Sotheby's Watches Weekly | Hong Kong, May 13-20, 2020

Watches Weekly | Hong Kong

• 13- 20 May 2020 • Hong Kong

This week’s sale focuses on a fascinating selection of clocks. As well as being an beautiful decoration for a home or office, the movement and skill behind crafting a clock can often exceed the intricacy of creating a watch. From elegant Patek Philippe enamel desk clocks and eye catching wall clocks to avant-garde Atmos clocks, each timepiece included in the sale is a worthy addition to any collection.

For assistance with bidding and registration, please contact:

• enquiries@sothebys.com
• +852 2524 8121

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For all sale enquiries please contact:

Joey Luk
Deputy Director
Head of Sale
Specialist
Watches
+852 2822 9038
JOEY.LUK@SOTHEBYS.COM

LOT 190. PATEK PHILIPPE | REFERENCE 1177M, A UNIQUE GILT BRASS SOLAR POWERED DOME TABLE CLOCK WITH CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL BY ELIZABETH PERUSSET LAGGER, MADE IN 1979. Estimate: 1,000,000 - 2,000,000 HKD

PATEK PHILIPPE, REFERENCE 1177M

A UNIQUE GILT BRASS SOLAR POWERED DOME TABLE CLOCK WITH CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL BY ELIZABETH PERUSSET LAGGER, MADE IN 1979

Dial: gilt brass with cloisonné enamel panels

Calibre: cal. 33 photo-electric cell

Movement number: 1'803'524

Case: gilt brass and cloisonné enamel

Size: 125 mm diameter x 210 mm high

Signed: case, dial and movement

Accessories: Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin and presentation box. Furthermore delivered with Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present clock 1979 and its subsequent sale on 25th November 1980

As well as producing some of the finest and most complicated watches in the world, Patek Philippe have also taken it upon themselves to preserve some of the worlds most complicated art forms which would have, but for watchmaking, all but vanished. The present lot, its surface almost entirely comprised of cloisonné enamel panels, exemplifies this dedication.  

Enamelling is arguably one of the more complex and visually striking artisanal techniques, and this becomes no more evident than on this particular clock. It is a skill that takes years of patience and dedicated practice to master every technique to successfully create such a work. It is and of itself an incredibly multi-faceted affair and the master enameller is required to control every aspect of the piece's production; from the mixing of the colours themselves, to their delicate application and, finally, their precise firing.

The desk clock is a perfect way for an artist to showcase their ability to create beautiful objects. Applying enamel on to the panels requires extremely delicate handling and immense technical ability, as enamel is particularly prone to breaking.

The enamel of this clock was created by Elisabeth Perusset Lagger, a master enameller, who created polychrome enamel masterpieces for Patek Philippe in the second half of the 20th century. Furthermore, the clock is accompanied by its fitted presentation box and original certificate.

LOT 191. PATEK PHILIPPE | PENDULETTE, REFERENCE 971, A GILT BRASS AND LACQUERED SOLAR-POWERED DESK CLOCK, CIRCA 1960. Estimate: 80,000 - 120,000 HKD

PATEK PHILIPPE PENDULETTE, REFERENCE 971

A GILT BRASS AND LACQUERED SOLAR-POWERED DESK CLOCK, CIRCA 1960

Dial: speckled gilded

Calibre: cal. 17-250 photo-electric cell, 29 jewels

Movement number: 872’822

Case: gilt brass and lacquered, hinged case back

Case number: 3’922

Size: 110 mm length x 232 mm width x 200 mm height

Signed: case, dial and movement.

In 1946 when Patek Philippe had introduced their first electronics department that primarily focused on providing information systems for railway stations and airports, the department have also indirectly encouraged the invention of their first photoelectric table clocks. 

As the years have progressed, Patek Philippe have introduced many varieties of the solar table clocks to the market. The present example in very good condition features a rare and large washed-out lacquered case, and a very nice sun motif surrounding the solar panel. Clocks such as this seldom come to the market.

LOT 192. PATEK PHILIPPE | ELLIPSE, A GILT BRASS WALL CLOCK, CIRCA 1990. Estimate: 35,000 - 55,000 HKD

PATEK PHILIPPE ELLIPSE 

A GILT BRASS WALL CLOCK, CIRCA 1990

Dial: blue

Calibre: quartz

Case: gilt brass, case back secured by 4 screws

Size: 305 mm length x 270 mm width

Signed: dial

The Golden Ellipse family of watches at Patek Philippe was launched in 1968. The elliptical designs origin comes from the golden section, a ratio discovered more than two thousand years ago. The watchmaking firm inducta from Thun-Gwatt, Switzerland was hired to produce a series of wall clocks inspired by this famous design. Patek Philippe named this series "Ellipse d'Or" and were distributed to their retailers for display within their boutiques.

