Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo Announces Additional Highlights from The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIII

Rolex

Ref. 6241 yellow gold chronograph wristwatch, “The French JPS”. Circa 1968.

Estimate: HK$ 4,650,000-9,400,000/ US$ 596,000-1,210,100

HONG KONG – 12 October 2021 – Following the recent announcement of a unique Patek Philippe reference 3448 cased in platinum with sapphire-set indexes, Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo is pleased to unveil additional highlights from The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIII, taking place on 25 and 26 November, 2021. The two-day auction series will feature over 300 lots including important timepieces that are exceptional in terms of provenance, aesthetics, condition, and rarity, hailing from power houses including Patek Philippe, Rolex, Audemars Piguet, as well as from master independent watchmakers such as F.P. Journe, Harry Winston, and Gérald Genta.

Highlighting the sale is a Rolex Daytona reference 6241 yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with “Paul Newman John Player Special” dial (nicknamed JPS ref. 6241) that has never previously been offered at auction. Reference 6241 was introduced in 1965 with a production spanning just for four years until 1969, and it is among the rarest Daytona models ever produced. Research indicates that less than 300 examples were cased in 18K yellow gold. One of the most desired and visually striking iterations of the Daytona is indeed the present “John Player Special Paul Newman” and it is an exceedingly rare variant of the “Paul Newman” model. In addition, what makes this specimen the ultimate trophy is not only its exceptional preservation, but also the two French gold import hallmarks indicated with the owl symbol and the Geneva Helvetia hallmark stamped crisply on the caseback and lugs.

Other Highlights:

Patek Philippe

In addition to the unique Patek Philippe reference 3448 ‘The Blue Royale’, this season Phillips will offer another stunning piece from Patek Philippe – the reference 1518 perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch cased in yellow gold from 1949. Truly a monumental model, reference 1518 was the first perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch ever produced in series when it was introduced in 1941. According to research, only 281 examples were manufactured in yellow and pink gold until the reference ceased production in 1954.

Rolex

Besides the JPS reference 6241, other highlights of Rolex models include a Paul Newman Cosmograph Daytona reference 6263 features a desirable panda MK 2 dial displaying “tropical” outer minute track and accompanied by the original warranty; a reference 16589 SACI fitted with a stunning full paved diamond dial and adorned with 24 baguette-cut sapphires set uniformly on the sectioned bezel with an opulent twist, like twinkles in a blue lagoon, 8 individual sapphire-set hour markers contrasted with a modern touch of Arabic numerals shimmers in grace. Another timepiece of note is a “Oyster-Split” reference 6265 from 1975 that is preserved in stunning condition.

Audemars Piguet

With 2022 being the 50th anniversary of the Royal Oak, it is important to look at how far one of the most iconic timepieces ever created has evolved over the decades. This season, three noteworthy highlights including an extravagant and bedazzled reference 15202 cased in white gold and features pavé diamond-set, a perpetual calendar in a black ceramic 41mm diameter case with an open worked dial, as well as a limited-edition Royal Oak perpetual calendar features a highly desirable green Grande Tapisserie dial and a sharp yellow accent week indicator. The present watch is one of 50 examples made for the Hong Kong retailer, Unique Timepieces.

Independent Watchmaking

Continuing the company’s tradition of empowering and shining a spotlight on Independent watchmakers, Phillips is delighted to present a selection of important wristwatches such as the F.P. Journe Chronomètre à Resonance and Vagabondage III, Opus Two Perpetual Tourbillon and Opus Three by Harry Winston, and a minute repeating perpetual calendar wristwatch by Gérald Genta.

Launched in 1999, the Chronomètre à Resonance had the effect of a tidal wave in the horological world. The movement is composed of two independent balances alternatively serving as an “exciter” and “resonator”. When in motion, the balances create the resonance effect and beat in opposition, naturally evening out each other’s discrepancies and thus permitting greater accuracy. The present example is of the rare and desirable first generation example from 2001, which is highly sought after by watch collectors due to its technical prowess combined with the historical relevance to the heritage of F.P. Journe. Introduced in 2017, the F.P. Journe Vagabondage III was the final version of the Vagabondage series, released as a limited edition of 68 pieces in pink gold. Discontinued in 2019, the present example in pink gold is numbered 17 and is offered in excellent overall condition and furthermore accompanied by the full set of accessories.