This is a brief update on my December 11th, 2012 preview of theGold IWC Ingenieur SL Automatic Ref 9503/9232.  Fetchng $21,250, the watch came in near the midpoint of the estimated $15,000 – $25,000 range.  Quite the deal, if you ask me.  For more details on this watch, please see my original, in-depth review HERE.

Gold IWC Ingenieur SL Automatic Ref 9503/9232

Auctioned by Antiquorum

This is a brief update on my December 7th, 2012 preview of the Patek Philippe Platinum Ref 5016 with Red + Black Dial:  the rare Patek Philippe watch, with tourbillon, minute repeater, and retrograde perpetual calendar fetched $722,750.  This beat the pre-auction estimate of $500,000 – $700,000.  For more details on this superb watch, please see my original, in-depth review HERE.

Patek Philippe Platinum Ref 5016 Red + Black Dial

Auctioned by Antiquorum

Rare Genta-designed, yellow gold Ingenieur SL…est. $15,000 – $25,000…

Seeing that 2013 will be the “Year of the Ingenieur” for IWC Schaffhausen, I thought it appropriate to highlight a very special vintage IWC Ingenieur up for grabs at Antiquorum’s December 13, 2012 watch sale.   The piece you see here, an IWC Ingenieur SL Automatic, is entirely cased in 18k yellow gold and represents one of only 200 such pieces that were made (this one, circa 1978).  And don’t forget that it was the late Gerald Genta who designed the original IWC Ingenieur SL (Ref 1832), which further adds to the appeal of this timepiece.  In total, Genta’s IWC Ingenieur SL Automatic was produced in less than 600 examples between 1976-1984, according to experts at Antiquorum.  But it is the relative scarcity of the yellow gold cased Ingenieur SL’s that makes them amongst the most sought after watches from the Ingenieur family.  The present example is being offered with the original box and certificate, as well as 2 extra links — all in original condition.

IWC Ingenieur SL Automatic Ref 9503/9232, made circa 1978

40mm 18k yellow gold case (12mm thick), Cal. C. 8541 B

Pre-Auction Estimate: 15,000 USD – 25,000 USD

As you can see this piece is quite appealing, and would surely make a fantastic addition to any high-end collection.  You can browse this and other auction lots yourself here:  Antiquorum Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces NY Catalog.

Did You Know?

The launch of the first IWC Ingenieur in 1955 (Ref. 666) took place at a time of growing enthusiasm for technology and economic boom. Its automatic movement with bidirectional winding had been developed by the then Technical Director Albert Pellaton. The Pellaton winding system was particularly efficient and gave IWC a decisive competitive edge — it is still used by IWC today.

In the mid-1970s, freelance designer Gérald Genta revolutionized the appearance of modern timepieces with an uncomplicated, technology-inspired design language.  For IWC Schaffhausen, he designed the legendary Ingenieur SL (Ref. 1832).  Instead of concealing the bores for the screws that held the bezel in position, he made them a design feature and the hallmark of the watch family.  (via IWC)

Tourbillon, minute repeater, retrograde perpetual calendar…est. $500k-$700k…

Antiquorum’s “Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces” sale in New York is one week away (Thurs, Dec. 13), and I’d like to highlight the star of the sale:  a platinum Patek Philippe perpetual calendar + minute repeater + tourbillon (Ref. 5016) with a unique black and red dial.  By any account it is a stunning timepiece.  The bold and striking dial is one to its own — in other words, a commissioned piece from a very important Patek Philippe client.  Furthermore, the watch is rated to be in “exceptional” condition, essentially a “like new” timepiece.  Accordingly, the pre-sale estimate is $500,000 – $700,000.  Here’s the rundown on this watch.
Read the rest of this entry »

While much focus on the November watch auction scene will be on Christies’ November 12th sale, a sale in which, among other rarities, Eric Clapton’s platinum Patek Philippe Ref 2499 could fetch upwards of $4 million, did you know that there is another Patek Ref 2499 that will sell this month?  Yes indeed, on November 19^th at The Mandarin Oriental Geneva Antiquorum will sell the yellow gold Ref 2499 you see here. While it is safe to say that most Perpetuelle readers are well versed in the significance of the Patek Philippe Ref 2499 series — a result of my extensive and well-informed writeup on the significance of the 2499 in my Clapton article — I’ll take the time to run down for you the merits of this particular 2499, including an explanation of why it is expected to fetch a hefty $200,000 – $300,000, but still a far cry from the $4 million of the Clapton 2499.  All below.
Read the rest of this entry »

Yesterday, October 21, 2012, marked the one year anniversary of the passing of horological genius Dr. George Daniels.   In many ways, Daniels left behind a profound impact on the art of watchmaking.  He is one of if not “the” defining watchmaker of the 20th century.  And on this occasion, I would like to bring to your attention two important matters related to George Daniels.  First, just published, a very rare and revealing interview from December 2009, conducted by Mr. Constantin Stikas.  Second, a preview of the upcoming sale (November 6) by Sotheby’s of “The George Daniels Horlogical Collection.”  There’s never been a better time to learn about and appreciate the late Dr. George Daniels and his contributions to horology.
Read the rest of this entry »

The Christie’s Geneva auction of Important Watches of November 12 is fast approaching.  Of course you’ve already seen what is likely to be the top lot of the sale — an ultra-rare platinum perpetual calendar chronograph by Patek Philippe, reference 2499/100, from the collection of Eric Clapton (estimate: SFr.2,500,000-4,000,000) — but with 310 lots there are plenty of other watches for collectors of every style.

For example, there’s  this splendid looking Audemars Piguet chronograph, actually a piece made for Cartier in 1946.  When it comes to auction next month, it will have been in the same private collection for almost 20 years.  Let’s take a closer look at this watch and its interesting provenance.
Read the rest of this entry »

Today I read with great fascination and admiration this review and discussion of a super rare NATO strap — the original NATO strap issued with the Rolex Milsub watches.  Perpetuelle readers know I am not big into the Rolex game, but when it comes to rarity and uniqueness I don’t discriminate — so simple, yet so awesome — this is something to be appreciated.   Check it out over at the 100PERCENT-Rolex blog!

pics from 100PERCENT-Rolex

I say it again:  Steve McQueen Heuer Monaco Sells for $799,500.  Huh?!?  What the–what to say except “insane”!!!!!!! I didn’t see it coming!!!!  Here’s what I tweeted 5 days ago:

@markdchou @hodinkee would be very surprised it if fetched 200k

— Perpetuelle (@perpetuelle) July 27, 2012

Via Heuer expert OnTheDash, who have been all over this story, via HODINKEE.  OnTheDash (Part 1 (even though it says Part 3), Part 2, Part 3)

Heuer Monaco Worn by Steve McQueen

Hammered at $650,000, $799,500 with Buyer’s Premium