Back in June we told you about the amazing news that Paul Newman’s personal Rolex Daytona would be auctioned off next month by Phillips in New York City. Now comes news that a lineup of equally impressive vintage pieces have also been elected for the Phillips Auction 2017 “Winning Icons – Legends of the 20th Century” watch sale on Oct. 26.
It turns out that Paul Newman’s own Daytona isn’t the only impressive Rolex set to cross the block.
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Phillips Auction 2017: Rolex Ref. 8171 “Luminous Padellone”
For starters there’s an extremely rare Rolex Ref. 8171 “Luminous Padellone” triple calendar made c.1950. Padellone means frying pan in Italian, a reference to this piece’s large dial, and it is exceedingly rare to find this already scarce triple calendar moon phase model in stainless steel with a luminous dial. It’s estimated at $400,000–$800,000.
Rolex Ref. 6062 “Stelline”
Also on the Rolex front is an insanely rare Ref. 6062 “Stelline” made c.1953. Stelline means starlet in Italian, a reference to this version’s faceted star dial but also the rarity and desirability of the 6062, the first automatic wristwatch with date and moon phase in a waterproof case and a true Rolex innovation. Estimated at $250,000–$500,000.
Audemars Piguet Ref. 5516 Perpetual Calendar
Of particular interest to collectors will be one of the most stunning vintage Audemars Piguet watches we’ve ever seen. While the modern Royal Oak gets all the attention, Phillips is offering a Ref. 5516 Perpetual Calendar made c.1957 that reminds us of the Swiss watchmaker’s impressive heritage. Phillips notes the model’s importance in the history of horology as the first perpetual calendar wristwatch to display a leap year indication, and this example finished in 18k yellow gold is one of only nine ever made. Estimated at $300,000–$600,000.
Cartier Grand Tank Cintrée
One of the most stunning Cartier tank watches of all time, a c.1927 Grand Tank Cintrée, is also making the scene in Manhattan. The Grand Tank Cintrée, originally introduced in 1921, was the largest and boldest Cartier Tank at the time, and this rare example is cased in platinum and fitted with its original Cartier platinum 7-link bracelet. One the finest and best-preserved examples in existence, it’s estimated at $250,000–$500,000 and is especially notable given that this is the 100th anniversary of the Cartier Tank Watch.
Patek Philippe Ref. 1518 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph
Of course, no auction of this caliber would be complete without some amazing examples from Patek Philippe, and Phillips does not disappoint. Take the Ref. 1518 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph made c.1951, an example of the world’s first perpetual calendar chronograph produced in series, with only 281 pieces made. One of the most handsome, rarest, and most sought-after perpetual calendar chronographs –meaning it correctly displays the date perpetually, taking into account the different lengths of the months as well as leap days – in the world, it’s estimated at $600,000–$1.2 million.
Patek Philippe Ref. 2499 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph
Another Patek Perpetual Calendar Chronograph, the Ref. 2499 made c.1968, is equally alluring. Only 349 were ever made and this example finished in 18k yellow gold is estimated at $350,000–$700,000.
Which of these watches do you like the most? Will you be watching the auction?