Luxury World

Shy of estimates that I wrote being close to $6 million, the recent Antiquorum auction of the ultra rare Patek Philippe replica watches Caliber 89 pocket watch, still resulted in a big number. The Caliber 89 pocket watch was made in 1989 and remains the most complex timepiece in the world. I previously wrote about the Caliber 89 here where you can get more details about the watch. That was before the auction. Now that the watch has been sold the world can marvel at the $5,066,000 yielded price. Yes the price is high, but it does not necessarily represent an increase in the value of the watch as it yielded a very similar price the last time it was sold at auction a few years ago. This makes sense given the state of the economy. Give the popularity of replica Patek Philippe watches among collectors in Asia, it is not surprising that an Asian collector won the auction.

What you see is the front and rear sides of the Patek Philippe Caliber 89, as it is a double sided pocket watch. Style is very much on par with what was popular at the time in 1989, a bit of a dark age for mechanical watches. It was still only soon after Swatch was helping to revitalize the Swiss watch making industry, so Patek Philippe was important, but still part of the low performing mechanical watch industry. It was not until a few years later that it was booming again. The ultra classic styling of the watch would not be the same if the watch was made today – though Patek Philippe being a conservative group, the design would not be so radically different either.

Now 20 years after the watch was made, it is only a matter of time before Patek Philippe attempts to one-up themselves by producing an eve more complex “world’s most complex timepiece.” The odd looking levers and switches around the thick case of the watch are there to operate the countless functions included in the massively complex timepiece. I wouldn’t even date to attempt to operate it honestly – for fear a delicate part inside would break. It does beg the question of how durable such movements are, even if they are worth millions.

We will wait a few years to see when Patek Philippe returns to the world of ultra complex pocket watch making. Further still, Antiquorum always seems to have something interesting to offer for auction a few times each year during its scheduled auction events. Where are they getting all this cool stuff?

People who like skeleton watches with engraved movements for sure will adore the newly introduced fake watches  Patek Philippe Calatrava watch. This watch is really marvelous. If you ask an admirer of Patek Philippe what the best watch of this brand is, you will listen to a long list of models and no doubt this list will contain the new Patek Philippe Calatrava skeletonized watch.

The watch features the outstanding replica watch Patek Philippe 240 Caliber movement that has already become an exemplar in its regular form. This movement is perfection itself, since it has been open worked to an extraordinary degree. It does leave only the bare minimum of structures that are required to support gears and wheels of the mechanism.

The watch is perfect from both technical and aesthetic points of view. This timepiece features miniature and intricate engravings on every surface that have been performed with great skill.
Watch connoisseurs will agree that the most beautiful parts of the new Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 5180/1 are these: the pierced mainspring barrel decorated with the famous Calatrava Cross symbol as well as the fine support for the 22 k microrotor whose delicacy can be compared with the one of a spiderweb.
The 18K white gold case of Patek Philippe Calatrava skeleton watch greatly emphasizes the transparency of the mechanism. The case that features pierced design and blue colored sapphire crystal ring compliments the craftsmanship of the great Patek 240 SQU movement.

Those who prefer watches of other design rather than skeletons will be glad to know that this year Patek Philippe presents a new watch collection that comprises watches whose dials are decorated with the very complicated colored enamel technique called cloisonne. Together with other Swiss watch brands Patek Philippe mastered cloisonne. Only the most experienced craftsman can decorate dials with unique pictures.

First the designer draws a volumetric picture that then is filled with enamel whose composition is kept under a strict secret. The dial of the watch is then put in a special oven for quite a long time where being influenced by high temperatures the enamel acquires the needed color. As the result the dials of the mechanical masterpieces by Patek Philippe get decorated with traditional for such models pictures – exotic animals, birds and others.

Patek Philippe watches are popular in all over the world with both ordinary people and celebrities, including presidents. Among clients of the company there are Queen Victoria, Albert Einstein, Bill Gates and ex-Russian president Vladimir Putin who wears on his wrist white gold Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar that costs $ 60000. Watches by Patek Philippe are justly considered ones of the world’s most prestigious watches, because this brand focuses all its efforts on production of watches whose every single detail can be described as perfect.

