Following a record year of watch and jewellery sales in 2006, Christie’s is delighted to present collectors two extraordinary sales in April: Magnificent Jewels on April 25th and Important Pocket Watches and Wristwatches on April 26th in New York. Both sales will showcase the rare and beautiful, from the historical Baroda Pearls, to a remarkable Patek Philippe wristwatch never before seen at auction.

Magnificent Jewels – April 25th

Christie’s has been the world market leader in jewellery for over 13 years, with sales totalling a record US$355 million in 2006, a +27% increase from 2005 and the highest sales total ever realized. Opening Christie’s spring 2007 season is the April 25th sale of Magnificent Jewels, a sale that features 260 lots of sparkling diamonds, dazzling gems, and exquisite signed pieces from the likes of Cartier, Graff, Harry Winston and JAR, estimated to realize in the region of US$25 million. From rare Antique and Belle Époque jewels, to the most contemporary creations, the sale caters to a vast audience of taste and style. The sale also features a unique selection of Cartier picture frames formerly from the Hutton family, as well as an important private collect of Art Deco vanity cases.

Important Pocket Watches and Wristwatches – April 26th

Following a record US$55 million in watch sales in 2006, Christie’s 2007 spring season commences with the April 26th sale of Important Pocket Watches and Wristwatches. The sale of Patek Philippe features strongly in the sale, leading with a technically interesting piece that has never before been seen at auction: a rare and important single-button chronograph wristwatch, Reference 130 (estimate: US$250,000 – US$500,000). Manufactured in 1930, it stands as an example of the extremely fine craftsmanship, design and technology that is the hallmark of this famed maker. The single-button chronograph mechanism remains among the most complicated and sophisticated developments of time measurement. That Patek Philippe only produced approximately 30 single-button chronograph wristwatches between 1924 and the late 1930s, and that the present lot comes to auction from a direct descendant of the original owner, only adds to the allure of this piece, making it truly a rare find for the demanding collector.



Another highlight from Patek Philippe is a rare 18K gold minute repeating tourbillon wristwatch (estimate US$200,000 – US$300,000). First introduced in 1995, this highly complicated piece exemplifies the firm’s master craftsmanship – not only does it consist of 336 parts, but it also houses both minute repeating and tourbillon functions within a small case. Approximately 120 pieces are known to date to have been produced, with only about 80 – 90 pieces in god.

A rare and historically interesting stainless steel automatic Rolex wristwatch (estimate US$6,000 – US$8,000) is also of particular note. During WWII, Rolex, led by Hans Wilsdorf, instituted a program to send watches to British Prisoners of War as a gesture of good will, as most officers and soldiers would have had their military-issue watches confiscated for ‘security measures’ at the time of imprisonment. Numerous requests for watches were submitted through the Geneva-based International Red Cross and forwarded to Rolex. Wilsdorf, who personally oversaw this effort, would send a letter accompanying each watch detailing that payment would not be expected until after the war when they could pay the balance in Swiss Francs.



The present watch is accompanied by two letters signed by Hans Wilsdorf and addressed to Lieut. J. Peter Hewlett at Oflag IX A/Z, a POW camp reserved for officers in Rotenburg/Fulda Germany. The first of the letters, dated 21st October 1942, details Lieut. Hewletts’s order for the watch on July 29th and Wilsdorf’s confirmation that he “must not arrange for any settlement during the war.” The second letter, dated 4th of December 1942, explains that the watch had been shipped along with the invoice listing the watch as gratis. “Its value in Switzerland is Frs. 290 – but as already mentioned, you must not even think of settlement during the war.” Stamps are visible on all documentation “Gepruft 7 Oflag IX A/Z” – detailing the inspection of all documents and approval for the release to the prisoner, Lieut. Hewlett.

The sale also features a fine selection of ladies’ wristwatches, including a unique 18K gold, platinum, diamond, ruby and sapphire ‘Fishes’ bangle, bracelet (estimate: US$12,000 – US$ 18,000). Made by Patek Philippe, this imaginative creation was most likely unveiled in 1942 at the ‘Montres & Bijoux” international exhibition in Geneva.



A selection of over 40 pocket watches from a private collector that includes important examples dating from the 17th – mid 20th century, as well as a small selection of timepieces from the collection of Kirk Douglas, round out the sale’s offerings.

Source: Christies

www.christies.com

Contact: [email protected]