Weekly Wind Down | Sales Highlights including watches from Audemars Piguet and Rolex

Launched in 2020 as a limited run of just 500 watches, the Audemars Piguet [Re]Master01 is a far-cry from its angular - and iconic - Royal Oak. Instead, the [Re]Master01 is a contemporary interpretation of an unnamed chronograph launched by Le Brassus in 1943. The original watch’s design is reflected in this 2021 reference’s two-tone finish, which combines a stainless steel caseband, caseback, and lugs with a pink gold bezel, crown, and chronograph pushers.

Housed within the 40mm case is a gold dial reflecting Audemars Piguet’s “pre-Royal Oak” design language with blue chronograph hands, and a matching integrated tachymeter bezel. For lovers of the 1930s and ‘40s aesthetic, the black vintage font “Audemars Piguet & Co / Genève” wording beneath the 12 o’clock hour marker will serve as a point of particular interest. Yet for all of its vintage design, the watch is driven by a thoroughly modern movement - Audemars Piguet’s calibre 4409, an automatic movement with a 70-hour power reserve. Overall, the [Re]Master01 is a fascinating piece that serves as a reminder of the Swiss watchmaker’s rich history and versatility when it comes to design and watchmaking. Recently sold on Watch Collecting for £18,250)

The most-recognisable watch on this list, the ‘No-Date’ is a watch which invokes the spirit of earlier Submariner references from the 1960s that had no date display on their dial, and it’s thanks to that symmetrical dial layout that the watch has become a favourite amongst collectors the world over. Despite some of its design language harking back the ‘Sub’ of old, the reference 124060 debuted in 2020 and is very much a modern Rolex. It is fitted with the Crown’s ergonomically-friendly 41mm ‘Maxi’ case, which is then paired by a classic black version of the ceramic ‘Cerachrom’ bezel introduced by the brand in 2008.

Beneath the screw-down caseback beats Rolex’s calibre 3120, an automatic certified-chronometer with a 70-hour power reserve. What’s more, the watch retains a water resistance of 300 metres, meaning it loses none of its signature underwater utility despite being largely new inside and out. If there’s a Submariner that brings together retro Rolex charm with modern-day watchmaking techniques, then it’s the ref. 124060. Recently sold on Watch Collecting for £7,877

The Vacheron Constantin Overseas can trace its roots back to the 1970s, when it was launched as an anniversary piece. Fast-forward to 1996, and the Overseas was made a full-time fixture in the brand’s line-up and has remained there ever since. Like the Royal Oak and Nautilus offered by respective fellow ‘Big Three’ Swiss watchmakers, Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe, the Overseas is a sports watch offering an integrated bracelet, a uniquely-shaped case, and unparalleled levels of craftsmanship.

This 2023 watch is crafted from 18K rose gold, and is part of the third-generation of Overseas, which debuted in 2016 and ushered in a distinctive six-notch bezel reflecting the brand’s Maltese Cross logo. The watch’s vivid sunburst blue dial is distinctively bold, and pairs tastefully with the rest of the watch. Meanwhile, Vacheron Constantin’s automatic winding calibre 5100 is on display through the rear caseback and is finished with a solid gold centre rotor. The Vacheron Constantin Overseas represents a thoughtful, left-field choice in the world of luxury Swiss sports watches, and is a more-than-worthy addition to any collection. Recently sold on Watch Collecting for £46,500