Auction house Antiquorum auctioned off a very rare vintage chronograph Patek Philippe that
was released in 1956, in the framework of the collector’s watch auction. It is supposed that the final price of the watch will achieve $1.2 million.
The chronograph that features 18K yellow gold case and gold bracelet displays not only hours and seconds, but calendar and moon phases as well. As well the watch features miniature tachometer dial.
In comparison with this model the other fake Patek Philippe watch, that also was auctioned off is much cheaper – in spite of platinum case and diamonds the watch costs only about $280 000 340 000
Those who want a vintage Patek Philippe watch replica but cannot afford so expensive one should not despair. All watch brands, and Patek Philippe as well celebrate their anniversaries with release of re-editions of their old models
Also vintage models are released in honor of anniversaries of some certain collections. For instance, 30 year anniversary of Patek Philippe’s Nautilus was celebrated with release of the vintage Nautilus white gold model adorned with 32 very beautiful diamonds.

Vintage Models by Other Brands

As well as Patek Philippe many other Swiss watch brands release jubilee vintage collections that are very much liked by collectors as well as by ordinary customers.
IWC released a whole series of historical models of all its lineups – beginning with legendary Portuguese and ending with quite young Aquatimer. The watches come in sets of 6 platinum pieces and as well there are stainless steel vintage models that are sold apart.
The most modern Rolex models are always based on their legendary ancestor – the famous “Oyster”. Omega also has its museum collection. Blancpain releases vintage Fifty Fathoms –duplicates of watches that were developed for French divers, while Longines re-edited its famous Istituto Idrografico R Marina watch. Baume & Mercier dedicated its collection to the company’s founder William Baume. What to Girard-Perregaux – they have a Vintage 1945 collection that includes truly brilliant watches by the legendary brand.

The Christies auction in Geneva turned out to be the most profitable among all auctions in 2009. At this auction Patek Philippe watches were presented. Due to the rates of collectors and museums the auction sold Patek Philippe watches for 19 032 388 francs. Mr. Backs from watch department of the auction house noted that the revenue turned out to be twice higher than the initial estimate, as the result the auction set a record among all auctions in 2009.

900 collectors from all over the world took part in the auction. The Patek Philippe, ref. 1526 watch model turned out to be the most expensive. This model is made out of gold and it features perpetual calendar. The watch was bought by a Swiss museum.

This auction proves once again that fake Patek Philippe watches are truly fantastic. The brand offers a great variety of watches and each of them is a true masterpiece that cannot be overestimated.

Patek Philippe was founded in Geneva in 1839. At the beginning watches by Patek Philippe were not as great as now. The company manufactured its own cases and equipped them with movements by other manufacturers. Some time later the company’s founder Patek began collaboration with watch maker Philippe. This was a great step in the development of the company. The company began producing its own movements that amazed by their perfection. More than 50 years ago the company presented its first collection of men’s classic complicated watches Calatrava. Their gold case, porcelain dial and simple design is in fashion today.

Patek Philippe watches are known in all over the world. The company is proud of the fact that among its clients there are many famous people – beginning with queen Victoria and ending with Albert Einstein. Chronometers by Patek Philippe have become the best specimen in many collections.

In our watch store you will find Patek Philippe replica watches of superior quality. Our Patek Philippe replica watches are beautiful and reliable. We offer very accessible prices. Please, feel free to browse our catalogue of Patek Philippe replica watches.

Are you sensible enough to know that looking extravagant and stylish doesn?t have to leave you broke? Have you always wanted to purchase a beautiful timepiece like the sheik Patek Philippe watch but you realized that spending fifty thousand dollars wasn?t the smart thing to do? If so, then we know you?re smart enough to purchase the Patek Philippe replica watches

Replica Patek Philippe Calatrava watches make part of one of the most long-lasting watch lines. Created by the Swiss watchmaker Patek Philippe and introduced in 1932, this classic watch line is still popular nowadays. In 2009, the Patek Philippe Calatrava watch family has been joined by a new member – the new Calatrava Officier Ref. 5153.

