Yasuharu Abe's Patek Theory ~107th~ April 25th [Sotheby's The Nevadian Collector] in Hong Kong

Good evening everyone.

This time, I would like to talk about the results of the Sotheby's The Nevadian Collector auction held on Monday, April 25th in Hong Kong . 39 carefully selected Patek Philippe watches were on display, but before the auction began, Mr. Ichikawa from Sotheby's contacted me and gave me the opportunity to see the rare watches in person. Therefore, I will introduce some of the photos from that time. Please enjoy until the end.

*The price is the winning auction price plus a commission fee (26%).
*The exchange rate for Japanese yen will be based on the rate immediately prior to the auction.
*HKD (Hong Kong dollar) = 16.85 yen *All images are from Sotheby's

Lot.2006
"Calatrava" 18KRG
"Ref.570"
HKD 1,386,000 (JPY 23,354,100)

When you hear the term "antique Calatrava," many people probably think of the Ref. 96, Ref. 570, or Ref. 565. The Ref. 570 was a model that was produced for a relatively long period from 1938 to 1972.

The watch we are introducing this time was manufactured in 1954 (listed in the archives) and features a center second hand, dolphin-shaped hour and minute hands, and a blued second hand, making it a very striking piece. The 18KRG (rose gold) version was produced in small numbers to begin with, and the slightly ivory dial and enamel texture on the surface are still intact, making it a very rare piece. The case is in good condition, and the hallmark can be clearly seen on the side of the case and the back of the lugs. It has a presence that has not faded even after nearly 70 years since it was manufactured, and the condition of the piece makes it a very reasonable winning bid.

Lot.2007
"Calatrava" 18KYG
"Ref.2526"
HKD 1,134,000 (JPY 19,107,900)

The popular Calatrava "Ref. 2526" among Japanese people may be associated with the word "tropical." It features a 35.5mm case diameter, which was large for the time, a screw-down back cover, and a ceramic (enamel) dial.

This is a watch manufactured in 1953, with a so-called "dimpled dial" where the dial index is recessed, a feature seen in early models. The 18KYG (yellow gold) case is in good condition, and the original PP crown remains intact, which is another point that makes it highly rated. Incidentally, it is surprising that only about 10 examples of this "dimpled dial" black dial have been confirmed to exist.

Lot.2009
"Perpetual Calendar Chronograph" 18KRG
"Ref.1518"
HKD 22,760,000 (JPY 383,506,000)

The first model equipped with a perpetual calendar chronograph, Ref. 1518, was introduced in 1941.
A total of 281 pieces were produced, of which 58 are said to have 18KRG (rose gold) cases. Of these, only 14 have dials in "copper" or "salmon" colors.

This watch has a dark dial color, so I think the color "copper" is appropriate. Although it has been nearly 80 years since it was manufactured, the hallmark is clearly visible and the case is in excellent condition.

I actually had the chance to hold the watch in my hands and look at it, and the dial was so beautiful, it was like a work of art. It's a rare model that you can only see at overseas watch auctions. I'd like to handle it someday.

Lot.2010
"Calatrava" 18KRG
"Ref.2526"
HKD 567,000 (JPY 9,553,950)

The Calatrava "Tropical" 18KRG (rose gold) version "Ref. 2526".

This watch was manufactured in 1957 (archive listing), and has "SERPICO Y LAINO CARACAS" written on the bottom of the small seconds at 6 o'clock on the dial, with "SERPICO Y LAINO" referring to the authorized dealer that was located in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela at the time. Many "Ref. 2526" watches made of 18KRG (rose gold) were sold in South America, and were particularly popular at "SERPICO Y LAINO". The back cover is also engraved with "S & L", which will tickle the hearts of collectors.

I also got to see this watch in person, and the hallmark was clearly visible, and the case was in very good condition.

Lot.2018
"Perpetual Calendar Chronograph" 18KRG
"Ref.2499"
HKD 60,265,000 (JPY 1,015,465,250)

The Ref. 2499 is the second generation of the Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Chronograph model, which was introduced in 1950. Despite its long production period of 35 years until 1985, it is a rare model, with only 349 pieces produced.

