This highly complicated example had minute repeating work, calendar, moonphase, flying fifths and thermometer. Patek Philippe took the best watch price at Sotheby’s Olympia, on December 17 with a gold chronograph wristwatch, right, with registers and tachometer no.863498 ref.159. Dated c.1945 and of a desirably large size with faceted teardrop lugs, it was bought by an Asian collector for £15,000. Rolex wristwatches took the top three prices in the watches section at Bonhams’ Knightsbridge sale on December 10, led by this 1970s gold Oyster Perpetual Submariner ref.1680, right, with gold Oyster bracelet, at £4800.
When it comes to watches…
High quality watches are still in demand but condition is all-important to today’s discerning collectors. At a sale devoted entirely to watches at Christie’s King Street back on November 26, this gold chronograph pocket watch, right, by Louis Audemars c.1870 took £40,000.
