Christmas & 2016

Christie's: New York sale December 16, my picks

For their sale on December 16 in New York, Christie's did put another beautiful catalogue together with some very nice watches. Herewith I do present you my favorite timepieces of this sale.

The first watch that I immediately recognized when I first looked at the catalogue was this superb Audemars Piguet 5516 of which only 9 had been made. 3 first series examples with the moon phases at 12 o'clock and 6 second series (like the present) with the moon phases at 6 o'clock. Not only that it is a very rare timepiece, but this example is as well in outstanding condition. Lot N°162. Estimated 150 000$ - 300 000$.

And now one of my favorite, if not my favorite chronographe by Patek Philippe, reference 591. This is a superb example in rose gold, never been offered publicly before, untoched rose gold dial (confirmed by the extract from archives) and a super crisp case. Lot N°187. Estimated 100 000$ - 200 000$.

The present example of the legendary Universal Genève Compax "Panda" is really great. Early series with applied "U" logo and tapered sub register hands in excellent condition and all the accessories that one can dream about, Certificate of guarantee, literature, box, original strap. Lot N°112. Estimated 15 000$ - 25 000$.

Another very nice chronographe by Universal Genève that I like is the Uni-Compax "Big Eye". The present example is in very nice condition, black dial with silver/white registers. There are only about 10 known examples of this "Big Eye", but unfortunately it is mentioned in the condition report that on the caseback there was an engraving that had been removed and in the process, it lost as well the serial and reference numbers. But maybe that could be a good chance to get this beautiful example for a good price. Lot N°111. Estimated 6 000$ - 8 000$.

Another very interesting timepiece is this super rare Breguet Diver watch. With only 3 known to the market today and this one still in very nice condition makes it a trophy for every collector. Lot N°120. Estimated 60 000$ - 80 000$.

Direct access to the virtual catalogue of Christie's: http://www.christies.com/zmags/?ZmagsPublishID=7bbeba6c&SaleTitle=&SaleId=25360&GUID=&JumptoLot=

Some rare and beautiful vintage timepieces up for sale can be seen as well at the vintage corner of my boutique Watch Collector by Christian Bissener: www.watchcollector.lu

Kind regards.
Christian
(photos by Christie's)

Longines 13ZN central minutes -----> available at my boutique

Dear watch aficionado.

Available at my boutique, this superb Longines central minutes chronographe. More details at the website of my boutique:

http://www.watchcollector.lu/#!longines/zoom/cxa1/i0gw7

Requests can be made via my website or directly by e-mail at the following address: info@watchcollector.lu

Kind regards.

Christian

NEW at my boutique ---------> Benzinger ONE - Patek Philippe 1949

Dear watch aficionado.

I am very proud and pleased that from now on you can purchase this sublime and unique "Benzinger ONE - Patek Philippe 1949" at my boutique.

Jochen Benzinger did chose for this beautiful timepiece a pocket watch movement made by Patek Philippe in 1949 and finished it completely by hand in the legendary Benzinger style.

More details about this unique timepiece you may find on the website of my boutique under the following link:

http://www.watchcollector.lu/#!benzinger-one/zoom/c1wfr/dataItem-ih7bk92u

Kind regards.

Christian

Audemars Piguet vintage platinum dress watch -----------> available at my boutique

Dear watch aficionado.

Available at my boutique, this superb Audemars Piguet dress watch, platinum and very nice patina to the dial. More details at the website of my boutique:

http://www.watchcollector.lu/#!audemars-piguet/zoom/c3yp/i05pf

Requests can be made via my website or directly by e-mail at the following address: info@watchcollector.lu

Kind regards.

Christian

Phillips Watches: The Hong Kong Watch Auction ONE, my picks

To chose the watches for this upcoming sale at Phillips Watches: The Hong Kong Watch Auction ONE was pretty interesting. Again Phillips managed to compose a very nice catalogue with some great and superb timepieces.

