Time, it’s been said, is a flat circle.
It’s also often stored in one filled with a bunch of intricate pieces that’s connected to a band which we wear on our wrist or attached to a chain which we cinch to our pocket or belt loop.
A collection of those flat circles, also sometimes referred to as watches, is being auctioned off today at 101 New Bond Street in London by Bonhams.
Chock full of exciting lots from honored horologists such as Rolex, TAG Heuer and Jaeger-LeCoultre, the Fine Watches and Wristwatches auction has one of the auction house’s “most impressive lineups to date,” according to Bonhams global head of watches Jonathan Darracott.
“The range of the lots on offer is vast, and there truly is something for all collectors,” Darracott told RealClearLife. “We have the Oyster Sotto which is the crown in any serious watch collection, and then there is the array of Heuers which document the breadth of the maker’s history. We are looking forward to helping some of the finest watches available on the market find new caretakers.”
Here’s a look at seven of the best of ’em:
Paul Newman Cosmograph Oyster
Being sold by its original owner, this stainless steel manual-wind cosmograph Rolex got its “Paul Newman” nickname after the actor wore won with the same dial in promotional posters for his race-car movie, Winning. This particular 1969 watch is even rarer because the term “Oyster” appears below “Rolex” and “Cosmograph” on its dial. There are thought to be fewer than 20 such models in existence, which is another major reason this watch could fetch $390,000–$530,000.
Paul Newman Cosmograph Daytona
Circa 1970, this piece includes a service invoice dated February, 26, 1979 and its original Rolex box. Featuring the rare “Paul Newman” dial, this cosmograph Daytona has a 17-jewel movement. Exceptionally rare, this stainless steel this stainless steel may bring $200,000–$240,000.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Gyrotourbillon 2
A 2009 piece, this multi-axis spherical tourbillon wristwatch is made of platinum and has a power reserve of 50 hours. Featuring a 58-jewel movement that was built in-house by Jaeger-LeCoultre, this eccentric-looking watch may go for $110,000–$160,000.
TAG Heuer Gold Carrera
Presented to each Ferrari Formula One driver, the 18-karat gold Carrera automatic chronograph is said to be Jack Heuer’s favorite watch. With a 17-jewel movement and a dial decked out in brushed champagne and black, this 1971 piece is expected to net $24,000–$29,000.
TAG Heuer Military Chronograph
Issued to members of the Angolan army, this automatic military chronograph wristwatch has an engraving on its casebook reading “FAPLA,” the acronym for Forças Armadas Populares De Libertacao De Angola. A 1970 piece with a 17-jewel automatic movement, it could bring $5,300–$7,900.
TAG Heuer Monaco “Dark Lord”
Nicknamed “Dark Lord” because the angular lines of its blackened case bear some similarity to Darth Vader’s helmet, this stainless steel chronograph has a 17-jewel manual movement. Limited to a run of just a few hundred, this 1974 addition to the Monaco line could sell for $33,000–$46,000.
TAG Heuer Skipper “Skipperera”
Eminently collectible, the manual-wind “Skipperera” was the first of the Skipper models to be made. Taking its color cues from the 1967 America’s Cup winner, this 1970 piece has a sunburst blue dial accented by green, mint and orange subsidiary dials. Thought to be one of only about 20 known examples, the Skiperrera should reel in $26,000–$39,000.
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