Clapton and pocket

Geneva hosts Important Watches auction in May

Rock legend Eric Clapton, possibly the world’s most famous contemporary collectors of Patek Philippe watches, is providing one of the star lots at next month’s Important Watches auction at Sotheby’s in Geneva.

His Patek Philippe pink gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moon phases, reference 5970 is expected to sell for between $123,000-225,000.

The unique watch has two distinct features: a dial featuring Breguet numerals, and an unusual gold brick bracelet.

The Sotheby’s auction of Important Watches takes place on13 May 2015, with buyers encouraged to register online ahead of the sale.

Historic pocket watches will sell on the same day as vintage wristwatches from the horology world’s most prestigious and collectable names including Patek Philippe, Rolex, Breguet, Cartier and Vacheron Constantin.

“Our upcoming auction of Important Watches in Geneva has at its heart the most refined traditions and values of watchmaking art. The sale will present exceptional timepieces: magnificent pocket watches which rose to meet the exacting examination standards of the Geneva Observatory; a selection of superb vintage wristwatches, and the cutting-edge sophistication of modern complications. The event includes an impressive range of fascinating objects, created by illustrious manufacturers including Patek Philippe, Rolex, Cartier and Breguet,” promises Tim Bourne, Sotheby’s worldwide head of watches.

Another star lot will be open-faced watch in yellow gold by Patek Philippe, never before seen at auction. This reference 926/1 Pellaton style one-minute tourbillon “Bulletin d’Observatoire” was made in 1929 – but only encased in 1984. The watch passed the famously rigorous 40-day evaluation of the Geneva Observatory no fewer than 11 times, and was twice awarded the ‘A’ rating. It is expected to sell $154,000-$256,000.

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