So, I will start with this super nice, early and rare Vacheron & Constantin 4178 stainless steel/rose gold with two tone champagne dial chronographe. The colour combination does look outstanding with the stainless steel case, rose gold lugs pushers and crown and then the nice two tone champagne dial with red gold hands and numerals which is in a unrestored condition. It is not exactly known how many steel and steel/gold pieces were made, but it is stated in the archives 191. Lot N°145. Estimated 30 000$ - 50 000$ USD.

The next timepiece that I picked is a beautiful, early and rare Audemars Piguet wristwatch from 1918 cased in a beautiful tonneau shaped yellow gold case and comes with a matching presentation box. Considering that this watch almost is 100 years old makes it so interesting to me plus the rarity and condition mentioned in the catalogue makes it a perfect timecapsule. Lot N°287. Estimated 25 000$ - 35 000$ USD.

The legendary Patek Philippe 565, one of my favorite timepieces by Patek Philippe. The present example does come in its nice stainless steel case with a beautifully aged dial, confirmed by the extract of archives. The unusual feature on this watch is as well that the last 4 digits of the serial number are engraved between the lugs at 6 o'clock. Lot N°203. Estimated 18 500$ - 32 000$ USD.

The next watch is a legendary example of the Rolex 6239 Cosmograph. This one with a superb black dial and the Solo Rolex writing at 12 o'clock. This example does appear in overall good condition with a nicely aged dial. Lot N°226. Estimated 50 000$ - 75 000$ USD.

I am a absolute fan of the A. Lange & Söhne timepieces. Their design, their movement architecture makes these watches the most beautiful timepieces on the market nowadays. And this Tourbograph pour le mérite is a real grail watch. Only 51 pieces were made of this legendary watch and this example is numbered 23 and comes in very excellent condition. Lot N°338. Estimated 300 000$ - 625 000$ USD.

And now to one of the most talented independent watchmakers, Vianney Halter. I love the creations of Vianney Halter so much and this Antiqua that I picked comes as well in excellent condition. The hand-finish level of the watches made by Vianney Halter is extraordinary and the finissage is superb. A very special way to tell the time and perpetual calendar! Lot N°325. Estimated 30 000$ - 50 000$ USD.

Direct access to the virtual catalogue of Phillips Watches: http://www.joomag.com/magazine/the-hong-kong-watch-auction-one/0596927001446657027?short

Some rare and beautiful vintage timepieces up for sale can be seen as well at the vintage corner of my boutique Watch Collector by Christian Bissener: www.watchcollector.lu

Kind regards.
Christian
(photos by Phillips Watches)

MB&F: Legacy Machine Perpetual Complexity simplified with integrity and beauty

Dear watch aficionado.

This is a real stunner by MB&F, their new introduced Legacy Machine Perpetual. My deapest respect to Maximilian Büsser and his Friends for this oustanding timepiece!

 
There are not so many times that I am speechless, but just right now this is the case!

 
From their pictures on the website, I do personally like more the red gold version, because of its warmer colour combinations.

The official text from the MB&F website:

 
Beginning with a blank sheet of paper, MB&F and independent Irish watchmaker Stephen McDonnell have completely reinvented that most traditional of horological complications: the perpetual calendar. The result is Legacy Machine Perpetual, featuring a visually stunning in-house movement, which was developed from the ground up to eliminate the drawbacks of conventional perpetual calendars.

The fact that the new complication looks sensational and can be fully appreciated dial-side is just one of the many benefits offered by the new movement, controlled by a “mechanical processor” (patent pending).

The perpetual calendar is one of the great traditional complications, calculating the apparently random complexity of the varying numbers of days in each month − including the 29 days in February during leap years. But traditional perpetual calendars do have a few drawbacks: dates can skip; they are relatively easy to damage if adjusted while the date is changing; and the complications are usually compromises of modules powered by base movements.

The 581-component, fully integrated and purpose-built movement of Legacy Machine Perpetual has been designed from scratch for trouble-free use: no more skipping dates or jamming gears, and the adjuster pushers automatically deactivate when the calendar changes, so no problems there either.

Legacy Machine Perpetual : complexity simplified with integrity and beauty.