            The chronograph features a rare 18K yellow gold officer’s-style case of complex nature. It has 38mm in diameter, 2 mm larger than the Calatrava ref. 5053 released in 2001. The case incorporates a highly-polished bezel, a knurled turban-shaped crown and straight lugs with screwed strap bars. The sapphire crystal, through which the manufactory-made 324 Central Second calibre can be viewed, is protected from scratches and dust by a hinged case back. This 4 Hz movement with an engraved unidirectional winding central rotor in 21K gold is guaranteed to keep time in the range between -3 and +2 seconds per day. Besides, the self-winding mechanical movement is set with 29 jewels and has a power reserve of 45 hours. All Patek Philippe mechanical movements have such technical features. Along with hours, minutes and seconds, the chronograph provides a date function at the 3 o’clock position.

The silvery opaline dial of the Patek Philippe Calatrava Officier watch has a hand-applied guilloche sunburst pattern at the center and gold applique hour markers. The Patek Philippe Geneve signature is visible on a small gold cartouche. The watch features a matt chocolate brown alligator strap with large square scales. The Patek Philippe Calatrava Officier watch will retail for $25,800 when it is commercially available in July.

In less than a century, The Calatrava watch series has become as legendary as the Spanish order of knights after which it was named. This Spanish religious order successfully prevented the Moors from attacking the Calatrava citadel in 1158. At the end of the nineteenth century, Patek Philippe chose the emblem of the Order of Calatrava as its brand symbol, which is present in any Patek Philippe watch. The design of the first Calatrava chronograph was inspired by the German Bauhaus art and architecture school philosophy, according to which form should fit function. The main property of a Calatrava watch is its accuracy in showing time and legibility,  that is why its classic design has no unnecessary details that would distract their owners’ attention from the hands. Nowadays the Calatrava watch models are still created according to the philosophy of the Bauhaus school. Though the faces of Calatrava watches always change, the timepieces making part of this family can be easily recognized for being extra thin, having hobnail patterns, wide polished bezels, sleek lines and functional design.

Replica Patek Philippe Calatrava watches have the same features as the original timepieces. These elegant, classically styled chronographs with perfectly round-shaped cases properly perform their functions of keeping time and, besides, cost much less.

Around 160 timepieces are offered at auction by Sotheby’s in Geneva at the traditional autumn watch sale taking place on Tuesday November 13, 2007 at 10.30am.

Among the lots going under the hammer are a wonderful selection of vintage and modern watches by famous makers such as Patek Philippe and Rolex, together with a private collection of fine and rare pocket watches from an estate, including signed pieces by Ilbery and Piguet & Meylan. All the lots will be shown at a pre-sale exhibition to be held in the reception rooms of the Beau-Rivage Hotel in Geneva from Saturday 10 to Monday 12 November 2007.

Patek Philippe:
The top lot of the sale is a fine and rare platinum automatic perpetual calendar minute repeating wristwatch Patek Philippe, ref.5013P estimated at CHF 470,000-600,000 ($400,000-500,000).

Among the others timepieces signed by Replica Patek Philippe Watch, we have two superb gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatches with moon-phases, one created circa 1945 (Ref. 1518) and the other circa 1965 (Ref. 2499). Both carry estimates of CHF 300,000-400,000 ($250,000-350,000).

Yet another highlight is a Replica Patek Philippe Watch  automatic wristwatch in white gold with perpetual calendar and moon-phases, dated circa 1970, Ref. 3448G (estimate: CHF 250,000-350,000 / $200,000-300,000).

Rolex:
Among the Rolex watches for sale in the auction, we have a stainless steel triple calendar chronograph wristwatch with registers, Ref. 6236. This datesfrom circa 1958 and is estimated at CHF 150,000-250,000 ($125,000-215,000). We also have an exceptional gold Rolex “Paul Newman” Daytona wristwatch in excellent condition which will be offered at CHF 65,000-85,000 ($45,000-60,000).

