The world’s watch collecting community is poised for a special sale this week, as once-in-a-lifetime timepieces go up for auction with FutureGrail. The renowned auction house is anticipating a bidding frenzy for extremely rare vintage timepieces. The sale features ‘one-of-one’ Patek Philippe references, exquisite pendant watches from Vacheron Constantin, rare Audemars Piguet pocket watches and sought-after Rolex models.
Rolex by George Daniels
Enthusiasts will be drawn to Lot 33, a special Oyster Perpetual “Datejust” reference by George Daniels, the famed English horologist who is widely regarded as one of the greatest watchmakers of all time.
Ultra-rare Audemars Piguet pocket watch
One stunning item is a “Triple Complication” Art Deco pocket watch, made by Audemars Piguet for retailer E. Gübelin in 1911. There are only ten known examples, with the only other 18-carat white gold reference last appearing at auction in 1990. Bids could go higher than the conservative range of $200,000 – $400,000.
Unique, exquisite Patek Philippe timepieces
Potentially the biggest draw is an extremely rare 1954 Patek Philippe “Turtle Lugs” (Ref. 2549/1J), with silver guilloché (decoratively engraved) dial with “tropical” patina. This is one of only eight known examples, with a beautiful case manufactured by Markowski. Its “Turtle Lugs” refers to curved extensions that resemble flippers. It represents a true “Grail” for collectors.
Other Patek Philippe highlights:
Unique Patek Philippe Ref. 3589/90G “Ellipse d’Or” (Golden Ellipse) in 18-carat white gold, with diamonds and a black onyx dial
The world’s only 1995 Patek Philippe Ref. 4700/160J with yellow gold vertical “tramé” (ribbed dial), with diamond and ruby setting
A 1955 Reference 2526 G HB (2nd series) white-gold and diamond round wristwatch with silver “tropical” dial
A limited-edition “World Time Moon” (Reference 5575 G—001) made for the watchmaker’s 175th anniversary.
“Our May auction represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for collectors to own some of the world’s rarest timepieces. Many of these watches may not be seen at auction again for a generation,” said Ali Nael, FutureGrail CEO.
Several auction timepieces feature in Nael’s book ‘My Dream Collection’.
FutureGrail is one of the world’s leading auction houses for exceptional timepieces, with a museum in Singapore and expanding global presence in Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates.
FutureGrail’s May Online Auction runs 9th to 12th May at futuregrail.com/auctions. Buyer and seller premiums—6% of the hammer.
