Bonhams has curated an exceptional line-up of timepieces for its December 12 Fine Watches auction leading with hot lots from F.P. Journe, Richard Mille, Cartier London, Patek Philippe, Rolex and Audemars Piguet.
Estimates are enticing for rare pieces including F.P. Journe, Chronomètre à Résonance, pitched to sell at between £100,000 and £150,000 and a diamond-set Richard Mille Perini Navi Cup that goes under the hammer valued at £220,000 to £320,000.
All 57 watches in the sale can be viewed online and at Bonhams’ London sale room.
Highlights of the Bonhams Fine Watches Auction
(descriptions by Bonhams)
Richard Mille Perini Navi Cup
The RM015 was specially selected as the official timekeeper of the Perini Navi Cup, one of the most prestigious regattas in the world.
Inspired by the famed sailing vessels created by the Italian yacht builders Perini Navi of Viareggio, the RM015 draws inspiration from the visual elements and nautical details found on one of Perini Navi’s most exceptional creations – the Maltese Falcon.
The decks, hull shape, windlass, pulleys, screws and various marine details of the ship are echoed in the watch’s case outline, shape of the crown, tourbillon, winding barrel bridges and titanium screws of the case.
The 18ct rose gold diamond set tourbillion wristwatch with a skeletonised dial, dual time zone indicator, function selector, 75-hour power-reserve and torque indicators, is offered with an estimate of £220,000-£320,000.
F.P. Journe, Chronomètre à Résonance
Inspired by the great watch makers of the 18th century, Francois-Paul Journe invented a watch movement based on the physical principle of resonance: a phenomenon simultaneously scientific and poetic for its feted Chronomètre à Résonance.
Every object has a natural frequency at which it vibrates when force is periodically applied. If this happens to two objects which have a naturally corresponding frequency, it magnifies and stabilises the vibration of both objects.
The double balance system employed in the Chronomètre à Résonance uses exactly this phenomenon to create a watch movement which even 20 years after its inception is unparalleled in its accuracy in timekeeping.
The platinum manual wind dual time wristwatch with dual escapements, power reserve and hack feature for seconds, is offered with an estimate of £100,000-£150,000.
Omega Speedmaster Professional ‘Racing Dial’
Despite being known as the Moon Watch today, the Speedmaster was initially Omega’s take on a chronograph wristwatch to use by racing drivers, originally released in 1957.
This Omega Speedmaster Professional ‘Racing Dial’, reference 145.012, circa 1969, is recognisable by the ‘alternating’ minute track to the outside.
Unlike most minute tracks, this iteration is split into intervals that protrude in and out from the dial edge.
The 145.012 Red Racing Dial Speedmaster is one of the rarest Omega watches ever produced.
There are two types, one with ‘Professional’ to the dial and one without, referred to as ‘Pre-Professional.’
This example is ‘Professional’ and recent estimates put the total production numbers for this iteration at just 5-10.
The rare and important stainless steel manual wind chronograph bracelet watch is offered with an estimate of £40,000-£60,000.
F.P. Journe, Octa Réserve de Marche
This fine and rare F.P. Journe, Octa Réserve de Marche, Limited Edition No.34/99-AN, circa 2022, platinum automatic calendar wristwatch with power reserve is offered with an estimate of £80,000-120,000.
Rolex ‘Texan’ Beta 21
This Rolex ‘Texan’ Beta 21, reference 5100 2, No.802, circa 1970, in white gold with a quartz calendar movement was developed by the Centre Electronique Horloger formed by Omega together with 20 other Swiss watch companies in 1969.
The Beta-21 movement was accurate to 5 seconds per month, which was superior to any other automatic and manual wind watch at the time.
In 1970 Rolex released the reference 5100, housing the Beta-21 in a 40mm solid gold case. It is rumoured that only 1000 pieces were made, with 900 in yellow gold and 100 in white gold, this very limited run makes the current example a very rare opportunity to be a part of the ‘Rolex Quartz club’. Offered with an estimate of £40,000-£60,000.
Other hammer highlights
