Rolex and Patek Philippe watches are not the only brands setting new price records at this season’s global auctions, vintage Heuer timepieces are also commanding frenzied bidding wars.
This month’s Bonhams Monaco sale, held during Monaco Historic Week, sold a unique re-edition of the Montre de Pilote presented to Ronnie ‘SuperSwede’ Peterson by Jack Heuer for his driving exploits at the 1972 German Grand Prix.
The Montre de Pilote Heuer, an 18ct solid gold Carrera chronograph inscribed on the back with ‘Success. Ronnie Peterson from Jack W Heuer’, sold for €97,740 – a world record for any modern TAG Heuer at auction.
Proceeds of the sale are going to the Ronnie Peterson Memorial Foundation, a charity that supports promising young drivers in Sweden, and Ronnie’s daughter, Nina, was in the audience and watched as the bids rose during what became the longest bidding exchanges of the sale. “Each new bid was cheered and applauded, creating an electric atmosphere in the saleroom,” Bonhams reports.
Those who missed the opportunity to add the Montre de Pilote to their collection should note that Bonhams upcoming Fine Watch and Wristwatches Sale on 20 June will feature a private collection of Heuers, including some of the finest example of rare models to ever come to auction.
Highlights include the ‘Skipperera’ chronograph dating from 1970 (estimate £20,000-30,000) and the Monaco ‘Dark Lord’ from 1974 ( estimate £25,000-35,000).
