Afternoon spent day-dreaming with really rare watches

I always look forward to days like this when I can enjoy some really important, rare and beautiful watches, to see them up close, touch them and try them on, it's really a special feeling to see the details and the hard work put into these pieces. Christie's upcoming auction on Monday has a lot more interesting and rare watches but I found these few here to be the most interesting for me so spent good few hours drooling over them today.

Had to spend a good hour browsing jewelry to make my wife happy so she can prepare what was coming after, ha-ha.

http://imageshack.us/a/img841/6418/img4274t.jpg

So now we start. Probably the most interesting Rolex I have ever seen, only 12 ever made of this reference and only 8 still around, huge 44mm and flat with square pushers, very unusual for Rolex, the only split seconds chrono ever made I believe.

http://imageshack.us/a/img707/1931/img4275o.jpg

Even rarer, the Rolex Zerograph, probably the rarest rolex chrono, this probably was a prototype where only 12 pieces were ever made and only 4 of them survived. Not a lot info even from Rolex and the chrono works all the time, you have to push the chrono button to sync the hand to zero and start the count.

http://imageshack.us/a/img713/6861/img4276kd.jpg

I'm not big fan of Rolex but I can't resist this piece I'm afraid. Chocolate California 4 line dial that has incredible aging on it. How the color changes when turned into light is simply magnificent.

http://imageshack.us/a/img37/3914/img4277p.jpg

Another of the few Rolex pieces that I like, Panda Dial Paul Newman this thing is gorgeous.

http://imageshack.us/a/img600/8088/img4278io.jpg

And definitely my FAVORITE Rolex, the rare Stelline, this watch has crazy history of being in the same family for 3 generations and passed over from Father to Son, and after many years they are shown in public. The first original owner was so worried about loosing the watch that he drilled an additional lug holes and put a gold bracelet that goes around the wrist once the watch is put so it can not be detached if the pins fail or the clasp is open. The moon faces are just so amazing it's hard to resist this watch. Absolute perfection.

http://imageshack.us/a/img202/8882/img4279c.jpg

Speaking of perfection, I think it's hard to beat this black dial WG Nautilus...

http://imageshack.us/a/img823/9376/img4281g.jpg

just when I thought this thing was heavy I lifted this:

http://imageshack.us/a/img35/4531/img4288az.jpg

All platinum Nautilus and the only one in the world. ref 3700 this watch is actually a myth. Up until now an all platinum version of this watch has never been seen, sold nor discussed by Patek Philippe. This is the only one known to exist. And it saw my wrist

http://imageshack.us/a/img547/8154/img4289p.jpg

This is the first ever Celestial I have seen in front of me and I still can't understand the complexity of it even after reading about it and listening about it for 20 minutes. :anonymous: You'll need a degree in astrology to be able to use it, nonetheless, the watch has simply stunning dial

http://imageshack.us/a/img818/9725/img4291kh.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img855/3451/img4293rx.jpg

Another split seconds chrono from Patek, platinum ref 5004 with gorgeous looking movement

http://imageshack.us/a/img585/7203/img4296x.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img211/5857/img4299p.jpg

Like many other watch enthusiasts I have been dreaming about a Nautilus and today for the first time I was able to have the 3 different versions of it and I must say that I liked the Chrono version best, the 5980

http://imageshack.us/a/img818/363/img4300rw.jpg

it's just so much better compared with the 5712 and the 5711, sits higher, it's a bit thicker than the 5712, it has a 2 hands on the chrono for minutes/hours, the seconds hand goes back smoothly when you reset the chrono, what a watch, honestly:

http://imageshack.us/a/img16/8458/img4303l.jpg

or course this thing is simply gorgeous:

5712 in white gold.

http://imageshack.us/a/img5/2413/img4305z.jpg

I love the power reserve and moonphase on the 5712 so I guess they would be a perfect 2 watches for a collection...

http://imageshack.us/a/img16/5485/img4311us.jpg

That's it from my day-dreaming day, back to reality, hope you enjoy the photos

I like the whole damn collection...WOW.

Wow! Consider yourself very lucky. Those are some amazing watches! That black dial Nautilus is something else.

so, you are dead and posting from heaven?

amazing watches!

Hi A,
Waow! I love that 6538! What an afternoon. Man, I miss la Suisse!

Just... wow.

Regards,
Adam

Great little thread! Great photos!

... I need to get out more.... (if this is going to be the effect of getting out more :)

That's amazing. What sort of prices were they predicted to go for?

The only thing I don't like are the diamond indices on the platinum Nautilus, they're just a bit small.

Stunning!!!

Simple to die for. There's also an article on a couple of these:

http://www.hodinkee.com/blog/rarest-...raphs-in-the-w

Hi mate,

You are a luck bugger. I saw some pics of the Nautilus chrono recently and it didn't inspire me, but on your wrist it does seem to come alive!

