Auction Highlights: April 2, 2024
Piaget Ref 13721C4 Qatari, Eterna Val 69 Square Chrono, Rolex 1675 Radial, Rolex Cellini Ref 4350, Rolex 4578, Tavannes Val 22 Chrono, Cartier CPCP Tank 1600
Firstly my apologies for missing the Auction Highlights last week - I am on a hectic buying trip around Europe and didn’t have time to compile listings. Unfortunately as I am unable to allocate too much time to this currently free Substack, brevity of commentary will continue. And by the way, I will be exhibiting at the IWJG Show in Las Vegas in May, so IWJG/WTA members please stop by to say hi.
AH24040201: Piaget Ref 13721C4 - Some of you may recall the Piaget Polo with Qatari emblem that I highlighted in February (AH24022701). The example we have here is also signed “State of Qatar” but on a different but no less iconic Piaget reference with analog TV shaped 33mm wide case. These TV Piagets usually have 5 digit reference numbers starting with 12xxx or 13xxx, and produced in different case materials and patterns. This one is in 18KYG, with full hobnail pattern on the bezel and the integrated bracelet. And unlike the quartz powered Polo, this one is powered by the ultra-thin automatic Cal 12P movement. Although I am unable to confirm this information, per the auctioneer, these Qatar signed Piagets were special orders and only 10 examples were produced. Appears to be in overall excellent condition, but I was not able to obtain photos to assess condition of the bracelet.
AH24040202: Eterna Valjoux 69 Chronograph - I remember back in 2017 when vintage chronographs from the mid to late 1930’s were the rage! Brands from this era utilized OEM parts from specialized manufacturers (such as Borgel, Spillman, etc.) to build what were the ultimate tool watches of the day. The square chronographs were one iteration, and represented most famously by the Rolex 3529, of which less than 100 units are thought to have been produced. These were all powered by the Valjoux 69, a miniature version of the more common Valjoux 22, which in itself was an incredible feat of engineering. This example was built by Eterna, and features a an Art Deco influenced two tone dial combined with a rarer hooded lug case that appears unpolished. Unfortunately crown and hands are replacements and spotting/patina evident throughout the dial. Case width is 26mm, but square watches generally wear larger.
AH24040203: Rolex GMT Master Ref 1675 - 5M serial (1978) example of the most desirable “mark” of the matte dial GMT masters. The centered lume plots results in a more balanced, less sparse, and hence more aesthetically pleasing dial. Lume has patinated to a wonderful color, but unfortunately there is light spotting/bubbling on the dial. Also - I don’t like the case engravings on this one…unfortunately due to my travels I did not have time to scrutinize in depth and ask for inner caseback photos. Interested bidders should do more due diligence before bidding. $0 start auction.
AH24040204: Rolex Cellini Ref 4350 - 6.9M serial (1981), lovechild of a Royal Oak and Piaget with some hints of a Cartier Obus. Original bracelet shows some wear and stretch but overall strong. 18KYG case is 27mm W x 37mm H with a hard contrasting glossy black dial. After Piagets, the trend vector naturally seems to be visiting the 70’s/80’s Cellinis. $0 start, with RSC card and service receipt.
AH24040205: Rolex Ref 4578 - A lesser known ultra-thin (approximately 3mm thick) pre-Cellini reference from the late 1950’s, I’ve only seen these in yellow gold. Not only is this one in 18KWG, it is accompanied by its original texture pattern 18KWG bracelet! Auctioneer could not provide movement and inner caseback photo, but it should be powered by the Cal 650. Brushed sunburst dial may be simple, but the 26 mm W x 34 mm H case is boldly shaped like 2 frustrums of a pyramid. Kind of reminds me of the Chopard or Hermes Heure H. Unfortunately the bezel has been polished and has 2 serious dings above 11. Also note crown is not flush, probably bent stem from winding on the wrist.
AH24040206: Tavannes Chronograph - Probably early 1940’s, Valjoux 22 powered chronograph. Signature Tavannes/Cyma double-scale perimeter dial. Many of these have mismatched replaced hands, fortunately this one retains its originals. What also distinguishes this example is the champagne colored dial - I cannot tell if it is original or a miraculously even patina, but it complements the case and is rarely seen. Note 36mm 18KYG fixed lug case has been lightly polished and there is evidence of a violent caseback opening. Also note this auctioneer has a history of re-listing lots that seemed to have hammered and been finalized - please be careful.
Cartier Tank Louis 1600 E - Late CPCP-era, probably 2005 or 2006 (CPCP was discontinued in 2008). Out of scope of this Substack so not assigning an auction highlights number. No cracks or spotting in the guilloche pattern dial. Case shows scratches and wear, but is ideally sized at 24mm W x 31 mm H. Highlighting here because I think CPCP is the peak of Cartier watchmaking, and usually prefer them over any vintage enamel Cartier from the 1960’s~90’s.