix of Arabic and faceted baton hour markers complemented by its original dauphine hands. The bezel is crisp with very deep relief throughout, and the engraving “Model Depose, Registered Design” on the case back remains visible to the naked eye. Complete with its original box and chronometer certificate, it’s an exceptionally rare Rolex sports watch offering great wearability and outstanding value.
Come solitamente accade, le Maison più blasonate caratterizzano il tempo con le loro creazioni, e questo oggetto dalla cassa riconoscibilissima ed ormai più che meritatamente entrata nella storia, ne è un’esempio lampante. Stiamo parlando del Patek Philippe Ref. 2441 o meglio conosciuto come: Tour Eiffel.
La produzione di questa referenza è iniziata nel 1948 proseguendo per un decennio. Molto raffinato e raro, la sua particolare cassa rettangolare “poggia” su anse a base quadrata dalla forma curvilinea a ricordare, neanche troppo vagamente, i quattro pilastri che sostengono la Torre Eiffel.
Patek Philippe ha avviato la produzione della referenza 2441 nel 1948 e l’ha proseguita almeno fino al 1955 con un totale di circa 150/200 pezzi realizzati. Ciò fa di questo oggetto l’obbiettivo di molti collezionisti poiché gli esemplari noti al mercato (e in particolare modo in queste condizioni) non supera qualche dozzina.
Solo per sottolinearne l’importanza storica, nel 1997 Patek Philippe produsse l’edizione limitata “Pagoda” con referenza 5500 per celebrare la nuova sede di Ginevra. Non a caso la Ref. 2441 fu fonte di chiara ispirazione per questa produzione contemporanea.
Nel nostro shop uno splendido esemplare di Ref.2441 in magnifiche condizioni come da tradizione Oredelmondo.
Chiunque chieda a Jack Heuer quale sia il suo orologio preferito, riceverà sempre la stessa risposta: il Carrera oro 18K referenza 1158.
L’orologio, sul mercato per tutti gli anni ’70, fu donato da Jack Heuer a tutti i piloti e dirigenti dei Team Ferrari F1 e Endurance di quel periodo. Piloti del calibro di Niki Lauda, Clay Regazzoni e Ronnie Peterson, l’ingegner Mauro Forghieri, furono straordinari testimonial per Heuer che proprio a quell’epoca aurea deve la sua fama. Ogni pilota inoltre portava il logo Heuer sulla tutta all’altezza della spalla e la scuderia Ferrari lo appose sulla parte anteriore delle auto da corsa in Formula Uno ed Endurance.
Jack Heuer stesso dichiarò quanto fosse legato alla referenza 1158: “Questi orologi hanno un significato profondo per me, anche perché alcuni di coloro cui ne feci dono hanno perso la vita in terribili incidenti durante le corse”.
L’orologio, sostanzialmente un Carrera automatico ma con cassa in oro 18K, impreziosito da una pietra preziosa alle ore 12 è oggi rarissimo e molto ricercato dai collezionisti.
L’oggetto nelle foto è in vendita su meridianaeshop.com con prezzo su richiesta. La scatola autografa “Arturo Merzario” non è in vendita.
Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo is pleased to announce details of the Fall season auctions dedicated to fine collectors’ watches that will take place on 7 and 8 November 2015 at Hôtel La Réserve, Geneva.
The Only Watch auction beginning at 3PM on Saturday 7 November is dedicated to unique timepieces created and donated by the finest watchmakers for research on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) – it will offer 44 one-of-a-kind timepieces created especially for this noble cause – establishing watchmakers’ continued support for scientific and medical research on neuromuscular diseases.
Phillips’ second watches auction will take place on the grounds of Hôtel La Réserve, Geneva, as with the sales in May, and will begin on the evening of Saturday 7 November at 6:30PM, continuing at 6:30PM Sunday 8 November. Faithful to its publically communicated core values and mission, Phillips has rigorously applied its industry-leading standards in terms of quality, condition, originality, and provenance in its selection of watches for this sale. Phillips has, as a result, put together a highly compact and exciting auction of only approximately 200 watches that reunites some of the most beautiful watches that can possibly be obtained. The Geneva Watch Auction: Two is estimated to realise over $14 million (€12.5 million / $13.7 CHF).
