Weekly Wind Down | Sales Highlights including watches from F.P. Journe, Patek Philippe and Rolex

Most watch companies have a hero reference that collectors lust over; think the Speedmaster for Omega, the Submariner for Rolex or the Royal Oak for Audemars Piguet. However, very rarely is a manufacturer’s most popular reference also one of its most simple and affordable. While these terms are relative in the luxury watch world, the F.P. Journe Chronomètre Bleu has the rare honour of being just that. The unfortunate irony is that acquiring one at retail is all but impossible.  

More than just a brand-defining model, the Chronometre Bleu has helped put independent watchmaking on the map. Since hitting the market in 2009, it’s become the holy grail for collectors, surpassing models from industry giants, and it’s easy to see why. The Tantalum case and iridescent blue dial provide plenty of visual impact, matched only by the movement, which is crafted in gold and is on display through the sapphire case back. Recently sold on Watch Collecting for £54,500.

We’ve been giving dressy Patek Philippe’s a bit of a plug recently as they represent some of the best value in the pre-owned luxury watch market. The Calatrava line is the obvious place to look thanks to its historical significance and classically-themed styling.  There’s plenty of models to dig through here, however few offer the same level of visual appeal as this ref. 5196P. 

It’s got that perfect combination of mid-century charm with some modern touches thrown in. The 37mm case is crafted in platinum and features a sector dial with a frosted opaline centre inboard of a concentric silver outer. The applied white gold Breguet numerals - a feature used sparingly by Patek Philippe for its special models - are the icing on the cake for this effortlessly cool release.  Recently sold on Watch Collecting for £25,500. 

The buzz around Daytona updates reverberates across the watch world. Not only are they rare, but they also revolve around an iconic sports watch that remains one of the most sought-after models globally. Celebrating the Daytona’s 60th anniversary, Rolex unveiled an upgraded collection earlier this year and we’re now seeing some examples hit the market. 

This reference is crafted in white gold and brings some understated heft and luxury to The Crown’s iconic sports watch. Its timeless black dial is accented with silver subdials that have been given a sunray finish at centre. A little pop of colour comes courtesy of the ‘Daytona’ script that hugs the running seconds sub-register. More than just aesthetic updates, the Daytona received its first movement updated in a staggering 23 years! The calibre 4131 introduces some key technical upgrades and brings it up to date with other Rolex model lines. No major changes here, but there’s little reason to mess with an icon. Recently sold on Watch Collecting for £35,376