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Press release
The collection of modern and vintage timepieces drew 357 registered internet bidders in addition to the many room, telephone and commission bidders. Enthusiastic international bidding came from countries such as Japan, the United Kingdom, China, Hong Kong, the Russian Federation, Switzerland and the United States.
"We are exceptionally pleased to have uncovered and sold some of the world's most extraordinary timepieces in 2011. In the year ahead, we look forward to continued success and to offering our clients only the very best the market has to offer. As such, we are eagerly anticipating our first sale of the new year on February 26th in Hong Kong which will feature a Patek Philippe ref. 5131 World Time with enamel dial and an extremely rare Patek Philippe ref. 3939 in pink gold," said Evan Zimmermann, President & CEO, Antiquorum.
The highlight of the sale was undeniably the Vacheron Constantin ref. 30020. The platinum minute repeater with perpetual calendar [lot 450] sold to a phone bidder for an impressive $218,500.
"Exceptional examples of modern timepieces in outstanding condition continue to attract collectors from all corners of the globe. We were particularly pleased with the results for the modern Vacheron Constantin watches included in today's sale," said Charles Tearle, Watch Director, Antiquorum USA.
Also attaining an important result was the exceptional cover lot, a unique Parmigiani Bugatti Type 370 with diamonds [lot 180], which was acquired for $122,500.
Patek Philippe achieved a strong result in the sale with the Patek Philippe ref. 3970 [lot 440], a platinum chronograph with perpetual calendar and moon phases, which sold for $128,500. Also, the Patek Philippe ref. 130 [lot 431], an 18K yellow gold chronograph with tachometer and two-tone dial, sold for $ 57,500 after a heated competition between phone, room and internet bidders.
In addition, modern Patek Philippe timepieces retailed by Tiffany obtained noteworthy results in the December auction. The combined low estimate for the collection offered in the sale totaled $ 143,000 and ultimately sold for $203,450 - representing 142% of the value.
Vintage Rolexes in superior condition or with unusual features continue to achieve strong prices at auction. Both examples of the Rolex ref. 6263 "Oyster Cosmograph" in yellow gold achieved excellent results; lot 222 sold for $62,500 while lot 223, offered with a certificate, fetched $70,900. The Rolex ref. 6536 with gilt tropical dial and red depth gauge [lot 76], achieved an outstanding $27,500, more than double its high estimate.
Blancpain was also well represented in the sale with the Blancpain Repetition Minutes Quantieme Perpetuel no. 22 [lot 118] selling for twice its low estimate at $38,750 and the Blancpain Split-Seconds Chronograph Perpetual Calendar in platinum [lot 120] achieving $22,500.
Further highlighting the desirability of rare modern timepieces for collectors, the skeletonized Girard - Perregaux Pink Gold Tourbillon Under Three Gold Bridges [lot 387] sold for $57,500 and the Girard-Perregaux "La Laureato" Tourbillon Under Three Golden Bridges [lot 399] brought $47,500.
Finally, Jaeger-LeCoultre also achieved a significant result with the Jaeger Minute Repeater [lot 144]. Made in a limited edition of 200 pieces, the oversized platinum wristwatch sold for $87,700.
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