Rolex “James Bond” Submariner from “Live and Let Die”, Reference 5513 – Estimate SFr 150,000 – 250,000
Quite possibly the most recognizable watch in history with over 1 billion people having watched the film “Live and Let Die”, the wristwatch seen on Sir Roger Moore is in fact a Rolex Submariner reference 5513 made in 1972, and was later modified for the movie.
The acclaimed Rolex Submariner worn by Sir Roger Moore was memorable for its buzz saw bezel that spun and could cut through rope to escape dangerous situations, and the hyper intensified magnetic field with the ability to deflect bullets. Used for both humor and heightened dramatic events, the magnetic reach could unzip Miss Caruso’s dress, and catch a spoon off a coffee saucer.
The present Rolex reference 5513 “Q” is the most unforgettable watch prop used in a movie and is even signed inside the caseback “Roger Moore 007”. As a highlight in the most iconic scenes “Live and Let Die”, this watch is sure to interest both watch collectors and true fans of cinematography alike.
Simultaneously rare and stunning, the “Solo Rolex Quicksilver” is so exceptional that it graces the cover of the landmark tome, “Ultimate Rolex Daytona” by the renowned scholar, Pucci Papaleo. A reference 6239 in stainless steel made in 1968, it’s fitted with an extraordinary, and quite possibly unique dial with only the word ‘ROLEX’ written in bold black printing at 12 o’clock. Playfully nicknamed the ‘Solo Quicksilver’, the model name “Cosmograph” seen on nearly all other 6239s is missing, giving strong prominence to the iconic brand name.
This watch is, unquestionably, one of the rarest versions of the legendary Daytona. Possessing remarkable elegance, its importance in the field of collectible Rolex watches cannot be overstated. It is a trophy watch worthy of crowning the world’s most important collections of Rolex watches.
As Hermès is a leading retailer, it only made sense for them to work with Rolex, a front-runner in the watchmaking industry. This highly sought after Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Reference 6241 features an acrylic bezel with printed tachometer and round “pump” pushers. What adds to the collectability of this piece is the highly attractive “Paul Newman” black dial with gold registers and gilt writing.
The present example is rare, not only because it is encased in yellow gold, but it also bears the highly desirable “HERMÈS” stamping on the outer case back. Additionally, the caseback is stamped with French gold import marks and the stamp of Rolex France. Confirmed by Hermès in Paris, this very watch was retailed by Hermès and sold on 30 November 1971.
The double-signature adds a certain element of collectability that one cannot find in other watches, which is the wonderful duo of Hermès and Rolex working in tandem. The present example is the only one known, making it most probably unique, and makes this watch an ultimate trophy for discerning Daytona collectors.
To many of the world’s most experienced collectors of vintage Rolex wristwatches, reference 6062 represents the pinnacle of the “crowned” firm’s entire production. In fact, reference 6062 is one of only two models ever to feature a full calendar paired with the indication of the phases of the moon, together with reference the 8171 – an example of which will also be offered in this sale.
In 40 years of auctions, we can hardly count more than a handful of legitimate and unrestored pink gold star-dial reference 6062s, underlining this model’s utter exclusivity. The present example is now offered at auction for only the second time since it was made over 60 years ago.
In the 1950s, Rolex produced some of the most iconic cloisonné dial wristwatches in conjunction with world renowned Stern Frères of Geneva.
The present reference 6102, in virtually mint condition and seemingly unworn, is adorned with a spectacular cloisonné dial made by one of Geneva’s most acclaimed enamellers, Mrs. Koch, who worked with Stern to produce some of the most sought after Rolex watches to date. The dial depicts a wonderful scene featuring a multi-colored boat at sea, topped with facetted baton hour markers.
When it comes to high-end, luxury watches, Patek Philippe‘s timepieces were consistently crafted with utmost excellence over the course of its storied history.
