Always counted as the season’s most anticipated highlights, Christie’s Geneva Rare Watches Spring 2022 auction is all set to shine light across a universe of vintage and modern timepieces. Scheduled to go live on the May 9th, 2022, the auction offers a rare curation of timepieces from Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet and other famed and famous pieces ever produced. 

“Geneva is the confluence of all that counts in the small but vastly exciting world of exceptional modern and vintage watches, with the legitimacy that comes from being home to the most fabulous watch marques, to mention only Patek Philippe and Rolex. That Christie’s Geneva has earned its place as cardinal point on the sellers’ and seekers’ compass for navigate the watch sale universe shows in the results. Totalling CHF 60.6 million and two white glove 100 percent sold by lot auctions last year alone, Christie’s Geneva Rare Watches sales have established themselves as unmissable events for discerning collectors of exceptional timepieces,” says Rémi Guillemin, Head of Watches, Christie’s Geneva. “The showpiece of the sale will undoubtedly be this fantastic yellow gold trilogy, 3 Rolex Daytonas never seen before together and at the same time at auction,” continues Rémi Guillemin. These watches are: the astonishing 6269 ‘Jack of Diamonds’ (low estimate CHF1,100,000), the 6264 with ‘Tropical Lemon Paul Newman’ dial, and the 6241 with ‘Champagne Paul Newman’ dial,” he adds. 

While the list of what will be shown at Christie’s Geneva Rare Watches Spring 2022 auction is expansive, we take a look at some of the noteworthy Rolex timepieces:

The Rolex Daytona Trilogy

Belonging to Lot 38 is the Rolex Daytona 18K Cosmograph Ref. 6269 ‘Jack of Diamonds’ featuring a diamond set bezel and pavé diamond and sapphire-set dial. Made specially for the French market, this timepiece is one of only two examples that are publicly known. They bear the markers of French importation and the Rolex France logo “Sté*R” for “Société Rolex”. Inspired by the French ‘owl’ gold mark, reference 6269s bearing this mark, including the present watch, have been given the additional nickname “Le Hibou Grand-Duc” or “Great Horned Own” among collectors. What makes this timepiece extra-special is the fact that this timepiece was manufactured late in the production period of the manually wound Cosmograph which was discontinued in 1987. 

The estimated price of the watch is CHF 1,100,000-2,000,000

Title: Rolex Daytona 18K Cosmograph Ref. 6269 ‘Jack of Diamonds’

The other interesting timepiece offered at the Spring auction is the Paul Newman Tropical Lemon Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 6264. This 18K gold reference comes equipped with a rare and impressive “Tropical Lemon Paul Newman Dial” – a marker that makes this timepiece one of the most coveted Cosmographs. 

The estimated price of the watch is CHF 900,000-1,800,000

The final addition to the Daytona trilogy is the Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 6241 ‘Champagne Paul Newman Dial’. This rare 18k gold reference 6241 with ‘Champagne Paul Newman’ dial was only produced for around 3 years between 1966 and 1969, making it an extremely rare reference in its own right. A beauty in itself, the timepiece features a magnificently preserved and utterly perfect dial. The champagne grené surface is flawless even under magnification, the luminous accents are superb, perfectly match the luminescence of the gold hands. One of the most attractive features of the watch is the presence of the very rare Mark 1 bezel that is highly sought-after by watch collectors. 

The estimated price of the watch is CHF 700,000-1,200,000

Rolex Oyster Cosmograph Ref. 6263 Tropical ‘Paul Newman Panda Dial’

Belonging to Lot 24, this rare Oyster Cosmograph Ref. 6263 Tropical ‘Paul Newman Panda Dial’ offers a unique aesthetic with its tropical Mark 1.75 dial. This includes a white panda dial that is fresh and blemish-free. Add to this the luminous accents that have aged evenly along with the luminescence of the hands that adds more character to the watch. In the last 53 years, the original black colour of the outer track has changed to a deep brown hue making it a unique tropical dial. Another reason it is considered to be a heavily coveted timepiece. 

The estimated price of the watch is CHF 400,000-600,000.

Rolex Ref. 6062 ‘Stelline’

An extremely rare reference 6062 ‘Stelline’ comes in an 18K gold automatic triple calendar wristwatch featuring a moonphase and a star dial. According to Christie’s the watch has never been offered at auction before. 

From the approximately 670 pieces produced in yellow gold, less than 150 examples have ever appeared on the open market, hence making this one a rare discovery. The unique ‘Star Dial’ is available in a superbly original condition, retaining its subtle grainé finish and original printing throughout.The case is very attractive with lines well preserved, both on the upper side and also to the back which retains its original satin finish and clear hallmark. Similarly preserved between the lugs, the reference number is still fully legible. 

The estimated price of the watch is CHF100,000-200,000

For more information on these watches, visit the Christie’s site here. 

Image Courtesy: Christie’s