With preview from 19 June leading up the June 22nd auction of “Important Modern and Vintage Timpieces”, collectors from all over the world can now participate in Antiquorum’s auction online or in person at Antiquorum’s offices located at 805 Third Avenue in New York City. Meanwhile, here are some of the Highlights of Rare Watches from Antiquorum’s June Auction in New York with prime horological exemplars including Rolex, Patek Philippe and particularly significant A. Lange & Sohne.

Highlights of Rare Watches from Antiquorum’s June Auction in New York (and available online)

Perhaps, due to the ubiquity and almost universal love for Rolex in the watch collecting world, it’s almost inevitable that a Rolex Ref. 6239 Paul Newman naturally headlines the sale of most watch auctions, Antiquorum’s including. Come 22 June, the Rolex Ref. 6239 Paul Newman with Tropical Dial in Steel, unarguably one of the most  sought-after vintage Rolex sports model today goes on sale. Antiquorum’s own appraisers believe that it is sure to attract worldwide attention due to the striking “tropical” subdials, naturally faded into a soft and creamy chocolate color, enhancing the exceptional beauty of this vintage Rolex Daytona. Sans screw-down pushers, this rare and desirable vintage Rolex Daytona made circa 1965 is accompanied by service papers dated May 30, 1995.

1. Rolex Ref. 6239 Paul Newman with Tropical Dial in Steel

This Rolex Ref. 6239 Paul Newman with Tropical Dial in Steel, unarguably one of the most sought-after vintage Rolex sports model today goes on sale at Antiquorum’s Important Modern and Vintage Timpieces, this June in New York. Estimated auction price: $70,000 -$100,000

Another extraordinary highlight of the  “Important Modern and Vintage Timpieces” Antiquorum auction is the Patek Philippe Ref. 5078 Minute-Repeater with Black Dial in Platinum. Sold in 2010, one of the lesser known but more charming attributes of a Patek Philippe Ref. in platinum is a small diamond in the mid-case at 6 o’clock, differentiating a watch of exceptional material from the more commonplace white gold (or God forbid, mistaken for mirror polished steel) – a visual reminder of the superior exclusivity of this Patek Philippe Minute-Repeater with black lacquer dial. This Patek Ref. 5078 is accompanied by a certificate of origin and a solid platinum case back, which unfortunately, would obscure the view of the superlative finishing (Geneva stripes, guilloche, graining and chamfering of the various components) of the Calibre 27 R PS.

2. Patek Philippe Ref. 5078 Minute-Repeater with Black Dial in Platinum

This Patek Philippe Ref. 5078 Minute-Repeater with Black Dial in Platinum from the Antiquorum auction “Important Modern and Vintage Timpieces” is accompanied by a certificate of origin and a solid platinum case back, which unfortunately, would obscure the view of the superlative finishing on the chiming calibre. Estimated auction price: $250,000 – $350,000

Connoisseurs of A. Lange & Sohne will be chomping at the bit for this Antiquorum auction piece, up for grabs – an A. Lange & Sohne Lange 1 Ref. 704025 Tourbillon in Platinum with Special Ordered Blue Steel Hands. Why? Because this  A. Lange & Sohne Lange 1 Ref. 704025 is a bonafide rare highlight, the only known example in platinum fitted with blue steel hands. Apparently, it was a bespoke custom order ordained by the late honorary Chairman Walter Lange himself for a special customer. The provenance of this piece is impeccable – from manufacture documentation of special dispensation for this unique A. Lange & Sohne Lange 1 reference, preserved in pristine unworn condition complete with original accessories, acquisition of this Lange 1 is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

3. A. Lange & Sohne Lange 1 Ref. 704025 Tourbillon in Platinum with Special Ordered Blue Steel Hands

Made in 2011, this is an extremely rare A. Lange & Sohne Lange 1 Ref. 704025 Tourbillon in Platinum with Special Ordered Blue Steel Hands is a unique piece ordained by Walter Lange himself for a special customer. It is the only known example in platinum fitted with blue steel hands; and it can be yours thanks to this Antiquorum auction in June. Estimated auction price: $100,000 – $150,000

Also for sale at the June Antiquorum auction in New York is an unopen and unworn Patek Philippe Ref. 5970 Chronograph Perpetual Calendar in Yellow Gold. Widely considered to be the best watch Patek Philippe ever made due to its balanced proportions, it had a relatively short run from 2004 to 2011 due to the introduction of the in-house calibre 5270. Sold in 2008, this Lemania-based Patek Philippe Ref. 5970 Chronograph Perpetual Calendar in 18K yellow gold with perpetual calendar, moon phases, chronograph and tachymeter is considered by watch collectors to be one of the safer investments when it comes to watch collecting (the piece previously hammered north of US$89 thousand, now they cost double now at Gemnation). The lot offered by Antiquorum comes with the original wooden box, Certificate of Origin, solid 18K yellow gold caseback, setting pin and booklets.

