A. Lange & Söhne
Highlights from the Phillips Hong Kong Watch Auction: NINE
Following our round-up of the Phillips Hong Kong Watch Auction: NINE evening session titled ‘FIRST’, we decided to go back to Phillips to check out some of the timepieces that will make up the day sale on November 26. Here are five lots we found interesting but of course there are many more you can browse in their online catalogue.
Lot 884 – Rolex Explorer II with a “cream” dial
Lot 884 – Rolex Explorer II with a “cream” dial
One of the main features that collectors love to look for in vintage watches, is a dial that has aged in such a way that it has developed a unique patina. This example here is a ref. 16550 which was only in production for a few years before it was replaced by its successor the ref. 16750.
Lot 884 – Rolex Explorer II with a “cream” dial
As you can see in these pictures, the dial has developed a uniform patina which has turned it into a “cream” colour and this is where the appeal of the watch resides. On top of that, the lot comes in a full set with its accessories.
Estimate for this lot is HKD 120,000-200,000.
Lot 897 – Omega Speedmaster “Ultraman”
Lot 897 – Omega Speedmaster “Ultraman”
Vintage Omega Speedmasters fitted with a special orange chronograph hand, nicknamed the “Ultraman”, have been steadily rising in value in recent years. Last year, Omega even released a special Speedy Tuesday limited edition timepiece that paid homage to this vintage reference of Speedmaster.
Lot 897 – Omega Speedmaster “Ultraman”
There are an estimated 50 watches fitted with the correct configuration and they all fall within movement numbers ranging only from 26’076’XXX to 26’079’XXX. The present example is movement number 26’077’518 and comes with an Omega Extract from the Archives proving that this lot is from the correct period.
Estimate for this lot is HKD 155,000-235,000.
Lot 956 – Patek Philippe ref. 5208P
Lot 956 – Patek Philippe ref. 5208P
The Patek Philippe ref. 5208 was in production for seven years but due to the intensively long process of creating this masterpiece, it is believed that no more than 10 pieces were produced annually and was only offered to the most loyal collectors of the maison.
Lot 956 – Patek Philippe ref. 5208P
This perpetual calendar single-button chronograph with minute repeater was only discontinued last year but you can believe that it will become a highly sought-after piece in the future, especially in a metal such as platinum. Add to this the fact that this present lot comes as a full set and you got yourself a sure winner.
Estimate for this lot is HKD 4,000,000-6,000,000.
Lot 962 – A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1
Lot 962 – A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1
Groundbreaking for its time, the Lange 1 is a timepiece that is now iconic for the German watchmaking maison and was part of the range of models available when the brand was relaunched in 1994.
Lot 962 – A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1
This present lot from circa 1995 is a chance to own a very early example of the Lange 1 in 18k yellow gold which would be like owning a piece of watchmaking history at this point.
Estimate for this lot is HKD 100,000-150,000.
Lot 1113 – Rolex GMT-Master “Tiffany & Co”
Lot 1113 – Rolex GMT-Master “Tiffany & Co”
This lot is a Rolex GMT-Master ref. 16700 which is one of those transitional references that always attracts collectors. Launched in 1988, it replaced its predecessor the ref. 16750 but was produced surprisingly until 1999 alongside its newer counterpart the Rolex GMT-Master II.
Lot 1113 – Rolex GMT-Master “Tiffany & Co”
Ref. 16700 with its new caliber 3175 maintained the non-independent hour hand and featured a sapphire crystal. It was also produced in a smaller quantity then the GMT-Master II which makes it a rare collector’s piece. This present lot is also signed by the famous American retailer Tiffany & Co. and is complete with all its accessories.
Estimate for this lot is HKD 160,000-250,000.
Auction Details
The Phillips Hong Kong Watch Auction: NINE
25-26 November
JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong
88 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong
