Auctions
The Vintage Speedmaster Motherload at Phillips Hong Kong
Auctions
The Vintage Speedmaster Motherload at Phillips Hong Kong
Phillips’ new Head of Watches, Asia, Thomas Perazzi confirms this, saying that the team has, as a matter of fact, observed this trend. As a result, the catalog that has been put together for Spring 2018 in Hong Kong, includes more than 60% vintage.
From a “Double Red” Sea-Dweller (lot 819), to several key reference Paul Newman Daytonas, a “Big Red” 6263 (lot 822) and even a 6542 GMT-Master (lot 952) — with its bakelite bezel still intact — the headliners are aplenty. Quickly going back to that 6542, the example on hand is possibly a unique execution, since the 6542 has never previously been seen in a “destro” configuration.
Patek, too, has a few heavy hitters, with a 1945 yellow gold 1518 (lot 985) and a 1959 pink gold 2438/1 (lot 864) in the mix. Of course, a skew towards vintage doesn’t mean that the contemporary pieces have taken a back seat. Case in point: The Advanced Research Aquanaut Travel Time ref. 5650G-001. Never mind that this is the first instance of the watch that’s come to a public auction, more important that Phillips has managed to snag one for their catalogs no more than a year since it was launched.
The few Omegas gathered now include an exceptional Seamaster 1000 Prototype, from 1974, and mostly a motherload of Speedmasters. So here are four Speedies to keep an eye on, based on their importance in the entire Speedmaster epic and also because at current estimates, all of these are bloody steals.
Lot 803: Speedmaster Professional “Snoopy” ref. 145.0031 (Estimate: US$8,300-12,200)
5441 pieces of this one was made and this is number 4118. Considering the importance of the Snoopy Award and what it means in the complete story of the Speedmaster, this is one for any self-respecting Speedy collector. Bid while you can, it’s not like these come up for sale very often.
Lot 808: 1969 Yellow Gold Omega Speedmaster Tribute to Apollo XI Reference ref. BA 145.022 (Estimate: US$10,300-12,800)
1041 of these were made, with a good number given to astronauts and those closely involved with the Apollo mission. Numbers 33 – 1000 were, however, made available to the public. This is piece number 163.
Rarity and the challenge of finding one in good condition aside, as low as the estimate sounds, it starts to sound more like you’re about to lowball Phillips, when you think about the fact this watch essentially a solid chunk of yellow gold — bracelet and all.
Lot 809: Speedmaster Professional ref. 105.012 (Estimate: US$10,300-15,400)
Think about it this way: There was a point in time when the “Paul Newman” Daytonas, were listed in auction books with US$10,000-20,000 estimates. If I may be so bold — for the Speedmaster moon watches, this is that point in time.
Lot 944: 1970 Speedmaster ref. 145.022-69ST (Estimate: $15,400-25,600)
But, why is it that this is the one with the highest estimate of the four in the round up? Here’s how we can make sense of this. You see, when we talk about the other two big names in the auction markets — Patek and Rolex — look hard enough and you’re bound to find early references in decent condition, because they’ve always been worn and used with a certain sense of reverence.
Early Speedmasters, on the other hand, were the working man’s watch; worn solely for utility. No one was being cautious and dainty about wearing a Speedmaster. As a result, today when you look for an early Speedy, the condition of what you find can be quite the challenge.
So when you find one in remarkable condition, that has had time to develop the most even, deep shade of chocolate patina; it is your lucky day.
Phillips Hong Kong Watch Auction: Six Details
29 May 1pm & 4:30pm HKT
1pm (lots 801-903)
4:30pm (lots 904-1031)
Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong
5 Connaught Road, Central, Hong Kong (map)