A Rolex formerly owned by rock god and legendary watch collector Eric Clapton is being sold at the Geneva Watch Auction: XV, the biggest sale of the spring season for Phillips.
The Rolex ‘Crazy Doc’ chronograph reference 6239 in yellow gold goes under the hammer with an estimate of CHF 1.5 million.
One of the most important Rolex Daytonas to ever be offered at auction, the watch is the only known yellow gold reference 6239 with pulsations dial.
Having originally been sold in Italy in the 1990’s to Mr Clapton, the present watch made its public debut when it sold at auction in 2003, which marked the first time the musician publicly sold watches under his name.
The CHF 1.5 million estimate is likely to be exceeded for such a rare Rolex with rock star provenance, but so will the CHF 1,200,000 to CHF 2,400,000 price range given to a Patek Philippe pink gold reference 1518 with a salmon dial.
A second Patek Philippe, likely to be on the podium of top priced watches at the auction is a reference 1503 in stainless steel with black glossy dial and Breguet numerals; one of only two examples known in this configuration.
Manufactured in 1941, this watch belonged to Simon Wiesenthal – one of the world’s greatest human rights champions and holocaust survivor. It goes to auction with an estimate of CHF 250,000 to CHF 500,000.
A further highlight of the sale is the ’Paul Newman’ Rolex reference 6241 Daytona, also known as a ’John Player Special’, with a conservative estimate of CHF 700,000 to CHF 1,400,000.
Phillips Geneva Watch Auction XV highlights
Other notable timepieces to feature in the sale include a yellow gold reference 6036 ‘Killy’ (estimate CHF 500,000 – 1,000,000), an important and original reference 6541 Milgauss (estimate CHF 200,000 – 400,000), as well as a stainless-steel reference 6200 ‘Big Crown’ (estimate CHF 250,000 – 500,000).
Phillips is also delighted to offer an exceptional white gold reference 3448 with a luminous dial and hands, accompanied by its original certificate (estimate CHF 300,000 – 500,000).
One of only two known in existence, the present watch is the only known example of its kind to retain its original certificate.
Other important Patek Phillipe timepieces to be offered in this sale include a yellow gold reference 3448 (estimate CHF 150,000- 300,000) first series and a yellow gold reference 1526 with original certificate (estimate CHF 80,000 – 140,000).
With watches from independent ateliers riding a wave of demand, Phillips is pleased to present an important and early F.P. Journe Chronomètre à Résonance (estimate CHF150,000 – 300,000), made during the first years of the model’s launch.
Another notable model on offer in this sale is a Calendrier ‘Souscription’, numbered 14 out of a 20 piece series, and most probably the only ‘Souscription’ Octa Calendrier in pink gold (163711 estimate CHF 70,000 – 140,000).
An additional highlight of the sale is a unique pink gold Octa Zodiaque by F.P. Journe offered without reserve, the proceeds of the sale of this watch will be donated to, Children Action (168190 estimate CHF 150,000 – 300,000). Children Action is committed to providing services that help children and responding to humanitarian needs.
The Geneva Watch Auction XV:
Session 1: 7 May 2022, 2pm
Session 2: 8 May 2022, 2pm
Location : Hôtel La Réserve, Bellevue, Geneva
Highlight Tour
See the headline timepieces at the following locations:
United States:
New-York 24-28 March
Location: Phillips New York Office, 432 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022
Asia:
Taipei 2 – 3 April
Location: Phillips at Art Roastery x Louisa Coffee No. 95, Section 5, Xinyi Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City
Singapore 7-9 April
Location: St. Regis Hotel, 29 Tanglin Rd – Singapore 247911
Europe:
London 21-24 April
Location: Phillips’ HQ, 30 Berkeley Square, London Geneva
Geneva: 4-8 May
Location: Hôtel La Réserve, Bellevue, Geneva
