NEW YORK, NY.- Sotheby’s watch auctions continue in New York, with their 7 June auction of Important Watches. Featuring a strong selection of timepieces by the leading names in horology – Patek Philippe, Rolex, A. Lange & Söhne – as well as modern wristwatches by innovative independent makers such as Greubel Forsey and Richard Mille, the spring sale offers a range of options that will appeal to both established and budding collectors. Sotheby’s public exhibition of Important Watches opens on Saturday, 3 June in New York.

DESIRABLE MODELS FROM PATEK PHILIPPE & ROLEX
The cover lot of the June auction is a Patek Philippe Rare Platinum Minute Repeating Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon Wristwatch with Retrograde Date and Moon Phases Ref 5016 Circa 2004 (estimate $400/600,000). A grand complication produced in a limited series from 1994 to 2010, this horological marvel is one of the most complicated wristwatches ever created by the firm. All 500+ miniscule parts of its mechanical complexities are enclosed in the classic and chic Calatrava case in platinum.

Offerings from Patek Philippe continue with six vintage chronographs. A Yellow Gold Split-Second Chronograph Wristwatch with Register Ref 1436 leads the group with a pre-sale estimate $180/260,000. Made in 1941, this particular reference is notable for its square button split-seconds chronograph, 30-minute register, and tachometer. The firm’s Yellow Gold Chronograph Wristwatch with Registers Ref 591, one of less than 30 known to have been created, is distinguishable by its case – a stepped bezel is crowned with four ‘bean-shaped’ lugs with straight sides. The current example, made in 1943, carries a pre-sale estimate of $25/50,000.

Collectors searching for Rolex’s most desirable models will be pleased to find an abundance of Paul Newman and Daytona wristwatches this spring. Leading the Paul Newmans is a Stainless Steel Chronograph Wristwatch with Registers and Bracelet Ref 6262 (estimate $70/100,000). The square markers in the chronograph scale and subsidiary dials, as well as the stainless steel Oyster case, remain as classic today as it was when designed circa 1971. The modern selection of Daytona wristwatches is best represented by a White Gold Automatic Chronograph Wristwatch with Registers Ref 116519 Cosmograph Daytona (estimate $10/15,000). Made circa 2006, this desirable black dial watch is in excellent condition.

MODERN WRISTWATCHES BY INDEPENDENT WATCHMAKERS
A White Gold Wristwatch with Power Reserve and Double Balance Wheels No. 1 Double Balancier 35” Edition Unique Circa 2013 by Greubel Forsey leads the modern wristwatches by independent watchmakers. It utilizes two separate balance wheels and escapements rather than a traditional tourbillon to provide accurate timekeeping (estimate $200/300,000). Numbered one of six, it is one of the most limited Greubel Forsey watches that have ever been produced. A Richard Mille Pink Gold Tonneau Form Split Seconds Choronograph Tourbillon Wristwatch with Power Reserve and Torque Indication is one most complicated wristwatches ever made by this innovator (estimate $250/350,000). The wristwatch combines modern materials with classic functions – as is the case with the titanium mechanism.

LADIES WATCHES
Ranging from complicated to gem-like, a strong and diverse assortment of women’s wristwatches is a wonderful addition to this season’s sale. Patek Philippe’s Lady’s White Gold and Diamond Set Wristwatch with Moon Phases Ref 4857 is a stunning combination of mechanical complication and feminine design, with its indications for subsidiary seconds and fan aperture for moon phases (estimate $10/15,000). A Lady’s Yellow Gold Bangle Watch (estimate $5/7,000), designed by Vivianna Tourin and retailed by Georg Jensen, is a beautiful example of sleek, modern design, while a Lady’s Yellow Gold Enamel Turquoise and Diamond Set Floral Motif Bracelet Watch, circa 1970 by Blancpain and retailed by Bailey Banks & Biddle, is a whimsical bijoux (estimate $5/8,000).

POCKET WATCHES BY PATEK PHILIPPE
Pocket watches remain a mainstay amongst collectors. A Patek Philippe Rare and Important Yellow Gold Open Faced Perpetual Calendar Split Second Chronograph Watch With Moon Phases, made in 1911, is an excellent example of an early 20th century Grand Complication watch (estimate $100/200,000). Consisting of a split-second chronograph, perpetual calendar and minute repeater, this particular Grand Complication with its well-preserved dial and case is accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming the year of manufacture, and date of sale on December 5, 1919. A Fine and Rare Yellow Gold and Silver Open-Faced Watch with Openwork Dial is a second beautiful example of Patek Philippe’s superb craftsmanship (estimate $8/12,000). Made in 1916, the timepiece features a dial made by Stern Frères, arguably the finest dial maker in the world.

FINE TIMEPIECES ONLINE
Sotheby’s will also unveil the inaugural online-only sale for Watches, open for bidding 23 May through 6 June. Bringing together an extensive collection of the finest brands, the sale will fulfil the tastes of collectors of all ages across the world.