Story Highlight
– Bonhams London Fine Watches sale set for June 11.
– Features 60 lots including Patek Philippe and Rolex.
– Highlight: Patek Philippe Reference 7000R, £150,000 – £250,000.
– Notable two COMEX Rolex watches with unique provenance.
– Additional highlights include Audemars Piguet and Cartier pieces.
Full Story
Bonhams is set to host its London Fine Watches auction on 11 June at their New Bond Street premises, featuring a collection of 60 lots from renowned brands including Patek Philippe, Rolex, F.P. Journe, Cartier, Audemars Piguet, A. Lange & Söhne, and IWC.
A standout piece in this event is the Patek Philippe Reference 7000R, crafted in 18K rose gold and dating back to around 2017. This model is notable for being the brand’s first contemporary mid-size minute repeater, designed to produce high-quality sound despite its compact size. The charm of its auditory performance is something that collectors will find appealing. The expected price range for this exquisite timepiece is between £150,000 and £250,000.
Another highlight is the F.P. Journe Octa Calendrier from circa 2010, featuring a platinum case and an asymmetrically arranged dial that places calendar functions on one side and time on the other. This innovative design allows for discreet time-checking, especially when worn beneath a shirt cuff. With its unique engine-turned white dial, it is considered one of the most remarkable calendar watches from its era, with an estimated value of £100,000 to £150,000.
A particularly intriguing part of the auction includes two Rolex watches with a compelling backstory, previously owned by diver Christopher Jeffers. The collection comprises a Submariner Reference 5514 from circa 1978 and a Sea-Dweller Reference 1665 from circa 1981. Jeffers received the Submariner during his work with COMEX and acquired the Sea-Dweller a year later. Accompanied by comprehensive documentation including photographs and diving logs, these watches serve as significant artefacts rich in history. The estimated values for these pieces are £60,000 to £80,000 and £30,000 to £40,000, respectively.
Additional noteworthy items in the auction include a Rolex Submariner Reference 16800, made for the Royal Oman Police, estimated between £80,000 and £120,000; a honeycomb-dial Rolex Milgauss Reference 6541/0, recently restored, expected to fetch £60,000 to £80,000; a rare Audemars Piguet minute repeating jump hour Reference 25723, estimated at £40,000 to £60,000; and two variations of Cartier’s Bamboo Coussin watches from 1974, available in both standard and rare mid-size formats.
For further details, interested parties are encouraged to visit bonhams.com.
