NEW YORK, NY.- When Heritage Auctions' Oct. 27 offering of Watches and Fine Timepieces opens in New York, world-wide bidders will see something most other auction houses never offer: a hand-curated selection of exotic, fresh-to-market timepieces from Patek Philippe to Piguet at opening bids unheard of in the collecting hobby.

"More than 85% of the lots being auctioned are offered without reserve," said Jim Wolf, director of Watches and Fine Timepieces. "This is an important auction for those seeking key pieces for their collection or those who have been waiting for rarities to finally surface. All of them are in very choice condition and extremely rare. We expect strong interest in watches of superb quality and solid history."

Here are 10 of the unusual and highly-sought after examples the auction has to offer, as well as those with historical significance.

1. Universal Geneve Rare & Very Fine Ref. 881101/03 Steel Tri-Compax, circa 1960s — This highly sought-after vintage timepiece is fresh to the collectors market. The extremely well preserved "exotic" slate dial, the classic case with very fine black tachymetre bezel, the caliber 281 movement, and the original bracelet make this a "must have" for the serious "Tri-Compax" aficionado. Savvy collectors know the market on these watches has been leaping higher and higher recently (est. $10,000 - $15,000).

2. Patek Philippe Ref. 2526 18k Rose Gold Self-Winding Wristwatch With First Series Enamel Dial Circa 1950s — Recognized by some collectors at "the best watch ever made." This amazing watch was introduced in 1953 and with Patek Philippe's first self-winding movement. Production of this reference, 2526, was limited to 580 pieces, and is very rarely seen in rose gold (est. $25,000 - $35,000).

3. C.H. Meylan Brassus Rare Miniature Gold Minute Repeater, circa 1905 — This miniature repeater has avoided conversion to a wristwatch but still holds onto its chime and charm. Finding watches of this size and age in their original pocket watch case has become exceedingly rare ($4,000 - $5,000).

4. Rolex Ref. 6263 Gold Oyster Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified Cosmograph with Rare Sigma Dial, circa 1980 — This is one of the most valuable Rolex's in excellent condition. The offering price on this item more than compensates for its "fixer-upper" status. For the right collector who puts a little effort into restoring this incredible watch it would be an excellent purchase (est. $20,000 - $30,000).

5. Patek Philippe Ref. 1450 Platinum Diamond Dial "Top Hat", circa 1955 — This original Patek Philippe in platinum, with a diamond dial, and the original receipt from Milan in 1955 could be the steal of the auction. The collectible value of this timepiece makes the opening of $1,500 a jaw-dropper (est. $3,000 - $5,000).

6. Franck Muller Superb 18k Pink Gold Wristwatch Ref. 7000 QP E, Automatic, Perpetual Calendar, Chronograph, with Moonphase, Equation of Time, Leap Year Indicator, and 24 Hour Indicator — The complicated Franck Muller offered here is synonymous with highly-complex movements and unique designs. These watches are instantly recognizable for their beautiful numeral design along with elegant cases and stunning dials. This is a great example of clean and sober designs that have timeless elegance (est. $20,000 - $25,000).

7. A Hublot Very Fine Rose Gold King Power Split Second Chronograph With Power Indication — Black Kevlar sides, transparent gold case back and a black bezel fixed with six nuts, sapphire crystals, 52 mm, rose gold and rubber end push buttons with a rose gold crown await the right bidder for this unreserved rarity (est. $10,000-$15,000).

8. Swiss Rare & Very Fine Carillon Minute Repeating Three Motion Automaton With Gold, Enamel & Diamond Case, circa 1900 — with a central red sunburst enamel dial with golden Roman chapters and spade hands, polychrome enameled automaton figures of Mercury and two cherubs on a gilt outer disc (est. $6,000 - $8,000).

9. An Exceptional & Rare Three Compartment Gold & Enamel Snuff Box With Concealed Automaton & Timepiece Attributed To Piguet & Capt, The Enamel Scene Likely By Richter, circa 1800 — A stunning example of engineering and art. A miniature automaton is hidden in the recess on the left side. The right side fitted with a brass cylinder movement with three arm balance, enameled Arabic hour and seconds dials against a black enameled and finely engraved gold panel, the tops of the side panels with gold and enameled floral vases, central panel with polychrome scene depicting a young boy fishing accompanied by two young women (est. $20,000 - $40,000).

10. Rolex Ref. 16628 Gent's Gold Yacht-Master, circa 1998 — sporting an18k yellow gold, three body, rotating matte and polished numerical bezel, 41 mm, sapphire crystal (est. $10,000-$20,000).

Heritage Auctions' Watches and Fine Timepieces Auction is Oct. 27 at the Waldorf Astoria, 301 Park Ave., Herbert Hoover Suite, 4th Floor, in New York.