On June 21, Bonham’s London watch department will host an auction selling 105 watches, with many brands and a good variety of Rolex and Patek. I selected my top 5:
1) Lot 78: Rolex ref. 5513 Military Submariner
Rolex Submariners are widely appreciated as tool watches, and this “MilSub” is one in the truest sense of the word. It was produced in 1974/75 as a direct order for the British Royal Navy and has functionality written all over it. Special enhancements were made on these MilSubs that made them different from regular Submariners. The watch comes on a NATO-strap and is in my opinion a great example that embodies the essence of the Submariner and maybe the tool watch in general.
2) Lot 100: Patek Philippe 5951P Perpetual Calendar
This Patek 5951P Perpetual Calendar is nothing short of a mechanical marvel, being the thinnest column-wheel split-second chronograph on the market when it was launched in 2010. As the split-second chronograph is my favorite complication, coming from the ultimate of brands it’s real magic and has to be on my list. Imagine 400 individual watch parts working together in this slim 37 mm case. The cushion-shape of the platinum case is unusual, and in this dial configuration as few as 10 were approximately made. Stylish, ultra-rare and highly complicated: the 5951P ticks all the boxes for the most serious of Patek collectors and the ukp 220,000-280,000 estimate is a reflection of that.
3) Lot 73: Richard Mille RM 005 “Monsoon Cup”
Although Richard Mille is not my favorite brand, this early RM 005 Monsoon Cup is an absolute stunner. Mechanically not as spectacular as the later versions the RM 005 makes up with pure character, great looks and a massive pedigree as one of the models that brought Richard Mille to where it is today. The white gold watch on offer is number 12 out of a series of 30 pieces created on the occasion of the Malaysian Monsoon Cup Yacht race, where Richard Mille was official timekeeper from 2005 to 2015. Estimated at UKP 60,000-80,000 this is one of the more affordable ways to enter the ultra-luxury world of Richard Mille.
4) Lot 71: HYT H1
As a big fan of independent watchmaking I can’t get away without putting this HYT H1 on my shortlist. The history of this young brand is a bumpy ride but their technology of using fluids to tell time and their bold designs make them a brand that really adds colour to the watchmaking palette. If you appreciate the complexity and uniqueness of this early 2012 H1 you might be in for a good deal, as the watch is estimated to reach UKP 10,000-15,000, which is a fraction of its original list price. You’ll be absolutely sure to have a wonderful conversation piece on your wrist on any occasion.
5) Lot 67: Glashuette Original PanoMaticLunar
I always consider Glashuette Original as one of the hidden gems in horology. Their design, watchmaking skills and level of finishing are of the highest standards, yet they are still under the radar of the collecting community. The PanoMaticLunar on offer is part of the Pano-series, with the characteristic assymetric dial design. This version on offer is from 2008 and its design almost indistinguishable from a 2023-version, proving how timeless the design is. The estimate is UKP 3,000-4,000 and should you be able to obtain this watch within that range the value for money you will get is almost second to none.
Have a look at the complete catalogue of 105 watches here.
