Having looked at some of the fascinating independents on offer and interesting complications at Sotheby’s Important Watches I auction set for April in Hong Kong, we turn our attention to some timepieces that should be given a second look due to their fine craftsmanship and artisanal qualities.
One of the sale’s highlights includes a finely decorated Patek Philippe ref. 20071, a gilt brass dome table clock decked out in cloisonné enamelling. While others are intriguing propositions that are worth noting, like the tiger motif Cartier Tortue ref. 2496 and a highly complicated Atmos that was released at the dawn of the millennium.
The auction takes place on April 5, 2023. Registration for bidding and the entire catalogue can be accessed here.
Lot 2101: Cartier Tortue Ref. 2496 with tiger motif
Cartier has a rich history of honouring the artistic skill of craftsmen in its designs, and this example of a Tortue with its tiger motif on the dial is a perfect example of this.
Encased in an 18k yellow gold case measuring 43 by 34 mm, it features a vignette of a tiger on the dial courtesy of a fine relief engraving technique, as evident in how the animal is depicted.
To give a greater look to the dial, the watchmakers also employed champlevé enamelling, which uses a special powdery substance heated and inserted into a recess in a metal surface through heat.
This is powered by the cal. 430MC, an ultra-thin manual mechanical movement that is based off a Piaget cal. 430P.
Accompanied by its box and papers, this has an estimate of HK$200,000-300,000, or about US$25,000-38,200. You can find out more in the catalogue.
Lot 2131: Audemars Piguet “Rolls Royce Phantom II”
Before becoming highly associated with sportier timepieces, Audemars Piguet has always placed a premium on its métiers d’art timepieces, especially those the manufacture produced until the early 1990s. A good example of this is this pocket watch from Audemars Piguet featuring a top-of-the-line Rolls Royce “Phantom II”.
The dial featured a semi-skeletonised dial of the aforementioned sports car. According to Sotheby’s, examples featuring this motif are normally seen on wristwatches, but not many have seen it on pocket watches. Encased in a platinum keyless case, the “Phantom II” measures 46 mm in diameter and has been set with both baguette and brilliant-cut diamonds.
It is powered by the cal. 5020, a Frédéric Piguet manual movement, which is also featured on Royal Oak pocket watches produced in the late 1970s.
This present example dates to 1986 and is accompanied by its certificates and exterior packaging. It has an estimate of HK$240,000-500,000, or about US$30,600-63,700.
You can find out more in the catalogue.
Lot 2132: Patek Philippe Ref. 20071 “Lake in the Savannah”
No mention of artisanal timepieces can be complete without discussing the famous dome clocks from the Rare Handicrafts collection of Patek Philippe. This dome clock features enamelled cloisonné panels showcasing the idyllic sceneries of the Savannah.
Adorned with graceful flamingoes and a lurking panther, these incredibly detailed designs feature vibrant colours and sophisticated artwork, a testament to the precision of Patek Philippe’s experienced enamellers.
As with their previous iterations, each dome clock is crafted with the utmost care and is powered by a standard 21-jewel quartz movement.
The clock remains in excellent condition and is accompanied by its original accessories. The estimate is HK$800,000-1.2 million, or around US$102,000-153,000.
For more, visit the catalogue entry.
Lot 2135: Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos du Millénaire Marqueterie
As one of the oldest watch brands in the world, Jaeger-LeCoultre is no stranger to creating exquisite timepieces but has also extended that mastery in haute horlogerie into the world of artisanal clocks.
Produced starting in 1999, the Atmos du Millénaire Marqueterie is a more traditional version of the iconic Atmos clock decked out in a moulded cabinet with marquetry inlaid wood.
The front of the secret drawer features a scene inspired by a painting by Czech painter Alphonse Mucha (1860-1939), one of the proponents of the Art-Nouveau style. Similarly, the medallion-like portraits are also inlaid on each door panel.
In addition to these fanciful decorations, the clock contains an intricate 1000-year calendar displayed at the forefront of its dial. A bottom compartment of the case offers space for 10 engraved and gilded tubes, each containing a parchment.
Complete with all of its original accessories; the present example remains overall in excellent condition. It has an estimate of HK$300,000-500,000, or about US$38,200-64,000.
Find out more in the catalogue.
Lot 2269: Patek Philippe Ref. 1350M “Une page d’Histoire”
Preview and auction details
All lots will be on show during the preview in Hong Kong during the run-up to the auction. Both the preview exhibition and sale will happen at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (New Wing).
Preview
April 1-4
Auction
April 5, 10:00 am
Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (New Wing)
1 Expo Drive
Wanchai
Hong Kong
For the full catalogue, as well as viewing appointments and online bidding, visit sotheby’s.com.
This was brought to you in collaboration with Sotheby’s.