LOT 193. PATEK PHILIPPE | REFERENCE E1200, AN ALUMINUM TABLE CLOCK WITH FITTED WOODEN CASE, CIRCA 1970
Estimate: 24,000 - 35,000 HKD

PATEK PHILIPPE REFERENCE E1200

AN ALUMINUM TABLE CLOCK WITH FITTED WOODEN CASE, CIRCA 1970

Dial: silvered

Calibre: cal. 33'' quartz

Case: aluminum with mahogany wooden outer case

Case number: 1'801'412

Size: 200 mm length x 141 mm width

Signed: case, dial and movement

The Naviquartz clock was made in three series. The first series was with black dial and large outer seconds graduation, with the caliber RH29. The second series was with the black dial as the first series but with the caliber 33QZ. The third series such as the present clock is fitted with the caliber 33QZ but a more subtle white dial. The present desk clock is also accompanied by its original fitted wooden box and is in very nice and original condition.

LOT 194. JAEGER-LECOULTRE | ATMOS MARQUETERIE PAILLE, REFERENCE Q5556302, AN EXCEPTIONAL LIMITED EDITION ATMOS CLOCK WITH REGULATOR DIAL, MOON PHASES, LUNAR CALENDAR, DAY AND NIGHT INDICATION AND HANDMADE MARQUETRY EXPANDING CASE TO REVEAL THE TIME, CIRCA 2012. Estimate: 400,000 - 600,000 HKD

JAEGER-LECOULTRE ATMOS MARQUETERIE PAILLE, REFERENCE Q5556302

AN EXCEPTIONAL LIMITED EDITION ATMOS CLOCK WITH REGULATOR DIAL, MOON PHASES, LUNAR CALENDAR, DAY AND NIGHT INDICATION AND HANDMADE MARQUETRY EXPANDING CASE TO REVEAL THE TIME, CIRCA 2012

Dial: skeletonised

Calibre: cal. 582 wound by changes in the temperature, 30 jewels

Movement number: 740'444

Case: glazed sides and top, handmade marquetry expanding case to reveal the time

Case number: limited edition 2/28

Size: opened 470 mm width; close 318 mm x 255 mm height

Signed: dial and movement

Accessories: Jaeger-LeCoultre Certificate of Origin, Guarantee Certificate, setting pin, instruction manual and presentation box

Invented in 1927 by a swiss engineer name Jean-Leon Reutter, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos clock utilizes the atmospheric changes of pressure in the temperature to power the movement of the clock. An ingenious mechanism that does not require manually winding the clock, and designed to limit the friction of the gears, the Atmos Clock is said known to operate perpetually. This is a clock that has become an icon in the world of horology.

Throughout the years, many varieties of the Atmos clock with different materials and design have been fashioned. The most popular of them all would be the Marc Newson, Réédition 1934 and the Marqueterie 4 Saison. However, the present Atmos clock is an exceptional creation of the past decade and is for the first time on the market. The case is absolutely exceptional and is a product of hundred of hours of expert work. By arranging colored straw through the artisanal technique of Marqueterie of the case, and combined with a unique spring-loaded hinge that would reveal the clock hidden in the case. This piece magnificently highlights the meticulous work of the marquetry craftsmanship while combining with one of their most renowned and instantly recognizable mechanical achievements.

Numbered 2 of a limited edition of 28 pieces only, this exceptional clock is in like new condition and is accompanied with all original accessories.

LOT 196. HANDOVER MANUFACTURE INC FOR ROLEX | REFERENCE G-062, A LARGE BLACKENED METAL WALL CLOCK, MADE FOR PAN-AM AMERICAN AIRWAYS, CIRCA 1965. Estimate: 70,000 - 140,000 HKD

HANDOVER MANUFACTURE INC FOR ROLEX

REFERENCE G-062

A LARGE BLACKENED METAL WALL CLOCK, MADE FOR PAN-AM AMERICAN AIRWAYS, CIRCA 1965

Dial: white

Calibre: electric powered

Case: blackened metal

Size: 525 mm diameter

Signed: dial signed Rolex, further signed Pan-Am

Perhaps one of the most popular vintage Rolex wall-clocks, this electric powered chronometer dates to the 1960s and features the PAN-AM double signature.

LOT 198. ROLEX | A GILT BRASS WALL CLOCK, CIRCA 1960. Estimate: 40,000 - 80,000 HKD

ROLEX A GILT BRASS WALL CLOCK, CIRCA 1960

Dial: white

Calibre: quartz

Case: gilt brass, case back secured by 8 screws

Size: 450 mm diameter

Signed: case, dial and movement

The present lot shares the iconic look of a Rolex wall clock for their boutique shop, however the present piece is slightly different from it's case shape as well as the material used for the dial. To the best of our knowledge, the present wall clock may possible be lend to special events such as Art Basel or private VIP dinners.

