Important Watches Christie’s Geneva Auction: An Insider’s Take by Thomas Perazzi, Head of Watches at Christie’s Geneva

On May 11, an impressive number of Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe watches will go to auction by Christie’s Geneva. Recently, We sat down with Thomas Perazzi, Head of Watches at Christie’s Geneva to discuss the auction. Perazzi gave us his expert take on the different watches available for bidding.

Lot #314: Patek Philippe Ref. 3700/031

Info: A superb, possibly unique and previously unknown platinum and diamond automatic wristwatch with date, bracelet, original certificate, purchase invoice and box. Signed Patek Philippe, Genève, movement no. 1’308’349, case no. 552’218 , manufactured in 1982

Thomas Perazzi’s Take:  A new discovery in the wristwatch collecting world. Almost in new condition with all the original accessories, a truly Holy Grail for watch lovers. According to our researches only 4 Ref. 3700 with platinum case were made, rarity is a key element of the present lot.

Estimate: 200,000 – 400,000 Swiss francs

Lot #204: Audemars Piguet Ref. 5528

Info: An exceptionally fine, rare and large 18K gold minute repeating wristwatch. Cal. 14”’nickel-finished lever movement, 30 jewels, bimetallic compensation balance, minute repeating on two hammers, silvered matte dial, applied gold triangular-shaped and Arabic numerals, subsidiary seconds, large circular case, snap on back, repeating slide in the band, 18K gold Audemars Piguet buckle, case, dial and movement. Signed Audemars Piguet, Genève, no. 8712, sold in 1951.

Thomas Perazzi’s Take: The only one known and according to Audemars Piguet archives only 3 made. 38mm case in the 50s was almost considered an oversized wristwatch. Fully serviced by Audemars Piguet in Le Brassus last year, the conditions are just amazing.

Estimate: 150,000 – 300,000 Swiss Francs

Lot  #291: Patek Philippe Ref. 3448

Info: An extremely fine and rare 18K white gold perpetual calendar automatic wristwatch with moon phases. Signed Patek Philippe, Genève, movement no. 1’119’205, case no. 328’521, manufactured in 1971.

Thomas Perazzi’s Take: A rare and important milestone in the PP vintage market. The first perpetual calendar with self-winding movement made by Patek Phillipe, only 4 examples of Ref. 3448 third series in white gold are known in the market. Never polished case with an untouched dial make this perpetual calendar one of the most sought after vintage Patek Philippe in the collectors world.

Estimate: 300,000 – 500,000 Swiss francs

Lot #297: Patek Philippe Ref. 5709

Info: A very fine, rare and large 18K gold automatic “cathedral” minute repeating wristwatch with enamel dial, original certificate and box. Signed Patek Philippe, Geneve, movement no. 1’904’148, case no. 4’225’029, manufactured in 2004.

Thomas Perazzi’s Take: Extremely elegant case design with an enamel dial and a highly complicated movement, simply the Patek Philippe essence. An estimated production of only 70 watches, the Cathedral minute repeating with its deeper and longer sound adds to the offered lot a timeless charme.

Estimate: 200,000 – 400,000 Swiss francs

Lot #136: Patek Philippe Ref. 5002P

Info: An extremely fine and rare platinum double-dial wristwatch with twelve complications including “cathedral” minute repeater, tourbillon, perpetual calendar, retrograde date, moon age and angular motion, sidereal time and sky chart, with Certificate and box. Signed Patek Philippe Geneve, Sky Moon Tourbillon model, movement no. 3’350’048, case no. 4’353’867, manufactured in 2006.

Thomas Perazzi’s Take: The most complicated wristwatch ever made by Patek Philippe, what else? The finely engraved platinum case with the “Calatrava Cross” pattern and the double dial with the Sky Chart make this impressive wristwatch one of the most iconic models in Patek Philippe’s contemporary production.

Estimate: 650,000 – 1,000,000 Swiss francs

Photo Credit: Haute Time. For more information, please visit the official e-catalogue for the Important Watches Geneva Auction on May 11. Follow Haute Time on Instagram to catch all of the new releases as they happen.