Complications Themed Auction Part 2

Ineichen has gained a reputation in the industry for their niche theme auctions, allowing collectors with a penchant for a particular kind of timepiece to shop from a curated selection of prime watches. In October, Ineichen auctioned a selection of complications that featured tourbillons and skeletonization as Part 1, and it turned out to be immensely popular amongst the independent watch collectors. Top lots included MB&F Legacy Machine Perpetual Limited Edition Ref. 03.YL.BL pulled in several bids, eventually hammering at CHF 130,000, and Girard-Perregaux Laureato Flying Tourbillon Skeleton Ref. 99110-52-000-52A sold for CHF 120,000.

This December, there will be a follow-up auction with complications that feature dates and calendars. Each of the featured watches are chosen for their beauty, rareness and the mastery of a complication that adds to the functionality of a wristwatch.

Fixed Price Option

New to upcoming auctions, Ineichen has introduced a new feature they call “fixed price” option. This feature will allow a collector to skip the bidding and buy at a fixed price with three days to provide proof of purchase. This will be available up to 24 hours before a live auction is scheduled and gives a transparent function available to anyone interested in acquiring an item at the reservation price prior to the auction.

Following are the Top lots from the December 3rd auction:

François-Paul Journe Octa Chrono 33/99-02C

Launched with the Ruthénium Collection between 2001 and 2003, the limited edition F.P.Journe Octa Chrono was released in a run of only 99 pieces. This chronograph is house in a 40mm case and features a mainplate and bridges in brass with dark grey ruthenium coating. The gilt engravings, including the watchmaker’s signature “Invenit et Fecit” meaning “Invented and Made” wording placed just below the F. P. Journe logo. The lot is estimated between CHF 150,000 to CHF 200,000.

De Bethune Perpetual Calendar DB15 Ref.DB15WT

This perpetual calendar from 2004 was a limited edition of only 45 pieces, making it very rare and collectible. The highlight of this timepiece is the innovative astronomical moonphase indicator of platinum and blued steel that is accurate to one lunar day every 122 years. The perpetual calendar has a “hidden” leap year indicator incorporated into the largest star of the moonphase subdial. The lot is estimated between CHF 70,000 to CHF 80,000.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Grande Date Septantième Ref.240.6.90

Part of a limited edition collection at the 70th anniversary of the Reverso collection in 2002, this watch was part of a limited release of 500 pieces. This Reverso included many firsts for the line including an 8-day caliber, white gold mainplate and bridges, platinum for the large Reverso XGT-sized case, and a big date indicator. The dial is a pleasure to study with the small seconds, big date, power reserve and day/night indicator complications set neatly into the four corners of the display. The lot is estimated between CHF 15,000 to CHF 20,000.

Daniel Roth Masters Calendar

The unusual double ellipse, or Ellipsocurvex, shape of the 35mm case isn’t the only fascinating feature of this perpetual calendar watch by Daniel Roth. The elongated dial design gives plenty of real estate for the unique alignment of the complications that stacks the timekeeping with the date display and the perpetual calendar subdials. With the ruthenium-plated guilloché dials and blued steel arrow hands, this is a gorgeous example of a watch that is rarely found on secondary markets. The lot is estimated between CHF 20,000 to CHF 25,000.

Andersen Genève Chronometre Perpetual WG

Another rare watch for the secondary market, this Chronometre Perpetual WG was produced in small quantities and exhibits the signature paradox design that is a hallmark of Andersen Genève timepieces. The minimal, clean design of the dial belies the complexity of the perpetual calendar worked to display only a single date display on the dial. The lot is estimated between CHF 15,000 to CHF 20,000.

Ineichen has gathered an exciting selection of timepieces featuring date and calendar complications from both independent and big brands. For the fan of the date and calendar complications, there is an opportunity here to collect some very rarely seen pieces. With the new “fixed price” option, the most dedicated buyer can rest assured that their dream watch can be secured prior to the uncertainty of a live auction.

You can view all the lots and register to bid for the December 3rd auction here.