Editor’s Note
As Baselworld 2016 opens, industry attention is turning to the fair’s role as a barometer for watch values. A key indicator this year is the inaugural Phillips auction in Basel, which is set to provide a major benchmark for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
The 2016 Baselworld, the world’s largest watch & jewelry fair, has opened at Messeplatz in Basel, Switzerland. One of the highlights of the week-long event, running from March 17th to 24th, is predicting which timepieces will appreciate in value over time. The upcoming Phillips watch auction, serving as a key benchmark, is generating significant buzz as it is scheduled to be held for the first time this year. The auction house Phillips annually organizes vintage watch auctions, providing an opportunity to reflect on the value of timepieces. A well-chosen watch retains its value for decades, a fact vividly demonstrated by vintage watch auctions.
For the auction scheduled for May, Phillips has curated hundreds of watches from across four continents and selected the most valuable pieces. Consequently, the auction will feature a diverse range of timepieces awaiting new owners, from a Rolex Split Seconds chronograph made in 1942 to a Vacheron Constantin Chronomètre Royal crafted in 1954. The auction will take place over two days, May 14th and 15th, in Geneva, Switzerland. If you have a particular interest in these watches, it’s wise to start preparing now.
The Rolex Split Seconds features pink gold indices on a matte silver dial. The indices alternate between Arabic numerals and baton markers, capturing attention. The blue telemeter and black tachymeter scales surrounding the dial add another visual element. This watch, made in 1942, has an estimated auction price of 800,000 to 1,400,000 Swiss Francs (approximately 960 million to 1.68 billion KRW). Its reference number is 4113.
Patek Philippe is a brand that cannot be omitted when discussing watch value, known for its emphasis on heritage, as seen in its ‘Father to Son’ campaign. The Patek Philippe Ref. 1463 featured in this auction is a stainless steel chronograph. It features a two-tone silver dial with a distinct tachymeter scale for enhanced legibility. Made in 1955, its estimated price is 350,000 to 550,000 Swiss Francs (approx. 4.2 to 6.7 billion KRW).
The Longines A7 is the oldest among the seven watches presented, made for the US military in 1935. Its distinctive crown position and asymmetrical indices are attractive. The dial features indices shifted towards 2 o’clock and a chrome-plated pilot’s chronograph. High-contrast black and white Arabic numerals ensure excellent legibility. Functionally, the crown at 2 o’clock allows for easy operation of the chronograph and time setting. Its estimated price is 50,000 to 100,000 Swiss Francs (approx. 60 to 120 million KRW).
The youngest watch in the auction, Hublot’s Big Bang Unico, is notable for being the first to house Hublot’s in-house Unico movement, which provides ample power. Its appearance is bold, characteristic of Hublot, with H-shaped screws on the round bezel for protection and a thick leather strap. Proceeds from this watch’s sale are designated for charity.
The Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Ref. 2499 appears remarkably pristine for a watch made in 1956. The yellow gold case is exceptionally well-preserved, and the moon phase at 6 o’clock functions perfectly. The indices and hands, also in yellow gold, convey a substantial elegance. This watch gains additional attention as it is appearing at a Phillips auction for the first time. Its estimated price is the highest among the lots, ranging from 800,000 to 1,500,000 Swiss Francs (approx. 960 million to 1.83 billion KRW).
Rolex’s reference 6062 boasts an extraordinary appearance. Inside the yellow gold case, a black dial features a moon phase and star-shaped indices. As one of the few moonphase watches made by Rolex, and equipped with a triple calendar function, it clearly demonstrates the brand’s technical prowess of the era. Made in 1950, its estimated price is 500,000 to 1,000,000 Swiss Francs (approx. 600 million to 1.2 billion KRW).
The final watch is the Vacheron Constantin Chronomètre Royal Ref. 4907. The Chronomètre Royal collection is inseparable from mentions of Vacheron Constantin. Starting as a pocket watch in the early 1900s, it evolved into a representative classic timepiece. This reference 4907 is ideal as a dress watch, with its white gold case and leather strap elevating its formality. Its remarkably clean appearance belies its 1954 origin. The estimated price is 80,000 to 140,000 Swiss Francs (approx. 96 to 170 million KRW).