A private collection of pocket watches:
This private collection consists of 15 fine and rare pieces, including two pocket watches specially made for the Chinese market.

The first (illustration on right) is a beautiful mid 19th century centre seconds duplex watch in gold and enamel by the exceptional English watchmaker William Ilbery (1780-1851). Its case back is decorated with an enamel scene by V. Dupont, one of the period’s most notable enamellers (estimate: CHF 120,000-180,000 / $100,000-150,000).

pocket watch set with enamel and pearls, made by the Geneva watchmakers Isaac Daniel Piguet (1775-1841) and Philippe-Samuel Meylan (1772-1845), circa 1820 (estimate: CHF 160,000-250,000 / $135,000-210,000).

Both originally from Le Chenit, a small village in the Vallée de Joux, the two future master watchmakers moved to Geneva when they were still young men and formed a partnership that lasted from 1811 to 1828. Working together in their workshops at 45 rue Jean Jacques Rousseau, they soon came to specialise in beautifully decorated musical watches, including skeleton and automaton watches.

The first evening sale of Important Watches to take place at Sotheby’s in Geneva tonight realised an exceptional total of CHF 10,904,000 ($10,401,435). The auction reached its climax in front of a packed saleroom when a Replica Patek Philippe Watch chronograph wristwatch, formerly in the collection of Count Carlo Felice Trossi, sold for the outstanding amount of CHF 2,345,000 ($2,236,919), becoming the most expensive wristwatch sold by Sotheby’s.

Alexander Barter, Deputy Worldwide Head of Watches, Sotheby’s International, said: “Organised for the first time as a special evening event, tonight’s sale totalled a tremendous CHF 10,904,000 ($10,401,435) representing the highest total ever achieved in this category at Sotheby’s Geneva.

Tonight’s result follows other successful watch sales at Sotheby’s during the 2008 spring season – on April 10th, Sotheby’s Hong Kong held its highest ever value watch sale, while on April 23rd, Sotheby’s New York broke its record for a various-owner sale – demonstrating the continuing strength of the global watch market. These results also reflect the strong international demand for wristwatches of excellent quality and impeccable provenance, as well as the expertise of Sotheby’s worldwide team in sourcing the most sought-after time pieces”.

Geoffroy Ader, Head of Watches, Sotheby’s Geneva, and this evening’s auctioneer, added: “After having sold the most expensive Rolex Daytona in New York and the most expensive modern wristwatch in Hong Kong last month, we are delighted tonight to have achieved the highest price for a wristwatch sold at Sotheby’s with the Replica Patek Philippe Watch ‘Trossi Leggenda’

The undisputed highlight of this evening’s sale was the ‘Trossi Leggenda’, an important and possibly unique oversized single button chronograph wristwatch by Patek Philippe, made between 1925 and 1932. The watch was formerly the property of Count Carlo Felice Trossi, an Italian aristocrat and one-time President of Scuderia Ferrari, who won the Italian and Swiss Grand Prix in 1947 and 1948 respectively.

The lot was offered together with a 1937 issue of Scuderia Ferrari Magazine, whose cover features Count Trossi wearing the watch on the outside of his shirt cuff – a trend which has been attributed to him. Bringing CHF 2,345,000 ($2,236,919), the lot became the most expensive wristwatch ever to be sold at Sotheby’s.

Another important piece by Patek Philippe, a fine over-sized stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with register, no.862323, Ref. 530A, dated 1939, was extremely well-contested and after a protracted bidding war between two clients in the room, sold for CHF 1,057,000 ($1,008,283).

Among the other exceptional vintage complicated wristwatches by Patek Philippe which performed very well this evening were a perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moon-phases and register, 1953, no.868538, Ref.2499J, which brought CHF 945,000 ($901,445) against a pre-sale estimate of CHF 450,000-650,000 and a fine gold centre seconds perpetual calendar wristwatch with moon phases, 1958, Ref. 2438/1J, which achieved CHF 385,000 ($367,255).