4. Patek Philippe Ref. 5970 Chronograph Perpetual Calendar in 18K yellow gold

The Lemania-based Patek Philippe Ref. 5970 Chronograph Perpetual Calendar in 18K yellow gold is considered by many watch collectors to be one of the safer “investment pieces”. Case in point, auction prices have risen from each subsequent auction. Estimated Antiquorum auction price: $90,000 -$130,000

Next up, not the most auction friendly (in terms of value appreciation) but definitely one of the more interesting timepieces for bids at Antiquorum’s online auction, the Jean Dunand Shabaka Piece Unique in White Gold, made circa 2007. We find the Jean Dunand Shabaka particularly appealing due to the unique roller-system to indicate calendar information. Its art deco aesthetic is undeniable as is its geometric and angular case. That’s not even counting the minute repeater function. This unusual Antiquorum auction piece is available in large 18K white gold and originally retailed for $515,000. Though it’s not expected to fetch a wealth of bids, it does come as a complete set with original box, certificate, setting tool and instruction set.

5. Jean Dunand Shabaka Piece Unique in White Gold

Not the most auction friendly (in terms of value appreciation) but definitely one of the more interesting timepieces for bids at Antiquorum’s online auction, the Jean Dunand Shabaka Piece Unique in White Gold originally retailed for US$515,000 but it’s estimated to fetch: $80,000 – $120,000

One of the outstanding highlights of rare watches from Antiquorum’s June auction in New York is this amazing openworked Christophe Claret Piece Unique Tourbillon De La Roche In Platinum. A unique piece inspired by Christophe Claret’s acquisition of Chateau De La Roche in the Besancon region of France in September 2005, the Christophe Claret Piece Unique Tourbillon De La Roche is so named for the property of Baron Othon De La Roche, Duke of Athens and a knight of the fourth crusade. Made circa 2005, this is a unique and stunning, platinum and sapphire-set tourbillon wristwatch with a visible one-minute tourbillon regulator movement is made especially intriguing thanks to visible gearwork unobstructed by a dial.

6. Christophe Claret Piece Unique Tourbillon De La Roche In Platinum

The Christophe Claret Piece Unique Tourbillon De La Roche is so named for the property of Baron Othon De La Roche, Duke of Athens and a knight of the fourth crusade. One of the outstanding highlights of rare watches from Antiquorum’s June auction in New York, estimated to fetch $55,000 to $85,000

Not exactly a highlight (due to relative availability as far as rare watches go), not exactly a staple but a fan favourite at many rare watch auctions and perhaps one of the most affordable “panda” style Rolex 6263s, Antiquorum has a Rolex Ref. 6263 Big Red in Steel up for bids this June. You’d be remiss to lose out, considering it’s a piece of history at a smidgen more than the price of the new ceramic Daytonas.

7. Rolex Ref. 6263 Big Red in Steel

The June Antiquorum auction in New York has a Rolex Ref. 6263 Big Red in Steel up for bids this June estimated to fetch: $25,000 – 35,000.

No one ever says no to a Pepsi, especially when it comes in Rolex GMT form, even a Coke fan will acquiesce. A rare and definitely interesting highlight is this Rolex Ref. 6542 GMT Bakelite Bezel with Gilt Tropical Dial in Steel. Made in 1955, it’s in pretty good shape considering that Bakelite bezels have become extremely rare due to their fragility and were often replaced with later metal inserts. This Antiquorum lot up for auction in June still retains its original Bakelite bezel and the dial has turned a beautiful brown color.

8. Rolex Ref. 6542 GMT Bakelite Bezel with Gilt Tropical Dial in Steel

This Antiquorum lot Rolex Ref. 6542 GMT with Gilt Tropical Dial in Steel up for auction in June still retains its original Bakelite bezel and the dial has turned a beautiful brown color. Estimated auction price: $15,000 – $35,000

Something for the ladies too…

A 1970s, Patek Philippe Ref. 4347 Lady’s Diamond & Yellow Gold wristwatch. The rare and not exactly rectangular, cushion-shaped, 18K yellow gold and diamond lady’s wristwatch with a stunning turquoise dial and integrated 18K yellow gold woven Patek Philippe mesh bracelet.

1970s, Patek Philippe Ref. 4347 Lady’s Diamond & Yellow Gold wristwatch

The Antiquorum for Lots 1-208 will begin at Thursday, June 22, 10am Eastern Daylight Time. You can bid online or attend the preview from 19 to 21 June (11am to 7pm) or be present at the live auction at this address on 22 June:

Antiquorum Auctioneers
805 Third Avenue, 10 fl
New York, NY 10022
Tel (212) 750 -1103
Email: Newyork@antiquorum.com