Models that may be interesting from the point of view of investing

Last weekend, on November 8-9, in Geneva, with the support of Bacs & Russo, a large-scale Phillips watch session was held, where the famous auction house celebrated the 10th anniversary of its watchmaking business. The main sensation of the last auction was the chronograph Patek Philippe Ref.1518 in a steel case, sold for a record amount of CHF 14,190,000.

We have devoted this article to interesting Phillips lots that are on the opposite side of the price scale. We present to your attention the most interesting auction lots with a small estimate (up to CHF 12,000), which brought their former owners a large profit.

Angelus «Doctor’s Watch»

A single-button chronograph in a 37mm steel case, released around 1966. A special feature of the model is the presence of a heart rate monitor scale, which allows you to measure your pulse and respiratory rate. The heart rate monitor scale is calibrated for 10 heartbeats.

Estimate: CHF 1,000 – 2,000

Sold for CHF 13,970

Eterna «Pulsation Dial»

Another heart rate monitor, but with a scale calibrated for 30 beats. There is one interesting detail on the dial of the model, which was released around 1945. This is a three-minute scale that was once used to measure the time of calls. A manual winding mechanism is installed in the steel case of the watch with a diameter of 34 mm.

Estimate: CHF 2,000 – 4,000

Sold for CHF 9,525

Rolex Ref. 14270 Explorer I «Follow the Rainbow»

This watch replaced the Rolex Explorer Ref. 1016 model and was produced from 1989 to 2001. Phillips exhibited a 1991 model equipped with a 36 mm diameter steel case. It is distinguished from its legendary predecessor by a more modern mechanism and sapphire crystal instead of plexiglass. The prefix in the model name refers to the engraving on the back of the watch. This is a father–to-son message that motivated the model’s owner to go in search of other famous Rolex watches, the Daytona Rainbow Ref 16599SAAEC.

The proceeds from the sale of this model will be donated to the Swiss charity foundation Children Action, which helps children in need around the world.

Estimate: CHF 2,000 – 4,000

Sold for CHF 10,160

Grand Seiko Ref. 4520-8010

This model inherited its unusual cushion-shaped case from the Seiko Astronomical Observatory Chronometer, which Seiko used in accuracy competitions held by the Geneva and Neuchatel Observatories in the 60s of the last century. The watch was released around 1970. The case with a diameter of 36 mm is made of 18k yellow gold. Inside there is a hand-wound chronometer mechanism, which is distinguished by a high frequency of balance fluctuations (36,000 pcs/hour).

Estimate: CHF 2,000 – 3,000

Sold for CHF 12,700

Seiko Ref. 6139-6010

This model is one of the world’s first self-winding chronographs. This copy dates back to January 1969, which means it belongs to the earliest copies of this series. It is distinguished by a steel case with a diameter of 38.5 mm. This watch acquired the status of a cult model in the early 1970s: then they were often seen on Bruce Lee’s wrist during filming and public appearances by the actor.

Estimate: CHF 3,000 – 5,000

Sold for CHF 15,240

Patek Philippe Ref. 559

This model, released in 1928, is an unusual example of the Art Deco era. The watch is presented in a 33.5 x 33.5 mm square yellow gold case. It is distinguished by its unusual closed arms with a hinged joint, which allowed this watch to fit comfortably on the wrist.

This is one of 10 known copies of this model and one of the 4 copies that were offered with a yellow gold case. It is likely that the watches were originally addressed to men, since they do not have the curves and floral motifs typical of female models of that period in the decor.

Estimate: CHF 4,000 – 8,000

Sold for CHF 17,780

Otsuka Lotec Model No. 5

A steampunk watch by independent Japanese Jiro Katayama. A mechanism with a satellite display is installed in the steel case of the model with a diameter of 40.5 mm. The uniqueness of this lot is that the models from Mr. Katayama are sold exclusively in Japan. We wrote more about these watches in a separate статье.

Estimate: CHF 5,000 – 10,000

Sold for CHF 21,590

Credor Ref. GBBD963 Engraved Skeleton Limited Edition

This model is a novelty of the Baselworld 2016 watch salon, released in only 30 copies. The watch received a 37mm white gold case. The highlight of this lot is an open mechanism with a lacquered mother–of-pearl insert. The insert is a reference to Katsushiki Hokusai’s famous engraving “The Big Wave in Kanagawa”.

Estimate: CHF 5,000 – 10,000

Sold for CHF 76,200

Patek Philippe Ref. 1544 «Muletto»

This 1950 watch is interesting because it was offered to customers as a replacement during the repair of their watches. The model is presented in a 22 x 29.5 mm steel case. The nickname “Muletto” in the watch’s name means “forklift truck” in Italian. This is what racers mockingly call a backup car for competitions, hinting at its lower performance.

Presumably, the watch exists in 4 copies. This particular model was last put up for sale in April 1989 as part of the auction “The Art of Patek Philippe”, dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the brand.

Estimate: CHF 6,000 – 12,000

Sold for CHF 53,340

Credor Ref. GBBL993

The patterns etched on the mechanism of this watch are inspired by the ornamental columns of Japanese temples and the waves that symbolize harmony. The dial’s finish combines gold with mother-of-pearl inserts, which shimmer with different shades of the rainbow depending on the lighting. The model, released in 2006, is presented in a 38mm platinum case, which is complemented by a fluted bezel. A manual winding mechanism is installed inside.

Estimate: CHF 6,000 – 12,000

Sold for CHF 63,500