Cameron Wong
Over the last few weeks, all eyes have been on the major watch auctions taking place around the world, with more than a few standout results achieved for several interesting and unique watches. Wrapping up the spring sale season, Phillips yesterday held the Hong Kong Watch Auction: Six, with a total of 231 lots going under the hammer.As expected, Daytonas are still selling at premium prices, and rare and exciting Speedmasters are continuing their upward trend. What piqued our interest however (and by the look of the results, bidders' interests as well) were these four incredibly rare and possibly unique watches that had similarly impressive results.Image: phillips First up is this Rolex GMT-Master ref. 6542. This one isn't just special because of its gloss dial and bakelite bezel. What sets this unique version apart is its left-handed case. While Rolex has?been known to make left-handed pieces before, this is the only known version of a 6542. And is confirmed by the location of its reference number at 12 o'clock, and serial number at 6 o'clock. Estimate HK$640,000 $960,000 (approx. $108,850 AUD $163,250 AUD). Sold HK$2,125,000 or approx. $361,500 AUDImage: phillips Next is this one-of-a-kind Laurent Ferrier Galet Classic unique piece. The Galet Classic was the very first wristwatch produced by Laurent Ferrier in 2010 and the first to feature a tourbillon with a double balance spring. This particular version, from 2015, boasts a unique construction with an 18k white gold case and elongated diamond hour markers. Estimate HK$320,000 $480,000 (approx. $54,420 AUD $81,625 AUD). Sold HK$650,000 or approx. $110,640 AUDImage: phillips Continuing on the golden road, there was?this possibly unique Patek Philippe ref. 2526. Accompanied by an extract from the Patek Philippe archives, it is the only known version of a ref. 2526 to be fitted with a glossy black lacquered dial and gilt Arabic numerals. Estimate HK$1,200,000 $2,000,000 (approx. $204,060 AUD $340,100 AUD). Sold HK$2,375,000 or approx. $404,000 AUDImage: phillips And lastly, for something completely different, was this Omega Seamaster 1000m F300Hz electronic prototype. From 1974, and without a screw-down crown, it is believed this prototype was not used in field tests but was instead a working model used to judge the look and feel of the design. Estimate HK$120,000 $200,000 (approx. $20,405 AUD $27,760 AUD). Sold HK$750,000 or approx. $127,500 AUD
30.05.18