Ultra-Rare Patek Philippe Chronograph Set to be Auctioned Off

Famed auction house Bonham’s is set to auction off a rare Patek Philippe timepiece, in a bi-coastal auction which will take place on December 13th at 3PM ET. The Patek Philippe, which is set to go under the gavel as part of the auction house’s Fine Watches, Wristwatches, and Clocks Auction, will be available for viewing at Bonham’s Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York Galleries. On December 13th, the auction will take place simultaneously in the three locations, with hand-held pocket watches by Cartier, wristwatches by Vacheron Constantin and chronographs by Rolex also set to be auctioned off.

The main attraction for watch aficionados and timepiece collectors is the highly desirable Patek Philippe (reference 2499), which Bonham’s estimates will fetch between $250,000-$350,000. This rare 18-carat gold timepiece, circa 1955, has been beautifully preserved, making it a stunning example of the heights of 1950’s fine horlogerie manufacture. Inside its 37-mm diameter case, the timepiece runs a 3-jewel Cal. 13″‘ movement, with an overcoiled spring to bimetallic balance and micrometer regulator. A chronograph work planted on the bridges is activated by two rectangular buttons in the case band. A perpetual calendar is located under the circular silvered dial, with a tachymeter scale enclosing applied gold arabic chapters. There are apertures for day, month and date, as well as a ring incorporating an aperture for moon phase. With gold dauphine hands and a snap back case with concave bezel and down-turned lugs, this is said to be one of the rarest timepieces in the world. A leather strap with an 18-carat gold buckle bearing the Patek Phillipe logo finishes the look.

Aside from the Patek Philippe, anticipation is high for a Cartier art-deco boudoir clock with lapis lazuli, rock crystal, jade, and emeralds (expected to sell between $25,000 – $50,000); a platinum tourbillon wristwatch by F.P. Journe (expected to sell for a minimum of $75,000); and a limited edition Patek Philippe platinum automatic wristwatch with a cloisonné enamel dial painted and signed by Anita Porchet.  The enamel timepiece, which features an American bald eagle, is expected to sell for a minimum of $90,000.

For more information on the auction, please visit the Bonham’s website. Source courtesy Art Daily. Details and photos courtesy Bonham’s.