Narrated by the charismatic, Mr. Aurel Bacs — part one focuses on what are undoubtedly the mother-of-all highlight pieces: The three Patek Philippe ref. 1518s in yellow gold, pink gold and steel.

In the video, Bacs begins with the steel ref. 1518 and a World War II torn Budapest, moving on to a most curious link that the pink gold ref. 1518 has with the immensely successful publication, Popular Mechanics — before ending with three other Pateks from the auction that tell tales which each more charming than the other.

You can watch part one of the instalment on PhillipsWatches. com, or very simply right below once you’ve scrolled down.

Also, while you may be completely captivated by Bacs the auctioneer, as he drops some horological wisdom — the video is a good reminder that he is too an eminent collector of fine timepieces — just check out the Nixie Machine by Frank Buchwald for M.A.D.Gallery on the bookshelf behind him. Okay, and now that that’s been pointed out, try not to be too distracted while you’re watching the clip.