Most in not all of those are probably worth more than my house, but Im still very pleased with the Marine Chronometer you sold me!

Rob

Glad you like the photos, about estimates:

The 100 karat diamond, I didn't ask, probably around 40M? That thing is like 15cm big

The Split Seconds Rolex estimate GBP 476k - 816k (specialists there are sure it will go above this estimate)

The zerograph, estimate GBP 170k to 240k

the 4 line sub 6538 (hugo's favourite I'm sure!) estimate GBP 102k - 170k

Paul Newman Panda estimate GBP 40k - 60k

Stelline, estimate GBP 68k - 102k

The WG black dial Nautilus, estimate GBP 17k - 24k

The all platinum 3700, estimate GBP 204k - 340k

Celestial, estimate GBP 102k - 170k

Patek split seconds, estimate GBP 109k - 163k

Patek 5980 chrono, estimate GBP 13.5k - 20.5k

Patek WG 5712, estimate GBP 13.5k - 20.5k

Quote:

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Originally Posted by AIDM

Hi mate,

You are a luck bugger. I saw some pics of the Nautilus chrono recently and it didn't inspire me, but on your wrist it does seem to come alive!

Most in not all of those are probably worth more than my house, but Im still very pleased with the Marine Chronometer you sold me!

Rob

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Hi Rob,

Indeed, the Nautilus chrono looks like a winner when compared to the other versions of the Nautilus family. Photos just don't justify it, its wrist presence and how today we like a bit bigger and chunkier watches really makes it perfect, I am crazy about power reserve and moonphase complications but if I were to buy a Nautilus I would definitely go for the chrono after comparing them together.

And yes, the prices of all these watches are simply :hopelessness:

:livid:

Wow. Just, wow.

What a great post from the OP.

Many thanks for taking the time and trouble to show us some truly superb world-class pieces of horological history. :encouragement:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TheFlyingBanana

What a great post from the OP.

Many thanks for taking the time and trouble to show us some truly superb world-class pieces of horological history. :encouragement:

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Thank you, I probably missed a lot of details and facts but I can only remember so much :livid:

Top, top post. Thanks for sharing Swissz.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Swissz

Glad you like the photos, about estimates:

The 100 karat diamond, I didn't ask, probably around 40M? That thing is like 15cm big

The Split Seconds Rolex estimate GBP 476k - 816k (specialists there are sure it will go above this estimate)

The zerograph, estimate GBP 170k to 240k

the 4 line sub 6538 (hugo's favourite I'm sure!) estimate GBP 102k - 170k

Paul Newman Panda estimate GBP 40k - 60k

Stelline, estimate GBP 68k - 102k

The WG black dial Nautilus, estimate GBP 17k - 24k

The all platinum 3700, estimate GBP 204k - 340k

Celestial, estimate GBP 102k - 170k

Patek split seconds, estimate GBP 109k - 163k

Patek 5980 chrono, estimate GBP 13.5k - 20.5k

Patek WG 5712, estimate GBP 13.5k - 20.5k

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So you tried on in excess of a million pounds worth of watches! Not a bad day.

Incredible to see some rare watches like that! Thanks for the post and write up:)

It certainly must have been interesting to handle such rare pieces, although ironically, I don't think any are worth anywhere near what people pay for them! (Which I know is a contradiction).

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Swissz

Glad you like the photos, about estimates:

The 100 karat diamond, I didn't ask, probably around 40M? That thing is like 15cm big

The Split Seconds Rolex estimate GBP 476k - 816k (specialists there are sure it will go above this estimate)

The zerograph, estimate GBP 170k to 240k

the 4 line sub 6538 (hugo's favourite I'm sure!) estimate GBP 102k - 170k

Paul Newman Panda estimate GBP 40k - 60k

Stelline, estimate GBP 68k - 102k

The WG black dial Nautilus, estimate GBP 17k - 24k

The all platinum 3700, estimate GBP 204k - 340k

Celestial, estimate GBP 102k - 170k

Patek split seconds, estimate GBP 109k - 163k

Patek 5980 chrono, estimate GBP 13.5k - 20.5k

Patek WG 5712, estimate GBP 13.5k - 20.5k

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....that's so much money I don't even know what it means....!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by robcat

It certainly must have been interesting to handle such rare pieces, although ironically, I don't think any are worth anywhere near what people pay for them! (Which I know is a contradiction).

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I know what you mean, and you are not the only one with skeptical views on the prices they fetch. Some of the specialists share this view as well.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by hugo2703

....that's so much money I don't even know what it means....!

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Tomorrow night auctions ends so we'll have prices realized for each piece.

Wonderful stuff. Some amazing watches right there. I really like that 44mm Rolex. Stunning.

