My Picks From Sotheby's Fine Watches Auction
Highlighting some of the most interesting lots currently available for bidding through Sotheby's
Hundreds of watches are currently up for auction at Sotheby’s, pieces ranging from Hamiltons to Pateks. It’s really a lineup that has something for every collector, especially the vintage enthusiast.
Today, I’m proposing my picks from this auction. They’re far from mainstream, yet I believe aspects of their design/age make them some of the more desirable lots worthy of your attention.
Without any further adieu, let’s jump right in with pick #1.
A Rolex Midas
This watch is quite an enigma within the vintage Rolex lineup, but I believe it’s a piece that will continue to grow in popularity.
Credit / Sotheby’s - Lot 428
It’s a circa 1970 reference 9768 in solid 18k yellow gold. At the time of production, it’s rumored that these pieces were the heaviest and most expensive Rolex watches on the market.
This piece hails from the Genta era of industrial Santi (plural Santos) and Piaget Polos at the dawn of the Royal Oak’s inception.
Adorned by figures like Elvis, to Rhianna more recently, this piece has a lovable 1970s bling aspect to its industrial, asymmetric design.
Overall, I love these watches. It might be a hard piece to wear as a daily, but estimates between 5-8k USD still feel below market for this piece's potential in the long run (especially considering a rise in popularity of 1970s design).
A Patek Reference 3424
Here we have a rare and attractive Patek 3424 in 18k white gold.
This piece actually comes from the collection of a good friend, and I feel it represents some of the more interesting, yet wearable vintage Pateks on the market.
Credit / Sotheby’s - Lot 354
One of the most loveable aspects of this piece remains a factor of its rarity - the dial. A dark gray canvas sports crisp white Roman Numerals, void of any distraction for the wearer (outside of the proudly printed ‘Patek’ text).
This gem follows the same vintage-bling theme as the Midas as it comes from an era of daring design language.
Although its case is ultra-slim in nature, the solid gold bracelet proves this to be a hunk of precious metal on wrist.
With estimates ranging between 7-10k USD, I know this piece will have a great turnout for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
A Tropical Root Beer
I’m not sure if I’ve said this publicly yet, but I’m in love with the vintage ‘Root Beer’ watches. They have a sporty, dressy edge to them that’s often complimented with a nice strap.
This Rolex, however, is even more special given its tropical dial -
Credit / Sotheby’s - Lot 206
This reference 16753 GMT comes on a distressed leather strap, an earthy look that compliments the natural patina of its dial.
Personally, I find these Root Beer watches to have the perfect ‘pop’ of gold while remaining restrained. Instead, its design is a culmination of luxury offered by a brand with a purpose-driven ethos.
Yes, patina is debatable in this community, but in some instances, it’s objectively beautiful.
Summarizing
It’s like I said in the into - this auction has something for everyone.
Overall, I feel my picks highlight underappreciated models from arguably the two brands with the most prestige.
If you like this style of content, let me know in a comment (:
Additionally, I’d love to hear your ‘top 3’ from this auction. Even if you have no intentions on bidding, it’s always fun just window shopping some of the finest watches on the market.