hello everyone.
I apologize for taking a week off from writing a column.
This time, we will talk about Patek Philippe watches based on the results of the watch auction held at CHRISTIE'S in Hong Kong on Saturday, May 22nd.
Actually, I had already seen some of the watches on display at the preview held at Christie's Japan office, so I was especially looking forward to the results this time. Of course, I chose the watches that caught my eye (laughs).
*The price is the winning auction price plus a commission fee (25%).
*The exchange rate for Japanese yen will be based on the rate immediately prior to the auction.
*HKD (Hong Kong Dollar) = 14.46 yen *All photos are from CHRISTIE'S.
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◆ Watches that caught Yasuharu Abe's attention [CHRISTIE'S]
- Lot.2289 Aquanaut 18KYG Ref.5060J-001
- Lot.2293 Annual Calendar T150 18KYG Ref.5150
- Lot.2295 Calatrava Pilot Travel Time SS Ref.7234
- Lot.2297 World Time Cloisonné 18KRG Ref.5131R-011
- Lot.2302 10 Days Tourbillon TIFFANY&CO. Platinum Ref.5101P-010
- Lot.2305 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph 18KWG Ref.3970EG-016
- Lot.2306 Chronograph Platinum Ref.5070P-001
- Lot.2307 Celestial 18KWG Ref.6104G-001
- Lot.2308 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Platinum Ref.5271/13P-001
- Lot.2339 Calatrava Platinum Ref.2526
- Summary
Taiji Abe's favorite watches [ Christie's ]
Lot.2289 Aquanaut 18KYG Ref.5060J-001
HKD 350,000 (JPY 5,061,000)
The "Ref. 5060J-001" was released at almost the same time as the first "Aquanaut". It looks like a "Nautilus"! I often hear people say this, but it is a genuine "Aquanaut" with an 18KYG (yellow gold) case and alligator strap. Considering future trends, it would be interesting to aim for such a model. Commit Ginza also has the same model in stock, with a very good case condition. It is a highly recommended watch, so if you are interested, please feel free to contact us.
Lot.2293 Annual Calendar T150 18KYG Ref.5150
HKD 400,000 (JPY 5,784,000)
This model was released in 2001 by Patek Philippe to commemorate the 150th anniversary of their partnership with Tiffany & Co. , featuring a hunter case and an annual calendar. The case materials were YG (yellow gold), RG (rose gold), and WG (white gold), with 150 pieces of each produced. This is a one-of-a-kind model made exclusively for Tiffany & Co. The thick case is plump and very cute, and it's a model I personally like.
Lot.2295 Calatrava Pilot Travel Time SS Ref.7234
HKD 437,500 (JPY 6,326,250)
The Travel Time "Ref. 7234" was produced in a limited run of 400 pieces at the Patek Philippe "Watch Art Grand Exhibition" held in Singapore in 2019. What is particularly noteworthy about this watch is that the case is made of stainless steel. The blue calfskin strap, which matches the color of the dial, also has a very nice feel to it. This limited edition model is definitely one you'll want to own.
Lot.2297 World Time Cloisonné 18KRG Ref.5131R-011
HKD 937,500 (JPY 13,556,250)
This is the Cloisonné series "Ref.5131" with an 18KRG (rose gold) case based on the World Time "Ref.5130". At overseas watch auctions, I think it is offered with various case materials, but I think it has a stable winning price. Personally, I think that this model and the Cloisonné with an 18KWG (white gold) case have particularly nice patterns and colors. It's a beautiful dial that seems to draw you in just by looking at it. Commit Ginza has just sold the successor model, the 18KYG (yellow gold) "Ref.5231J". I personally have a strong attachment to the Cloisonné model, and it is one of the models I always want to handle.
