Weekly Wind Down | Sales Highlights including watches from Konstantin Chaykin, Girard Perregaux & Audemars Piguet

Konstantin Chaykin has created quite a stir in the watch world, with innovative and often exuberant designs attracting plenty of attention. And it’s not just the Russian watchmaker’s aesthetic that turns heads, either. His recent ‘ThinKing’ release beat out heavy hitters Bulgari and Richard Mille to become the world's thinnest mechanical watch, illustrating some serious technical credentials, too. 

Most of all, Chaykin is renowned for bringing some lightheartedness into a conservative industry, this time through adding a 38-piece limited edition Minion watch to his Wristmon collection. The yellow dial mimics a Minion with goggles and a playful smile, displaying hours, minutes, and moon phases. The left eye shows the hours, while the right eye tracks minutes. A bright red moon disc forms the mouth, representing the moon phase. As time passes, the Minion’s expression changes, creating a variety of looks and capturing the quirky essence of the character. 

There’s no doubting this is a polarising release and certainly won’t be for everyone. However, Chaykin has carved out his own niche crafting quirky watches with their own unique style, and it’s hard not to appreciate that. Recently sold on Watch Collecting for £16,000 

Now here’s something you don’t see every day! This is one of our favourite collaborations from British designer and customiser, George Bamford.  It’s a 45th anniversary celebration of Girard Perregaux’s Laureato, and thanks to its striking white ceramic construction, offers a contemporary take on a 70s design. 

This watch stands out for two reasons. First, it features an uncommon all-white ceramic finish, including the bracelet, giving it a distinct and modern look. Second, it’s a true limited edition—only 45 pieces were produced, without inflating the numbers for the sake of mass production. This exclusivity undoubtedly enhances the watch’s overall appeal.

It would have been easy to leave this design completely stark, but some tasteful design flourishes bring some welcome contrast. The crown and minute track are finished in black, and the seconds hand counterweight features alternating stripes. The signature hobnail finish remains on the dial, although this time the Bamford name sits proudly below the Laureto insignia - a finishing flourish marking a job well done. Recently sold on Watch Collecting for £12.250 

Since we’re talking about angular 70s designs, let’s take a look at this leather-strapped rendition of AP’s classic sports watch. Some may argue that the Royal Oak belongs exclusively on a bracelet as per Gerald Genta’s original blueprint, but we’re here to say that these versions on straps look great and represent serious value relatively speaking. 

This little gem from the 90s is finished in 18K rose gold and features an equally warm cream dial. The signature angular case features prominently, but on this reference is presented in smaller 36mm proportions. With a svelte and dressy look, it’s the type of watch that works in any situation. Recently sold on Watch Collecting for £12,850