Brilliant thread Andronik... Some very, very special watches; still not sold on the Nautilus though!! :-D

The dial on that 6538 is superb. But if you bought it at such an enormous price, would you ever be brave enough to wear it? Presumably at this extreme end of the market these watches go straight into the safe and rarely onto the wrist.

Thanks for sharing, totally amazing.
And

WOW.

Just WOW.

Thank you very much for the opportunity to see these.

R

They are all lovely! Thanks for sharing.

Love the Stelline! Thanks for sharing.

Fantastic post, cheers!

Probably the best post of rare collectibles seen first hand that I have ever had the pleasure to scroll through. Some of those watches were ones that caught my attention very early into getting into watches and it's fair to say that prices are through the roof compared to back then (... and muppets still blanket claim watches that don't make good investments).

There are very few watches that have diamonds on the dial that appeal to me but that PP platinum certainly breaks the mould. Nice to have a "unique" piece that is truly unique.

Before harder times I fancied a Nautilus myself...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v127/gray8/ap5.jpg

Thanks. Good to see some normal pictures in stead of the over the top catalogue ones.

Thanks for posting this, Andronik. I have the auction playing in the background at work - the auctioneer is really working for his money. Running at full tilt in 3 languages for that period of time is some feat.

Very tempted to order a copy of the auction catalogue having seen the great line up.

Its all going a bit crazy in Geneve today - to much money chasing the really rare peices.

http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/s...&viewType=grid

Everything is either top end of estimate or over.

My personal fav Lot 125 - A $1/4M SS (without diamonds, but with a box/paper) GMT!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Carlton-Browne

Thanks for posting this, Andronik. I have the auction playing in the background at work - the auctioneer is really working for his money. Running at full tilt in 3 languages for that period of time is some feat.

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His name is Aurel Bacs, he really does one hell of a job, from morning to evening he doesn't stop and he really manages to push prices up between people in the room as he knows them from previous auctions (most of the bidders in the room are more or less the same folk that are present on every auction in the last 10-15-20 years) and he manages to remember who was fighting who 10 years ago for a watch that is on the list today! So he really puts a show, if you ever have a chance to watch the auction live from the floor is something worth doing. It can be boring at times but for the most interesting pieces it really gets fun.

He started dealing watches at crazy age of 10 or something, so he is as big professional as it gets for vintage watches.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by explorer 1

Very tempted to order a copy of the auction catalogue having seen the great line up.

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I was sent one extra catalog by mistake, if you want I can give to you.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Swissz

Glad you like the photos, about estimates:

The 100 karat diamond, I didn't ask, probably around 40M? That thing is like 15cm big

The Split Seconds Rolex estimate GBP 476k - 816k (specialists there are sure it will go above this estimate)

The zerograph, estimate GBP 170k to 240k

the 4 line sub 6538 (hugo's favourite I'm sure!) estimate GBP 102k - 170k

Paul Newman Panda estimate GBP 40k - 60k

Stelline, estimate GBP 68k - 102k

The WG black dial Nautilus, estimate GBP 17k - 24k

The all platinum 3700, estimate GBP 204k - 340k

Celestial, estimate GBP 102k - 170k

Patek split seconds, estimate GBP 109k - 163k

Patek 5980 chrono, estimate GBP 13.5k - 20.5k

Patek WG 5712, estimate GBP 13.5k - 20.5k

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These are the prices realized this evening:

Rolex split seconds - 758k GBP
Zerograph - 266k GBP
Submariner 4 liner chocolate dial - 356k GBP
Paul Newman - 101k GBP
Stelline - 134k GBP
WG black dial Nautilus - 36k GBP
All Platinum unique 3700 nautilus - 537k GBP
Celestial - 134k GBP
Patek split seconds - 136k GBP
5980 chrono - 30k GBP
5712 - 27k GBP

fantastic pieces. nothing else to be said.

Solid platinum Nautilus! Awe-inspiring watch!

If I had the funds I'd have bought it and worn it as much as possible. I hope the buyers of these pieces get plenty of wrist time from them.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Nagraboy

I hope the buyers of these pieces get plenty of wrist time from them.

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I somehow don't think that's going to happen!!!

Bloody lovely pieces though. If I had the money I would certainly give them the wrist time.

What a stunning line up. My favourite is the Rolex split second. Such a shame that they are all destined to only see the inside of a safe. Mind you, I am not sure I would want to strap a million pound watch to my wrist on a daily basis.

Wow, wow, wow! That's beyond incredible stuff to have met your wrist!

40M for the diamond! WHAT

The platinum version of the Nautilus (doesn't show on my photos) it looked as if it was a daily wearer for the original owner, it was quite beaten up. Marks, scuffs on the bracelet and the case. You know you are important when Patek makes a special piece for you and you wear it every day, lol.

The diamond goes on auction today, we'll see what it will fetch. 40M was my estimate as the auction estimate is "upon request"