Further highlights in the sale included some fine examples of Rolex chronograph ‘Paul Newman’ Daytonas from various private collections. One example, in gold with registers, circa 1980 brought CHF 157,000 ($149,764) (est: CHF 50,000-80,000) and another one in stainless steel which sold for CHF 151,000 ($144,040), more than three times its pre-sale low estimate of CHF 40,000.

Among the pocket watches offered for sale were a historically significant example made by Patek Philippe, around 1878, from the family of its original owner, which sold for CHF 70,600 ($67,346) and a fine and exceptionally rare two train gold pocket watch with perpetual calendar, moon-phases, split seconds chronograph, two-time zones and minute repetition by Breguet, circa 1908, offered by the descendant of the original owner, which fetched CHF 133,000 ($126,870).

Finally, a spectacular rock crystal crucifix watch signed Fonnereau à la Rochelle, dated 1650, also performed well tonight, achieving CHF 133,000 ($126,870) against a pre-sale estimate of CHF 90,000-120,000.

Sotheby’s Geneva is pleased to announce that on Sunday, May 11th, 2008, it will be holding its spring sale of Important Watches during an evening session for the first time. The auction will be preceded by a public exhibition in the salons of the Beau-Rivage Hotel on Friday, May 9th from 2.00pm to 6.00pm and on Saturday, May 10th and Sunday, May 11th, 2008 from 10.00am to 6.00pm.

Alexander Barter, Deputy Worldwide Head of  Watches, Sotheby’s International, said: “As the watch market continues to strengthen globally, we are delighted to announce an exceptional spring sale which will be held as a special evening event. Under the direction of Geoffroy Ader, the auction will have a wide ranging appeal to collectors and watch enthusiasts alike”.

Geoffroy Ader, Head of Watches, Sotheby’s Geneva, added: “Comprising around 200 lots, the forthcoming watch auction to be held in Geneva in May will include a well curated selection of fine and exceptional timepieces made by renowned watchmakers such as Replica Patek Philippe Watch, Breguet and Rolex to name but a few.

We are especially delighted to offer the “‘Trossi Leggenda” Patek Philippe, an important and possibly unique chronograph wristwatch formerly the property of Count Carlo Felice Trossi, as well as a large selection of important Patek Philippe wristwatches from private collectors”.

THE “TROSSI LEGGENDA” PATEK PHILIPPE:
The sale is highlighted by an important and possibly unique over-sized single buttonchronograph wristwatch created by Replica Patek Philippe Watch  in 1932. Formerly the property of Count Carlo Felice Trossi, this piece offered together with an issue of Scuderia Ferrari Magazine published in 1937 (cover page reproduced below), is expected to sell in excess of CHF 2 million ($ 1.9 million).

Count Carlo Felice Trossi (pictured on the left wearing the present watch) was born into an aristocratic Italian family 100 years ago on 27th April 1908. Captivated by the possibilities of speed, Count Trossi was a motor car and speed boat racer as well as an early pioneer of flight. In 1932 he became the President of Ferrari Scuderia. The highlights of Trossi’s motoring career culminated in his wins at the Italian and Swiss Grand Prix respectively in the years 1947 and 1948.

The over-sized Patek Philippe chronograph, measuring 46 millimetres in diameter, is most probably unique and is one of the largest wristwatches ever made by the company. It was clearly specially chosen by Count Trossi as a practical timekeeper for use in motor racing and aviation to assist with the accurate timing of events in a highly visible format.

In later years, aviators’ wristwatches were typically large in size and very few were made by Patek Philippe. Only one other wristwatch of similar size by Patek Philippe has appeared on the auction market and that was manufactured some 20 years later with a substantially smaller movement.

The present wristwatch was worn by Count Trossi on the outside of his shirt cuff to further assist with its use in racing and aviation – indeed, a photograph from 1938 survives which shows Count Trossi wearing this watch in the same manner (illustration above). Interestingly, the wearing of a wristwatch on the outside of shirt cuffs has recently become fashionable, particularly in Italy.