The highly anticipated Fine Watches Sale, presented by Bonhams will go live on 19th June 2024. Presenting 65 lots, this live sale showcases an array of exemplary timepieces across the decades including a rare Art Deco Cartier wristwatch to 1950s, 1970s and 2000s models alongside modern diamond-encrusted timepieces. Leading names in the world of horology including Rolex, Jacob & Co. Cartier, Patek Philippe, Breguet, F.P.Journe, Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantin to Heuer and Omega will feature in the lots heading to auction.
Jonathan Darracott, Bonhams Global Head of Watches, said: “The Fine Watches sale includes sought-after timepieces from across the decades highlighting exceptional craftsmanship including an important Art Deco Cartier diamond wristwatch from 1928 to a Cartier Crash. Another standout lot is a very rare Rolex GMT-Master ‘Red Writing’, reference 6542 with its original bakelite bezel, which is a prize for any connoisseur of the classic GMT. Additionally, the sale presents an exciting 1970s Heuer Carrera formerly the property of Terence Regan who was renowned in the world of F1. Fine Watches offers a curated collection of best-in-class examples in the world of horology for the seasoned collector”.
Heading the sale is a 2008 F.P. Journe Chronomètre à Resonance timepiece by François Paul Journe and first introduced in 2000. This watch finds its roots in the observations of Dutch mathematician Christiaan Hygens, who noted the synchronisation of two pendulum clocks in close proximity. Crafted from platinum, the timepiece features dual dials for hours and minutes, with the ability for each dial to indicate separate time zones. It enters the auction with an estimated value of £120,000-180,000.
Another standout piece up for auction is a rare 18K gold Heuer Carrera automatic calendar chronograph bracelet watch circa 1973. This watch holds historical significance as it once belonged to Terence Regan, the sponsorship manager of the F1 Team Surtees, who accompanied the team to numerous F1 races during that era. Gifted to Regan by Jack Heuer in 1973, it’s believed to be one of only six created for racing legends such as John Surtees (a close friend of Regan), Alan Jones, Mike Hailwood, Ronnie Peterson, and Clay Regazzoni. This timepiece, part of Terence Regan’s collection, is now offered from his private estate, with an estimated of £30,000-40,000.
The exceptional and rare Art Deco Cartier diamond dress watch circa 1928 is another lot of note. Reflecting the iconic Art Deco style through its geometric silhouette and sleek lines, this timepiece boasts baguette and single-cut diamonds contrasted beautifully against black enamel, with a streamlined enamel clasp completing the design. Despite its compact 6mm x 30mm case width, the watch houses an impressive mechanical movement, marrying elegance with functionality. A testament to Cartier’s unparalleled craftsmanship and design prowess, this piece exemplifies the brand’s status as a premier luxury watchmaker. It enters the auction with an estimate of £6,000-8,000.
A 1950s sale highlight includes an exceptionally rare Rolex GMT-Master ‘Red Writing’, reference 6542, circa 1955. The stainless steel automatic dual time calendar wristwatch features an original bakelite bezel with GMT-Master in red text and black dial, the model is one of the rarest versions of this reference to survive. The wristwatch is offered with an estimate of £120,000-180,000.
A notable lot from the 1990s is one of the most striking watches created by Cartier, the Cartier Crash, first created in 1967. The legendary design features an asymmetric twisted and dented watch case that was an astounding creation from the mind of Jean-Jaques Cartier. The watch on offer is a rare and unusual Cartier Crash, 18K gold manual wind wristwatch, circa 1991, made as part of the Paris 1991 edition. Offered with an estimate of £60,000-80,000.
Whilst 1970’s sale highlights include a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, reference 6263, circa 1973. The exceptionally rare 18K gold manual wind chronograph bracelet watch with ghost showing of a ‘Khanjar’ dial, is offered with an estimate of £100,000-150,000.
A notable lot from the 1990s is one of the most striking watches created by Cartier, the Cartier Crash, first created in 1967. The legendary design features an asymmetric twisted and dented watch case that was an astounding creation from the mind of Jean-Jaques Cartier. The watch on offer is a rare and unusual Cartier Crash, 18K gold manual wind wristwatch, circa 1991, made as part of the Paris 1991 edition. Offered with an estimate of £60,000-80,000.
And a stand-out lot from the 2000s, amongst others, is a Rolex yacht-master ‘Tutti Frutti’, reference 116695SATS, circa 2019. The rare 18K rose gold timepiece has a rotating bezel set with multi-coloured jewels of baguette-cut sapphires, baguette-cut tsavorites and trillion-cut diamonds. The colourful automatic calendar wristwatch with a black dial and luminous dot hour markers is offered with an estimate of £70,000-90,000.
