What's in a Name?
Our September 2019 Jewellery, Watches and Silver auction in Edinburgh includes several fine examples of watches and wristwatches for the discerning collector or those looking for a special and unique piece.
Our September 2019 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?
In this sale, we had 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 offered 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.
The Rolex Daytona (Lot 327) that was included in the sale was 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 was lot 335.
