A 1972 Rolex Submariner Ref 5513 smashed its pre-sale estimate at this week’s Bonhams Fine Watches and Wristwatches auction; eventually going under the hammer for £112,000 against an estimate of £40,000-60,000.
It was the star lot in a sale that netted a total of £2,205,000, with 89% of lots selling above their reserve prices.
Jonathan Darracott, global head of watches, said that the December auction crowned another strong year for Bonhams. “This was a fantastic sale on which to end our stellar year of sales in Bond Street, Knightsbridge and New York. We have seen top prices achieved and new trends developing across the sales, as well as continued interest in military watches and the finest examples from the very best watchmakers such as Patek Philippe and Rolex. The auction attracted competitive international bidding which reflected the vast variety and strength of the sale. We look forward to continued success in 2018,” he said.
Highlights from the auction included:
Patek Philippe Celestial, Ref: 5102PR-001, Circa 2009. A fine and rare platinum and rose gold astronomical wristwatch with sky chart, phase and orbit of the moon, time of meridian, passage of Sirius and the moon sold for £106,250 against an estimate of £80,000-120,000.
Rolex Jean Claude Killy, Ref: 6036, Circa 1953. A rare stainless steel manual wind triple calendar chronograph braceley watch sold for £90,000.
Patek Philippe Ref: 5270. A fine 18K white gold manual wind perpetual calendar wristwatch with moon phase sold for £87,500.
Patek Philippe Nautilus, Ref: 3700/013, Circa 1979. An 18K gold and diamond set automatic calendar bracelet watch sold for £50,000 against an estimate of £40,000-60,000.
Rolex Submariner Comex Ref: 165.024, Circa 1967. A rare stainless steel automatic divers bracelet watch made for Comex with extensive Comex paraphernalia and dive log books sold for £60,000 against an estimate of £30,000-40,000. The lot was accompanied by Comex branded merchandise ranging from golf tees to a Swiss army knife, and even a second watch.