The 1st and 2nd series of "Ref. 2499" with a tachymeter scale on the dial are particularly popular, and the most obvious difference between the former and latter is whether the chronograph buttons are square or round. Only nine watches with 18KRG (rose gold) cases are known from the 2nd series, and this is the only one with a retailer listed. "GOBBI.MILANO" is written under the moon phase at 6 o'clock, which is a famous authorized dealer in Milan, Italy. The case is in surprisingly good condition, and the winning bid was over 1 billion yen in Japanese yen...However, given its rarity and excellent condition, we have to say that the price is reasonable.

Lot.2019
"Calatrava" 18KYG
"Ref.3428"
HKD 567,000 (JPY 9,553,950)

The successor model to the Calatrava "Ref. 2526" "Tropical" is the "Ref. 3428".

Many people may not even know that this model exists. It has the same 35.5mm case diameter as the "Ref. 2526", but the case is thinner thanks to the adoption of the thinner and lighter Patek Philippe second-generation automatic movement, the "Cal. 27-460".
It is said that "Ref. 3428" began production in 1960, but little is known about the period and number produced, and it is a model with very few on the market.

I also had the opportunity to see this one in person, and was able to confirm that the case was in good condition and that the hallmark was clearly visible. It was a very impressive piece, and I immediately considered bidding on it.

Lot.2021
"Perpetual Calendar Chronograph" 18KYG
"Ref.2499"
HKD 23,365,000 (JPY 393,700,250)

Like Lot. 2018, this is the second series of the Patek Philippe "Ref. 2499" with a perpetual calendar chronograph in 18KYG (yellow gold).

Of particular note is the use of luminous material on the hour and minute hands and dial indexes. As stated in the archives, this is an extremely rare piece, as it is the only one in the 2nd series to use luminous material. The crown has been replaced, but the original warranty card is also included, making this a collection piece.

I also had the opportunity to see this piece in person, and it was so beautiful that it took my breath away. The winning bid was about 400 million yen, but to be honest, it seemed reasonable to me. Of course, there's no way I could buy it... (laughs)

Lot.2039
"Perpetual Calendar Moon Phase" Platinum
"Ref.3940"
HKD 945,000 (JPY 15,923,250)

The "Ref. 3940" was released in 1985 to replace the "Perpetual Calendar Moon Phase" "Ref. 3450". This perpetual calendar model was produced until 2007 and was relatively affordable until then.

Thinking about it, I realized that the 18KYG (yellow gold) models I have handled so far have been mostly 18KRG (rose gold) and 18KWG (white gold) models, and I have the impression that there are only a few of them...Huh? Have I ever seen a Platinum model before? Maybe this is the first time I've seen one? I wondered. It's a model that is not widely available.

I also had the opportunity to see this model in person. Compared to the models we have introduced so far, it is more current, but it also has a classical atmosphere, such as the color of the 24-hour subdial at the 9 o'clock position, and it was a wonderful piece. The winning bid was about 16 million yen in Japanese yen. I'm convinced!

Lot.2040
"Calendar Chronograph" 18KYG
"Ref.3970"
HKD 1,008,000 (JPY 16,984,800)

The third generation "Ref. 3970" model equipped with the "Perpetual Calendar Chronograph" by Patek Philippe, which was the first to adopt leap year display. This popular model is equipped with the Lemania movement "Cal. CH 27-70 Q".

This particular watch is in extremely good case condition, and like the aforementioned "Ref. 3940," it has a 24-hour subdial at the 9 o'clock position, a straight chronograph hand, and a classic atmosphere. It is a collector's item that comes complete with the original warranty and accessories. Commit Ginza also handled the "Ref. 3970" relatively recently, but we received a large number of inquiries and the sale was completed early. Once again, we feel that this is a model that is attracting attention.

summary

Thanks to the generosity of Sotheby's and Mr. Ichikawa, we were able to see the precious watches that were on display in advance. Thank you very much.

I think there are many things about antique watches that can only be understood and felt by seeing them in person. There aren't many opportunities to actually get your hands on one, so when I get this opportunity, I would like to introduce it to you all based on my impressions of seeing it in person.

So stay tuned for the next time.

see you!