Lot.2302 10 Days Tourbillon TIFFANY&CO. Platinum Ref.5101P-010
HKD 2,187,500 (JPY 31,631,250)
Released in 2003, the complex model "Ref. 5101P-010" features a rectangular case, two barrels containing a mainspring with a 10-day power reserve, and a tourbillon. The see-through back allows you to see the in-house hand-wound movement "Cal. 28-20 REC 10J PS IRM". This model is not often seen on the second-hand market, but if you look at the side of the case at 9 o'clock, you will see the "TIFFANY & CO." engraving! It does not seem to come with the original warranty, but I think it is an extremely rare model.
Lot.2305 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph 18KWG Ref.3970EG-016
HKD 875,000 (JPY 12,652,500)
The third generation of perpetual calendar chronographs, the Ref. 3970, was produced for about 20 years from 1986 to around 2004, with this watch being produced in 2004, which was the last of the series. Many people support perpetual calendars that use Lemania-based movements, and the relatively small 36mm size is also a reason for its popularity. It is surprisingly hard to find an 18KWG (white gold) case model, and this model, which is a high model and appears to be in good case condition, is one we highly recommend.
Lot.2306 Chronograph Platinum Ref.5070P-001
HKD 1,625,000 (JPY 23,497,500)
The popular chronograph "Ref. 5070" is equipped with a Lemania-based movement and a case diameter that is slightly larger than Patek Philippe's . The platinum case model was announced in 2008 and production ended the following year in 2009, so production numbers are low and prices remain high. The blue dial is very beautiful and especially popular. This watch is double-sealed (with sleeve unopened), so the winning bid price is about twice as high as usual.
Lot.2307 Celestial 18KWG Ref.6104G-001
HKD 4,750,000 (JPY 68,685,000)
Based on Patek Philippe 's astronomical watch "Celestial" Ref. 5102, the bezel and buckle are set with 60 baguette-cut diamonds, and the outer periphery of the dial is equipped with a pointer date. Commit Ginza has sold this model in the past, but it is a rare model that has never been seen since. I remember it being a gorgeous and beautiful watch.
Lot.2308 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Platinum Ref.5271/13P-001
HKD 3,750,000 (JPY 54,225,000)
The current model "Ref.5271P" has 80 baguette-cut diamonds set on the bezel, lugs, and buckle, but this one is specially set with an emerald. In addition to the three places, an emerald is set at the 12 o'clock position on the dial index, which acts as an accent along with the green chronograph hand. It is said that about 10 pieces were produced, and of those, only three are in single shield (unopened plastic packaging). I have also seen ruby and blue sapphire versions, but perhaps due to this year's green trend, I personally find the emerald more attractive. (Laughs) The price is also a reasonable one.
Lot.2339 Calatrava Platinum Ref.2526
HKD 3,750,000 (JPY 54,225,000)
The last one I would like to introduce is the antique Calatrava "Ref. 2526", also known by the nickname "Tropical". The enamel dial and the crown engraved with PP are distinctive. The early automatic movement "Cal. 12-600 AT" with its heavy rotor is also irresistible to me. This is a super rare model with a platinum case and bracelet, and diamonds on the dial index, which is almost never seen. According to CHRISTIE'S , it has not been seen on the market for about 20 years. I actually had the opportunity to see it in a preview, and it was in very good condition and had an incredible aura. Commit Ginza has a track record of selling a model with an 18KRG (rose gold) case and bracelet, although it is not listed on our website. If we have the opportunity, we would like to actively handle antique models as well.
summary
So, what did you think of the CHRISTIE'S auction held in Hong Kong on Saturday, May 22nd?
I also attended the preview held at the Christie's Japan office in Tokyo in advance, where I was able to see many extremely rare pieces from Patek Philippe and Rolex. Thank you to everyone at Christie's .
This time, there were some models that you don't usually get to see and some very rare antique models on display. Being able to see such watches is something that can only be found at an overseas watch auction.
I am extremely happy that not only my beloved Patek Philippe watches, but the entire watch industry is experiencing such excitement.
That's all for this time.
see you!