Yasuharu Abe's Patek Theory - No. 38 - 2020/11/28 CHRISTIE'S Auction

hello everyone.

As it was auction season, the auction was held in Hong Kong on Saturday, November 28th.

Based on the results of the Christie's watch auction, I would like to write about Patek Philippe watches, focusing on the ones that caught my eye.

Coincidentally, this day was my birthday. As usual, I would have gone to the auction site, but unfortunately I couldn't do that this year. (laughs)

 *The price is the winning auction price plus a commission fee (26%).
 *The Japanese yen rate will be based on the exchange rate immediately prior to the auction.
 *HKD (Hong Kong dollar) = 13.87 yen
 *All images are from [CHRISTIE'S]. 

Lot.2359 Aquanaut Large Size SS Ref.5065A-001

HKD 325,000 (JPY 4,507,750)

This is the second generation Aquanaut, and due to the current popularity of the Aquanaut, the price on the market has risen. The original warranty and the additional dark blue tropical band that comes with it also make it a good deal. Generally speaking, the Aquanaut with the tropical band is still popular.

Lot.2361 Nautilus SS Ref.5800/1A-001

HKD 437,500 (JPY 6,068,125)

The Nautilus SS (stainless steel) case, medium size "Ref. 5800/1A-001". This model was released in 2005 and production ended after only a few years. It has maintained a stable winning price at auctions. I think the person who won this time got it at a relatively reasonable winning price. Commit Ginza has also sold several units.

Lot.2362 Nautilus SS Ref.3800

HKD 475,000 (JPY 6,588,250)

The medium-sized Nautilus SS (stainless steel) case "Ref. 3800". The rare slate gray dial with Arabic indexes and hands is very cute. It seems to have the original warranty and box, but according to the archives, it seems that the original dial was replaced with a gray dial by Patek Philippe . There are many collectors looking for this dial, so the winning bid was high.

Lot.2369 Nautilus Petite Complication SS Ref.3712/1A-001

HKD 812,500 (JPY 11,269,375)

The Nautilus large size, which ended its lifespan along with the Nautilus medium size "Ref. 5800/1A-001", The "Ref. 3712/1A-001" is nicknamed "Petit Computer" . When compared to the current model Petit Computer "Ref. 5712/1A-001", the differences in the thickness of the hands, date display, and indexes are easy to see. The crown is not screw-in type, and the case shape is different, giving it a more classic feel, and it is a watch that I personally like very much. It also comes with accessories such as a warranty and box, and this also had a stable winning bid price.

Lot.2381 10 Days Tourbillon 18KRG Ref.5101R-001

HKD 1,187,500 (JPY 16,470,625)

The "Ref. 5101R-001" tourbillon model with a 10-day power reserve was released in 2009. The impressive case and the tourbillon that can only be seen from the back make this a watch that is packed with Patek Philippe 's attention to detail. The first "5101P" released in 2003 has been sold at Commit Ginza, but we would like to try materials other than PT (platinum) cases. I think the winning bid was reasonable.

Lot.2391 Perpetual Calendar Split Second Chronograph Platinum Ref.5951P-001

HKD 3,000,000 (JPY 41,610,000)

This is the "5951P-001" released in 2010. Inspired by the Art Deco Western-style timepieces that caused a sensation in the 1920s and 1930s, this cushion-shaped platinum case housed an ultra-thin movement with a split-seconds chronograph and perpetual calendar, which became a hot topic. Of course, there are few of these on the market, and I have never seen this model outside of an auction. I would like to handle a model like this someday.

Lot.2401 Perpetual Calendar Chronosplit Platinum Ref.5004P-015

HKD 2,875,000 (JPY 39,876,250)

The popular perpetual calendar chrono split "Ref. 5004" is equipped with a Lemania movement. Recently, at the PHILLIPS auction held in Geneva, I saw a "Ref. 5004" with an additional silver dial and diamond indexes. As stated in the warranty, this watch is an original specification, making it an extremely rare piece. The winning bid price is also reasonable.

Lot.2403 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Platinum Ref.5971P-001

HKD 2,125,000 (JPY 29,473,750)

The "Ref. 5971P" is a perpetual calendar chronograph from the popular "Ref. 5970" series, equipped with a Lemania-based movement, with a platinum case and baguette diamond bezel. This is a single sealed watch in an unopened plastic bag, and the winning bid was higher than at the PHILLIPS auction, which was also held in Hong Kong. When I saw several of these in the past, I wondered if they were relatively common on the market, but it seems like they're actually quite rare. (laughs)

Lot.2405 Minute Repeater 18KRG Ref.5029R-001

HKD 3,500,000 (JPY 48,545,000)

In 1997, to commemorate the establishment of Patek Philippe 's new factory, the "Ref. 5029" model was produced in 18KYG (yellow gold), 18KRG (rose gold), and platinum cases, with only 30 pieces produced in total. This was the first model to feature a minute repeater in an "officer" style case that paid homage to the design of Patek Philippe watches from the early 20th century. I think this is truly an auction piece watch.

Lot.2421 Calatrava Platinum Ref.3445

HKD 1,000,000 (JPY 13,870,000)

The "Ref. 3445" is a representative model of the antique Calatrava equipped with an automatic movement. What is noteworthy about this model is that the case is made of PT (platinum), there are few of them, and the archives also state that the dial is marked "Diamond hour-markers." The "Ref. 3445" with an 18KWG (white gold) case was relatively common, but it has become hard to find recently.

Lot.2422 Calatrava 18KWG Ref.2526

HKD 3,875,000 (JPY 53,746,250)

The "Ref. 2526" is an antique Calatrava model equipped with an automatic movement and nicknamed "Tropical" . What is noteworthy about this model is that it has an 18KWG (white gold) case, which is said to be rare. It is even rarer than the PT (platinum) case, which is also said to be rare. It is more of a collection piece than something for everyday use. Although it is not listed on our website, Commit has previously sold a model with an 18KRG (rose gold) case and a bracelet.

Lot.2423 Perpetual Calendar Moon Phase 18KWG Ref.3448

HKD 9,250,000 (JPY 128,297,500)

The popular model "Ref. 3448" was released in 1962 and is said to be the world's first wristwatch equipped with an automatic movement and perpetual calendar. There are few models with 18KWG (white gold) cases, and it is rare to see a watch with such a good condition of both the dial and case, even at auctions. This is understandable, but it is also a surprising winning bid price.

summary

There were many other Patek Philippe watches up for auction at Christie's this time, but we have also taken into account the PHILLIPS auction that we talked about previously and introduced some models that caught our eye.

As I have said many times before, being able to see incredible models and rare antique watches that you normally don't get to see is something that can only be done at overseas auctions, and it's a lot of fun.

see you!