Chiswick Auctions has recently opened a new saleroom at the Barley Mow Centre, just off Chiswick High Road, and the very first auction to take place there is its Fine Wristwatches & Pens sale on November 24.
Tomas Aznar, watch specialist for the auctioneer, has assembled a line up of fascinating lots headlined, as usual, by some rare Rolex pieces.
Top of the lots are a rare Rolex Daytona Big Red 6265 full set and a 1970s Submariner with the so-called ‘single red’ Mark IV dial.
This version of the iconic diving watch was produced for only a brief period of less than three year between 1973-75.
It features a calendar with ‘cyclops’ lens and the dial with the word Submariner picked out in red.
It was the last Sub to feature red lettering and the last to use tritium for its luminescence.
Such things matter a lot in the booming market for vintage branded watches – this timekeeper, with original paperwork dating it to December 1975, is expected to bring £16,000-20,000.
Chiswick Auction is also offering a Rolex dress watch connected to an American diplomat and personal friend of President Ronald Reagan.
The 14ct yellow gold automatic Oyster Perpetual Day-Date from around 1979 was previously owned by Charles H Price who in 1983 was tasked with the mission of strengthening the ‘special relationship’ with the UK.
He was also a director of US steel distribution firm with this watch inscribed ‘In appreciation Charles Price, director 1979-1981, Earle M. Jorgensen Co.’
It goes under the hammer with an estimate of £3,500 to £4,500.
Completing a trio of Rolex wrist candy is the rare and iconic Rolex Oyster Cosmograph Daytona, known between collectors as the “Big Red”.
Dating from 1983 with box and papers, it has an attractive guide price of £40,000 to £50,000.
The 2nd watch is an OP Date, not a Day-Date.