The timeless appeal of extraordinary timepieces
The luxury watch industry has an extraordinary hold on the modern consumer’s psyche, weaving a spell of desire so potent that draws us all into its beauty, helpless against its charms. The intricate design and detailing on some of the most sought-after watches in the world make them stand out and see consumers willing to pay vast amounts of money to secure them. Their appeal is timeless and these watches are celebrated for the craftsmanship, detailing, and tradition that goes into creating these pieces.
Almost all high-net-worth individuals seek a vintage, or luxury watch, there are many high-end timepieces to choose from and often their value only increases as time goes on making it a sound investment. Not only is it a practical accessory, but one that exudes elegance and glamour. Whatever your take or style may be, a luxury watch is always the perfect accessory.
Sotheby’s Rare Watches Exhibition Travels the World Over
There is seemingly an ever-increasing interest in luxury and vintage watch collections and there is nowhere more trusted, and more prestigious than Sotheby’s; it is the perfect place to come when seeking the dream timepiece thanks to its centuries of experience dealing and delivering exquisite items to its clients. The Treasures of Time exhibition will not only address the strong appetite for luxury watch consumers but will also offer a curated focus on rare watches that will excite new collectors everywhere.
This meticulously curated collection of watches will be exhibited across continents and cities, starting in Los Angeles and New York before moving East to Tokyo, Singapore, and Hong Kong, then arriving in Dubai on the 28th of October and finally concluding in Geneva on the 7th of November, two days ahead of the auction sale on the 10th November. Sotheby's arrival of Treasures of Time to Dubai showcases an extraordinary selection of the finest timepieces the world has to offer, reinforcing the bright future of luxury horology in the region which is synonymous with luxury, and increasingly, style.
From Patek Philippe to A. Lange & Söhne, and rare Vacheron Constantin chronographs, the exhibition will present the best of the best. The event is set to excite the world of vintage watch lovers with highly sought-after cutting-edge pieces on display. The exhibition will offer a platform to learn about the intricacies and the level of detailing that goes into the history, creation, and storied past of each watch. There is certainly a demand for valuable watches in the Middle East, in November 2018 Sotheby’s held the first-ever watches auction in the region which took place in Dubai and saw sales fetching £1,979,887.
Collectors’ Corner – Sotheby's Auction in Geneva
The Live Auction of Treasures of Time collection will take place in Geneva, on the 10th of November. The finest and rarest models including Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin will be some of the many notable brands featured in the auction. The lots will include a variation of watches that vary in detailing and materials but are all united in the highest quality, something they all offer. The selection of carefully curated vintage watches reveals the timeless appeal of these exemplary pieces that are ready and waiting to embark on the next chapter of their journey.
The Lots
The Treasures of Time watch collection combines intrinsic value with a rich heritage that adds to their enduring appeal. The items are available in the Geneva auction are curated to respond to specific criteria, centred on rare materials, historical significance, notable ownership, and provenance, as well as remarkable craftsmanship.
Highlights include hard-to-find pieces such as A. Lange & Söhne Tourbograph's "Pour le Mérite" – a limited edition platinum split-second chronograph tourbillon wristwatch – with power reserve indication, silver dial, 43 jewels, and platinum and sapphire crystal display case back. The watch comes with A. Lange & Söhne Certificate and is estimated to sell for £361,866.
An additional rare gem which will be showcased is a Patek Philippe unique yellow gold split-second chronograph wristwatch with luminous Breguet numerals and hands made in 1947 and adorned with 25 jewels and an 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle, estimated to fetch £270,968.
A rare entry is a Vacheron Constantin yellow gold mono-pusher chronograph wristwatch made for King Alexander of Yugoslavia in 1927, with an 18k gold case, snap-on hinged cuvette, and back with the crest of King Alexander, offered with Vacheron Constantin Certificate of Authenticity. This lot is expected to sell for £90,405.
Final Note
The exquisite items that will hit the auction are exceptional not for just their craftsmanship, but for all they embody. Not only an accessory to help you tell the time but a piece of history that comes with a heritage as unique as their new owners. From sleek and minimalistic, to statement-making pieces, there is a watch for every taste and occasion waiting for its rightful owner. For centuries Sotheby’s has continued to deliver a tale as old as time, Sotheby’s will continue to redefine luxury with its upcoming Treasures of Time exhibition.