Legacy Machine Perpetual launches with a limited edition of 25 pieces in 18K 5N+ red gold and 25 pieces in platinum 950.

(Video and text by MB&F)

Interview: Watch Collector by Christian Bissener, project Benzinger by Zanella

Dear watch aficionado.

Herewith I do present you an interview recently made in the gallery of Léon Zanella about my project -Benzinger by Zanella-. Click the following link and you will access the interview on my youtube channel:

More details about my unique project as well on the website of my boutique:

http://www.watchcollector.lu/#!benzinger-by-zanella/c879

Kind regards.

Christian

Bovet Chronographe Mono-Rattrapante, 1950's

Dear watch aficionado.

This is a beautiful Bovet Chronographe Mono-Rattrapante from the 1950s. The interesting thing about this watch is that it functions like a flyback. When pressing the button at the 4 o'clock position, the seconds hand stops and upon releasing it, it catches up the really elapsed time. This example does wear a beautiful black glossy dial with superb gilt writing, Bovet writing in silver and matching luminous indexes.

This superb Bovet Mono-Rattrapante Chronographe is available at my boutique: http://www.watchcollector.lu/#!bovet/cj39

In the offer at my boutique you might find as well other great vintage timepieces under the following link: http://www.watchcollector.lu/#!vintage/cj08

Kind regards.
Christian

Phillips Watches: Geneva auction TWO, my picks

Dear watch aficionado.

To make choices in a highly extraordinary sale like the one organized by Aurel Bacs and his team at Phillips Watches is quite a bit a challenge. I mean, after their outstanding auction "Geneva auction ONE" they were able to create another sale "Geneva auction TWO" which will be held on November 7 and 8 with massive superlative timepieces and I am quite sure that we will see more great sales coming in future by Phillips watches. The direct link to their sale: http://phillips.com/auctions/auction/CH080515

I will start with this extremely rare and beautiful Vacheron & Constantin 6026 in pink gold, 36mm case size. Only 25 pieces made of this reference and only 6 in pink gold! Lot N°178. Estimated 30 000 CHF - 50 000 CHF.

The second Vacheron & Constantin chronographe which I do love so much is the legendary 6087 with the cornes de vache lugs. This very special 6087 comes with a yellow gold case of which are only 28 pieces known. Lot N°131. Estimated 50 000 CHF - 100 000 CHF.

I do love minute repeating timepieces, especially early minute repeaters. This one is a very special, it is a Audemars Piguet minute repeater in platinum from 1929 retailed by Cartier and belonged to Henry Haven Windsor Jr. bearing the "H.H.WINDSOR 200 E. ONTARIO ST. CHICAGO" engraving on the back. This timepiece looks to be in a stunning condition for its age. Lot N°233. Estimated 300 000 CHF - 600 000 CHF.

The next one is a superb Universal Genève Tri-Compax. In the first sale in May, Phillips Watches did offer already one with original Gay Frères bracelet and it was sold for 24000 (hammer price). We will see where this example will end up. Lot N°202. Estimated 6 000 CHF - 9 000 CHF.

And yes, I do love as well split second chronographes. This one is a very interesting Record split second chronogrpahe from 1945 with a pretty large case for that time at 37.5mm which is a perfect size today. I do love the very clean design of the two tone dial with gold hour indexes matching the gold hands. Lot N°228. Estimated 12 000 CHF - 18 000 CHF.

Now I am turning towards Rolex, with their first Oyster chronographe, the legendary 4048. The present watch seems to be in very good condition. Lot N°161. Estimated 60 000 CHF - 90 000 CHF.

And another legendary Rolex references, the 3525. This one is a very special piece with a beautifully patinated yellow gold case, mirror gunmetal, in combination with black gilt dial and yellow gold bracelet. Lot N°223. Estimated 200 000 CHF - 400 000 CHF.

Now coming to Patek Philippe and I will start with one of my favorite references, the 565. This one comes with a steel case in combination with a beautiful black dial and fresh to the market! The black dial in combination with arabic and dot numerals was never seen before. Plus, the black dial is confirmed by the extract from the archives! I just love this piece. Lot N°251. Estimated 100 000 CHF - 200 000 CHF.

