Dreweatts & Bloomsbury Auctions’ Wednesday 26th March boutique sale of vintage and modern wristwatches for collectors and connoisseurs achieved some high prices, with many lots selling well over estimate.
The selection of 19 Rolex watches included the opportunity to own a very rare Rolex Chronograph wristwatch, circa 1940. Reference 2508, the 17 jewel Rolex chronograph valjoux movement made the watch an extremely valuable and sought after example, which was reflected in the price achieved of £9,300. [Lot 51]
A 2000 lady’s 18 carat gold and diamond Classic Long Island wristwatch by Frank Müller garnered a great deal of pre-sale interest. The watch design takes inspiration from the 1920s and 30s, and in particular incorporates elements of the art deco style. One of Müller’s most popular watches this example sold for £5,580. [Lot 24]
Heritage Swiss brands, and their globally admired craftsmanship, are highly sought amongst buyers looking for modern classics as an alternative to the traditionally popular Rolex and Cartier brands. In particular, two Jaeger-LeCoultre watches caused quite a stir amongst bidders. The luxury watchmaker offers eight distinctive collections, all with a different signature style, and the two watches from the Master and Master Compressor collections sold particularly well.
The first of the two, a Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor, stainless steel chronograph wristwatch, is part of the Master Extreme line, which combines high-tech with haute horlogerie. It sold for an impressive £6,820. [Lot 26] The second, a 18 carat gold watch from the Master Control range, had to undergo a 1000 hour control test before being released for sale. The rigorous tests ensure their watches are of the highest standard and this 2000 example has certainly stood the test of time, selling for £5,952. [Lot 27]
A collection of timeless watches by one of the world’s oldest Swiss watch makers, Vacheron Constantin, also sold extremely well. Lots 34, 35, 36, 38 & 39 were all part of the immaculate collection, with lot 36, a gentleman’s 18 carat gold chronograph wristwatch, circa 2000, proving to be the most highly sought after, selling for £4,800. Another highlight from the Swiss selection, a circa 2005 Portuguese Chronograph, gentleman’s stainless steel wristwatch, from notable Swiss watchmaker International Watch Company sold for £3,720. [Lot 25]
The auction was held at Dreweatts & Bloomsbury Auctions’ Donnington Priory Saleroom in Newbury, Berkshire, on Wednesday 26th March. Full results can be found online at www.dreweatts.com
