An Exceptional Duo: A Rolex 6239 and a Patek Philippe 2499 Both Co-Branded by Tiffany
Between Christie's always-impressive "Important Watches" sale and Phillips' "Glamorous Day Date" sale, auction week in Geneva is bound to be spectacular. Moreover, Antiquorum will offer a multitude of exquisite timepieces in their auction this coming Sunday. In the latter auction, two lots, 418 and 504, strike me as exceptionally beautiful and rare. The first, a Rolex Paul Newman Daytona reference 6239. The second, a Patek Philippe reference 2499 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph. Although various 6239s and 2499s will sell in Geneva this time around, no others bear "Tiffany & Co." on the dial.
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Reference 6239
This uber-rare Daytona, circa 1969, is one of only three known Paul Newman 6239s retailed by Tiffany. To handle the sale of any Paul Newman Daytona is something to be proud of; however, I regard Antiquorum's acquisition of this specific watch as nothing short of an achievement. Antiquorum has never before sold a Tiffany co-branded Paul Newman 6239, and I anticipate the hammer price will exceed its CHF 200,000-300,000 (USD 207,000-311,000) estimate.
I find that this example has an especially bold aesthetic. For instance, the bezel's lettering is quite pronounced. As per the dial, "TIFFANY & CO" and "ROLEX" are printed in a relatively large font and the contrasting black chronograph registers add more (visual) heft. I believe this illusion is primarily due to the co-branding.
If you've got the money to spend, buying this watch is a wise decision:-)
Patek Philippe Reference 2499/100 Fourth Series
The 250 GTO is to Ferrari as the 2499 is to Patek Philippe. In other words, the 2499 is the king of Patek. This fine example, circa 1980, is the last lot of the sale and, clearly, the most important. It boasts a round-button chronograph, a 30-minute register, a perpetual calendar, and a moonphase indicator. The patina'd Tiffany-stamped dial rests atop an 18-karat yellow gold case, seated below the domed, plastic crystal.
This is a extremely sought-after watch in today's market. It's estimated to sell for between CHF 300,000-500,000 (USD 311,000-520,000).
Preview dates/times are as follows: May 7th, 2015 (10:00 AM-6:00 PM), May 8th, 2015 (10:00 AM-7:00 PM), May 9th, 2015 (9:00 AM-7:00 PM), May 10th, 2015 (9:00 AM-5:00 PM).
The auction will be held at 3 rue de Mont-Blanc, Geneva, Switzerland on May 10th, commencing at 10:00 AM.
For further information, please visit www.antiquorum.com