Rare Watches Spark Frenzied Interest in FutureGrail’s May Auction

The world’s watch collecting community is poised for a special sale in May, as once-in-a-lifetime timepieces go up for auction with FutureGrail. The renowned auction house is anticipating a bidding frenzy for items that have never been publicly sold before, and in some instances, vintage timepieces that have not been seen in public for over 100 years since being manufactured. The sale features ‘one-of-one’ Patek Philippe references of the highest quality, exquisite jewelled pendant watches from Vacheron Constantin, rare Audemars Piguet pocket watches and highly sought-after Rolex models.

A customized Rolex by George Daniels

Rolex enthusiasts and fans of independent watchmakers will undoubtedly be drawn to Lot 33, a special Oyster Perpetual ‘Datejust’ reference, created and modified by famed English horologist George Daniels, the inventor of the ‘co-axial escapement’ – a mechanism that dramatically improved the accuracy of mechanical watches.

The watch originates from George Daniels’ personal collection and is one of only a handful of prototypes that Daniels ever customized. Horology experts agree that Daniels was one of the greatest watchmakers of all time.

Ultra-rare Audemars Piguet pocket watch

One of the most stunning items for sale is a ‘Triple Complication’ Art Deco pocket watch, made by Audemars Piguet for retailer E. Gübelin in 18-carat white gold and enamel, in 1911. There are only ten known examples from this series, with the only other white gold reference last appearing at auction in 1990, demonstrating how rarely this type of watch comes to market. Collectors may well drive bids higher than the conservative range of $200,000 to $400,000.

Unique and exquisite Patek Philippe timepieces
Potentially the biggest draw of the auction is an extremely rare 1954 Patek Philippe ‘Turtle Lugs’ (Ref. 2549 / 1J), with a silver guilloché (decoratively engraved) dial with ‘tropical’ patina. This is one of only eight known examples, with a beautiful case manufactured by Markowski. Its ‘Turtle Lugs’ refers to the curved extensions that resemble a turtle’s flippers. It represents a true ‘Grail’ for collectors.

Lots 20 and 21 are also likely to drive significant interest amongst the watch community, not least because they are both believed to be unique timepieces; the only types of their kind in the world. One is a Patek Philippe Ref. 3589 / 90G ‘Ellipse d’Or’ (Golden Ellipse), produced in the 1970s. The vertical rhomboid-shaped gentleman’s wristwatch in 18-carat white gold is decorated with diamonds and a black onyx dial and is expected to be claimed by bidders in the range of $30,000 to $50,000. The subsequent lot is also a Patek Philippe valued at between $150,000 to $250,000 – a 1995 18-carat yellow gold Reference 4700 / 160 J – featuring the only known example of a gold vertical ‘tramé’ (ribbed) dial with diamond and ruby setting.

Other key Patek Phillipe examples for sale include a 1955 Reference 2526 G HB (2nd series) white-gold and diamond round wristwatch with silver ‘tropical’ dial; an 18-carat yellow gold 1990 Reference 3971 J (2nd series) chronograph with minutes counter, bissextile perpetual calendar, moon phases, and AM-PM indication; and a limited-edition ‘World Time Moon’ (Reference 5575 G – 001) especially made for the prestigious watchmaker’s 175th anniversary.

An unmissable auction for global watch collectors

Several of the May Auction timepieces feature in FutureGrail CEO Ali Nael’s limited-edition book ‘My Dream Collection’.

“Our May auction represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for collectors to own some of the world’s rarest timepieces. Many of these watches may not be seen at auction again for a generation. It is a privilege to bring these vintage timepieces to the global watch community and highlight the mastery of the finest watchmakers,” said Ali Nael, collector and CEO of FutureGrail.

FutureGrail is one of the world’s leading auction houses for exceptional timepieces, with a museum in Singapore and an expanding global presence in major horological markets such as Switzerland and the UAE.

FutureGrail’s May Online Auction takes place from 9th to 12th May at http://www.futuregrail.com/auctions, with buyer and seller premiums of 6% of the hammer price