And another Patek Philippe that I felt immediately in love is this superb 530 steel with multitone dial and Breguet numerals featured in the legendary book "Patek Philippe steel watches" by John Goldberger. Lot N°269. Estimated 200 000 CHF - 400 000 CHF.

The last watch that I did chose from this outstanding sale is this superb 3700/1A Nautilus with Gübelin signature. Only 3 examples are know with signature! The plus it comes with its original box and service hang tag. Lot N°107. Estimated 20 000 CHF - 30 000 CHF.

Direct access to the virtual catalogue by Phillips Watches: http://issuu.com/phillipsauction/docs/ch080515_catalog?e=16544782/30575609

Some rare and beautiful vintage timepieces up for sale can be seen as well at the vintage corner of my boutique Watch Collector by Christian Bissener: www.watchcollector.lu

Kind regards.
Christian
(photos by Phillips Watches)

NEW: Louis Vuitton watches&jewelry trunk + NEW: ACCESSORIES & COLLECTIBLES

Dear watch aficionado.

NEW: I am very proud to annouce that I have now in my offer an exclusive, custom made and unique, Louis Vuitton watches&jewelry trunk. This trunk you can access directly by clicking on the following link:

http://www.watchcollector.lu/#!louis-vuitton--watches---jewelry-trunk/two1f

The more I am very proud and honoured to annouce the new catagorie "ACCESSORIES & COLLECTIBLES" on the website of my boutique. At this "ACCESSORIES & COLLECTIBLES" corner I do present you accessories and collectibles all around the universe of watches:

http://www.watchcollector.lu/#!accessories---collectibles/caaj

Have a great weekend.

Christian

Christie's: Auction November 2015, my picks

Dear watch aficionado.

This auction season in November seems to be very interesting for watch collectors over the world. First there was Phillips Watches with the release of their catalogue for their "Geneva auction: Two". Now there is Christie's with the release of their catalogue for the November auction and it looks very interesting. So, herewith I do present you my picks for this sale.

I will start with this superb and rare Vacheron & Constantin 4261 minute repeater cased in pink gold with a superb sector tropical dial. It is known, that only one other 4261 has been made, but with two tone brushed silver dial. So this example, stated in the catalogue as excellent condition, can be considered as a unique piece. Lot N°83. Estimated 110 000€ - 200 000€.

Another super interesting minute repeater (yes I do love minute repeaters) is this superb Audemars Piguet mintue repeater cased in platinum, cushion shape, made in 1928 with 10 lines movement. Lot N°85. Estimated 92 000€ - 180 000€.

A never seen before Patek Philippe 1518 rose gold, for the french market, with the correct calendar indications. The combination of the rose gold case and the provenance from the family of the original owner makes this a super rare and very interesting timepiece. Lot N°161. Estimated 330 000€ - 640 000€.

A very interesting Patek Philippe 530 steel with black dial in excellent condition. The combination of the steel case and black dial makes this a great timepiece. Even that the dial was not born on this watch with arabic numerls, but with baton indexes, the watch is still a good catch and beautiful. Lot N°318. Estimated 37 000€ - 73 000€.

A beautiful, unrestored, and rare Patek Philippe 2508 stainless steel. Only 10 pieces in stainless steel are known today. Lot N°158. Estimated 23 000€ - 41 000€.

A super rare and very intersting Rolex 5512 with square crown guards. It comes in excellent condition with glossy black dial with gilt printing and depth rating in silver. And it does wear the red triangle bezel. Only a handful of these Submariners are known today. Lot N°259. Estimated 65 000€ - 110 000€.

Direct access to the virtual catalgue of Christie's: http://www.christies.com/zmags/?ZmagsPublishID=1a6593ec&SaleTitle=&SaleId=25599&GUID=&JumptoLot=

Some rare and beautiful vintage timepieces up for sale can be seen as well at the vintage corner of my boutique Watch Collector by Christian Bissener: www.watchcollector.lu

Kind regards.
Christian Bissener
(Photos by Christie's)