Bonhams New York will host its spring auction of Fine Watches and Wristwatches on June 12, with a number of enameled pocket watches and special timepieces owned by Houdini and famous American author Damon Runyon among the lots on offer.
Brand such as Audemars Piguet, Rolex and Patek Philippe will also feature, while enameled pocket watches are expected to draw bids from collectors.
Star lots will include an 18ct yellow gold engraved pocket watch owned by Harry Houdini which has a pre-sale estimate of $10,000 to $15,000 (£6,240 to £9,355), an item that has been handed down through his family.
Cartier Tank timepieces owned by celebrated New York author Damon Runyon will also feature, with an Art Deco style Cartier watch up for auction engraved with the author’s signature.
Fine Swiss-made enamelled pocked watches will lead the auction, however, including an enamel flower shaped verge watch signed by Breguet, forecasted to sell for up to $60,000 (£37,500).
A playful timepiece by Cooper’s Yard, featuring a display of men making barrels in a Swiss forest will also be a highlight for collectors, and has an upwards estimated sale price of $90,000 (£56,200).
A Patek Philippe 2499 yellow gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch will be featured in the sale, as well as an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Platinum Juan Pablo Montoya chronograph wristwatch.
A selection of mint-condition watches from a “distinguished collector” will round-off the spring event. Timepieces featured in the collection’s offer include Rolexes, Breguets, Audemars Piguets, Blancpains, Richard Milles, Urwerk timepieces, Patek Philippes and Vacheron & Constantins.
