Diver, pilot or dresser?

What´s your choice?

OK, as promised I continue my preview of the upcoming spring watch auctions. The Antiquorum auction in Geneva takes place on March 21st and comprises 295 lots. In my top 3 you find a watch for every taste: a breathtaking diver, a fantastic pilot watch and a stylish dresser.

Let’s start on top, with one of the most beautiful divers EVER !!

IWC Aquatimer Ref. 812

Yes, I know, you have to be careful with superlatives, very careful. But the IWC Aquatimer took my breath the first time I ran through the offered watches quickly. Because it’s just looking perfect!
These early Super Compressor diving watches with rotating inner bezels are special. Not only because of the second crown, which is used to set the inner ring. But also because they embody both. They are sporty watches, but can be combined well with elegant clothing either.
The IWC Aquatimer Ref. 812 offered by Antiquorum comes in the smaller super compressor case with a diameter of 37mm, for me the perfect size for a watch like that.

Lot 200
Estimate 6.000 – 9.000 CHF

I have to admit, the Ref. 812 is not that rare. At Chrono 24 alone, there are several “Aquas” offered, as usual in a wide range of prices. But none of these watches can match the Antiquorum watch in terms of the color of the dial and lume of hands and indices. Yes, today the tritium is often relumed very well. But on this watch everything looks to be still original.
I stick to it, this watch looks just perfect!

Rolex, Ref. 6542, GMT Master

I have to admit I made a slightly derogatory statement about Rolex sport watches in my last article. But of course that doesn’t mean that I can’t get excited about special Rolex watches at all. Just like the Rolex GMT Master Ref. 6542 from 1959 offered at Antiquorum at the end of next week. The patina looks coherent, and most important, the watch still has the original Bakelite Pepsi bezel. As you can see from the condition of the bezel, they are unfortunately very sensitive. Therefore these bakelite bezels were replaced by metal ones during service over the years.

Lot 267
Estimate 40,000 – 60,000 CHF

The GMT 6542 offered by Antiquorum is offered with a second bezel (!), which lowers the stress factor to damage the bezel quite a lot. Because without the bakelite bezel the 6542 looses a lot of it charm, at least for me.

 

Vacheron Constantin dresser

A diving watch, a pilot watch, what’s missing? Right, the elegant dresser. I like dress watches made of gold, ideally in pink gold like this beautiful Vacheron Constantin. Even the small size of 30mm is not annoying with such a watch, at least if you have the right understatement and you are self confident enough.

Lot 58
Estimate 1,500 – 4,000 CHF

The longer lugs and the raised hour markers are so elegant. With a bit of luck this Vacheron could be one of the bargains of the auction…