LOT 199. INDUCTA MANUFACTURE FOR ROLEX | A METALWORK WALL CLOCK, CIRCA 2010. Estimate: 40,000 - 60,000 HKD

INDUCTA MANUFACTURE FOR ROLEX

A METALWORK WALL CLOCK, CIRCA 2010

Dial: white

Calibre: quartz

Case: metalwork

Size: 401 mm diameter

Signed: case, dial and movement

This clock was manufactured and displayed in Rolex's boutiques and sometimes could be found in various airports throughout the world.

 

LOT 201. AUDEMARS PIGUET | ROYAL OAK OFFSHORE, A BRAND NEW STAINLESS STEEL PERPETUAL CALENDAR WALL CLOCK WITH MOON PHASES, CIRCA 2018. Estimate: 40,000 - 60,000 HKD

AUDEMARS PIGUET

ROYAL OAK OFFSHORE

A BRAND NEW STAINLESS STEEL PERPETUAL CALENDAR WALL CLOCK WITH MOON PHASES, CIRCA 2018

Dial: silvered

Calibre: quartz

Case: stainless steel, case back secured by 8 screws

Case number: 039'016

Size: 410 mm diameter

Signed: case, dial and movement

Accessories: Audemars Piguet instructions manual and presentation box.

This massive Audemars Piguet wall clock pays tribute to the perpetual calendar that was first introduced by Audemars Piguet in 1983. The dial and calendar work is very reminiscent of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak perpetual calendar bracelet watch reference 26574. The clock is in like new condition and completes with its accessories.

LOT 206. PANERAI | LUMINOR BAROMETER, REFERENCE PAM00257, A BRAND NEW STAINLESS STEEL AND TEAK WOOD BAROMETER, CIRCA 2012. Estimate: 8,000 - 12,000 HKD

PANERAI LUMINOR BAROMETER, REFERENCE PAM00257

A BRAND NEW STAINLESS STEEL AND TEAK WOOD BAROMETER, CIRCA 2012

Dial: blue

Case: stainless steel and teak wood, case back secured by 4 screws

Case number: OP6679 AND SW2819

Size: 155 mm length x 155 mm width x 68 mm height

Signed: case and dial

Accessories: Panerai International Warranty Certificate, instruction manual and presentation box

The Panerai Barometer is an aneroid barometer which works without liquid and can be used for accurately measuring atmospheric pressure. The changes in the readings can be applied for the calculations of weather forecasting. High pressure readings indicates good weather while low pressure indicates the likelihood of bad weather. In excellent overall condition, the present example is a fun collectable.

 

LOT 209. LECOULTRE | A GILT BRASS DESK CLOCK WITH ENAMEL GOLDFISH PANEL, CIRCA 1970. Estimate: 18,000 - 24,000 HKD

LECOULTRE A GILT BRASS DESK CLOCK WITH ENAMEL GOLDFISH PANEL, CIRCA 1970

Dial: skeletonised

Calibre: mechanical, 16 jewels

Case: gilt brass, case back secured by 4 screws

Size: 210 mm width x 155 mm height

Signed: case, dial and movement

This desk clock is in very well preserved condition. The enamel panels are nice and colourful and generally speaking the clock is in great condition for its age.

 

LOT 210. L'EPÉE | A GILT BRASS AND CHAMPLEVÉ ENAMEL STRIKING CLOCK WITH TOURBILLON AND ALARM, RETAILED BY GARRARD, CIRCA 1980 Estimate: 80,000 - 120,000 HKD

L'EPÉE A GILT BRASS AND CHAMPLEVÉ ENAMEL STRIKING CLOCK WITH TOURBILLON AND ALARM, RETAILED BY GARRARD, CIRCA 1980

Dial: enamel

Calibre: gilt movement with lever escapement, 11 jewels

Movement number: tourbillon numbered 107

Case: gilt brass, glazed sides and top, champlevé enamel panels

Case number: 158

Size: 90 mm length x 100 mm width x 150 mm height

Signed: case and movement numbered, movement signed by maker and dial further signed by retailer

L'Epée was founded in 1839 and started manufacturing platform escapements for prestigious alarm clocks and carriage clocks from 1850. Today, the company is well known for collaborating with independent watchmakers such as MB&F. This highly decorated carriage clock strikes the hours on the hour, and one strike at the half hour. There is also an alarm and a striking button in the top of the clock. What further elevates this example is the lever escapement sitting proudly within a tourbillon carriage but can be marveled through the top of the clock.

 

BROWSE ALL LOTS

13 - 20 May

Watches Weekly

Hong Kong