Patek Philippe World Time Cloisonné, Reference 605 HU – Estimate SFr 500,000 – 1,000,000
The present reference 605 HU is one of a small number world time pocket watches made by the brand during the 1940s and early 1950s. Accompanied by the Extract from the Archives, Patek Philippe notes the “special theme” dial, which in fact has the movement number engraved underneath the dial.
It is arguably the most important example to appear on the market in recent memory, as it is the only example of this reference known with a depiction of a dragon on the dial. Quite likely unique, it has not appeared at auction in over two decades.
Patek Philippe Steel Split Seconds Chronograph, Reference 1436 – Estimate SFr 1,500,000 – 3,000,000
Reference 1436 is one of the finest complicated wristwatches ever made by Patek Philippe. It is one of only two vintage split second chronograph references produced by the distinguished firm. Normally, these were cased in yellow gold, and only a very small number were completed in pink gold. According to scholarship, less than a handful of stainless steel cases were produced and fitted with movements during the first half of the 1940s. The present stainless steel 1436 is offered here only for the second time ever since its original sale in 1949, having only seen three owners since its original purchase over half a century ago. It is one of only two known reference 1436 in stainless steel, made and completed in the 1940s.
Inside the case back there are no traces of any watchmakers signs, and it is possible, given the extraordinary condition of the movement that it has never been dismantled or worked on since leaving Patek Philippe’s workshops in 1949.
Patek Philippe’s reference 2499 is one of the company’s most treasured perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatches to date.
Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Chronograph, Reference 2499 First Series – Estimate SFr 800,000 – 1,400,000
This exceptional example in yellow gold is the only known 2499 from the first series to be fitted with a champagne colored dial. Furthermore, the watch is accompanied by the Extract from the Archives confirming it was in fact born with a champagne dial.
Distinguished by its square shaped pushers, tachometer scale and applied Arabic numerals, the present example is part of the first series, and considered to be highly desirable by collectors. As reference 2499 is highly sought after, what sets this piece apart is its rarity and remarkable condition, as the lugs and case are seemingly unpolished.
Vacheron & Constantin “Cornes de Vache” Chronograph, Reference 6087 – Estimate SFr 50,000 – 100,000
Scholars and enthusiasts have long considered Vacheron Constantin’s Chronographs to be among the most beautiful chronograph wristwatches ever designed. Some references are so utterly rare that until today have never appeared at auction, and were only known by archival images that survived in the books of Vacheron Constantin.
We are particularly delighted that, in this auction, we have been entrusted by different collectors coming from numerous countries with an incredibly handsome and varied selection of wristwatch chronographs. In our view, shared by numerous scholars in the field, this is the most varied and rich offering of different Vacheron Constantin chronographs for at least a decade. We are pleased to offer nine chronographs, seven of which are different models, including an ultra rare 6026 in pink gold – one of only six made, and a superb example of the coveted reference 6087, the so-called “Cornes de Vache”.
Audemars Piguet produced very few minute repeating wristwatches through the 1920s. The present watch was originally purchased by Henry Haven Windsor, Jr., the son of the founder of Popular Mechanics magazine and an avid watch collector. After his father’s death, when Windsor was 26 he became editor and publisher of the magazine, which had originally been founded in 1902.
The combination of many highly desirable elements such as the platinum case, the minute repeating movement, the Cartier signature and Breguet numerals on the dial is impressive. Few complicated vintage wristwatches can better echo the style of the 1920s and 30s as this watch.
This is the second season of auctions to take place since Phillips announced the creation of its Watch Department dedicated exclusively to the world’s finest collectors watches. The department is based in Geneva and partners exclusively with Bacs & Russo, the firm of Aurel Bacs and Livia Russo.
As of August 2015, Phillips announced the appointment of Sam Hines as International Head of Watches in Hong Kong. Sam is currently heading the global team of Watch Specialists from Phillips’ recently opened Asian Headquarters in the landmark Building in Hong Kong.
Come solitamente accade, le Maison più blasonate caratterizzano il tempo con le loro creazioni, e questo oggetto dalla cassa riconoscibilissima ed ormai più che meritatamente entrata nella storia, ne è un’esempio lampante. Stiamo parlando del Patek Philippe Ref. 2441 o meglio conosciuto come: Tour Eiffel.
meridianae 