Our September Jewellery, Watches and Silver auction includes an interesting group of modern and vintage watches. From Rolex and Omega to Cartier and Audemars Piguet, in our forthcoming auction provides several fine examples of watches and wristwatches for the discerning collector or those looking for a special piece.
The classic name that springs to mind when discussing luxury watches is Rolex, sponsors of many sporting, arts and cultural events, with their iconic design and brand. But did you know they also have a connection, albeit informal, with cartoons?
LOT 328 | A GENTLEMAN'S STAINLESS STEEL WRIST WATCH, ROLEX | Submariner, Ref. 16610 T, black dial, rotating green bezel, 'Kermit' sweep second hand,
In this sale, we have a Rolex submariner (Lot 328) with a distinctive green bezel, known as ‘Kermit’. Designed in green to celebrate 50 years of Rolex, honouring the brand’s distinctive green and gold branding, the Rolex collecting world re-named this model, ‘Kermit’. After 2010, Rolex came out with a second distinctively green wristwatch, the ‘Hulk’, displaying a slightly different green bezel and a green dial. The debate continues between Rolex collectors: Which is better? The ‘Kermit’ or The ‘Hulk’.
Another example of cartoon connections with Rolex is the ‘Batman’, distinctive by its blue and black rotating bezel. The model we are offering is a GMT Master II, with black dial (Lot 333). The nickname comes from the colours associated with The Dark Night, sometimes known as ‘Bruiser’ as well. An extremely collectable model, well-maintained examples are in demand.
Each specially designed with distinctive colour combinations, many of Rolex’s wristwatch models have been prescribed with a nickname. Other nicknames of well-known models are Pepsi, because of its red and blue bezel, and Root Beer. The second is related to the gold and brown bezel and matching dial. Lyon and Turnbull has previously sold an example of the Root Beer variation for £41,250 incl premium in 2017.
LOT 327 | A GENTLEMAN'S 18CT GOLD AND STAINLESS STEEL CHRONOGRAPH, ROLEX | Daytona Cosmograph, Oyster Perpetual, Superlative Chronometer,
The Rolex Daytona (Lot 327) included in the sale is a good example in stainless steel and gold with an all-black dial, offering the collector an opportunity to buy a desirable and very recognizable watch. This model is often associated with Paul Newman, as he is seen wearing a variation on the cover of an Italian fashion magazine as well as wearing one in the 1969 racing film, ‘Winning’.
There is a Tudor Rolex wristwatch from 1966, very simple pleasing design in stainless steel with sweep second hand and date aperture. The movement is automatic and is in excellent condition for its age. This Prince Oysterdate is lot 335.
Moving away from Rolex and into the world of Jewellers, this September’s auction includes a fine example by Chaumet, a firm founded in 1780 in Paris primarily known for their fine jewellery. However, Chaumet watches are often designed with luxurious detail and quality, often jewelled and finely decorated. The watch offered in our auction is superbly simple. A plain, polished, slightly domed yellow gold case shows two apertures for the hour and minutes, known as the Jump Hours. With an automatic movement the indicators literally jump as the hour passes. Originally marketed as a watch for gentlemen, this model is now sought after by both women and men as fashions change. With the unusual design, this Chaumet watch, Lot 315 in our auction, it is sure to draw interest.
VIEW THE FULL SELECTION OF WATCHES ➤
AUCTION | Jewellery, Silver & Watches | Wednesday 25 September at 10am
VIEWING | Sunday 22 September 12pm to 4pm | Monday 23 to Tuesday 24 September 10am to 5pm | Day of sale from 9am
LOCATION | 33 Broughton Place, Edinburgh