20th Aug 2024
Weekly Wind Down | Sales Highlights including watches from Omega, F.P. Journe & Rolex
by Nick Bennett
2017 Omega Speedmaster 'Speedy Tuesday' Limited Edition
The Speedmaster ‘Speedy Tuesday’ was born from a collaboration between Omega and RJ Broer, founder of the popular watch blog Fratello. This special edition celebrates the fifth anniversary of the #speedytuesday hashtag, a social media phenomenon that unites Speedmaster enthusiasts every Tuesday.
Released in 2017, the Speedy Tuesday is a modern reinterpretation of the iconic Speedmaster Professional, inspired by Omega’s ‘Alaska III’ project from the 70s. It features a distinctive reverse panda dial, with white radial sub-registers on a black background and an applied vintage Omega logo emphasising its retro charm. If you think this watch looks good in the daytime, check out how the application of Super-LumiNova takes it to the next level in low light conditions.
What makes this watch so great is Omega’s willingness to collaborate with an influential figure from the enthusiast community. This partnership signifies a shift in the traditional dynamics between large watch manufacturers and independent watch lovers. By involving RJ and acknowledging the significance of the Speedy Tuesday movement, Omega has shown it’s prepared to engage with the watch community outside of its own four walls. The results speak for themselves, with this being one of the best looking Speedmasters in modern times.
Limited to 2,012 pieces, they sold out within hours of its announcement, underscoring its popularity and demonstrating the power the watch community has in shaping the industry. Recently sold on Watch Collecting for £5,900
2024 F.P. Journe Chronomètre Souverain Havana
OK, so this isn’t the Chronometre Bleu, but it does feature the same quintessential design language that’s come to define the F.P. Journe brand. What’s more, the Chronometre Souverain adds some detailed guilloche and a power reserve indicator into the mix.
It’s also worth mentioning availability and second hand prices. Yes, the Chronometre Bleu has a lower list price, but it’s all but impossible to buy at retail. Acquiring the Chronomètre Souverain is no easy task either but the second hand values are certainly more approachable than its vivid blue counterpart.
This reference is all about the warm tones, with its rose gold case complemented by a unique Havana brown dial, crafted from a combination of the ruthenium and gold. On the flipside, the movement has also been given a similar treatment. As with all Journe watches produced since 2004, the bridges and mainplate of the manually wound calibre 1304 are crafted from 18k rose gold.
Since winning the Men’s Watch Prize in its launch year at the GPHG awards (the Oscars for watches), the Chronometre Souverain has gone from strength to strength and highlights why F.P. Journe is one of those respected names in independent watchmaking Recently sold on Watch Collecting for £50,000
2006 Rolex Daytona 'Beach'
The Rolex Daytona ‘Beach’ is a standout in the brand's lineup, offering a playful twist on Rolex's typically conservative design language. Known for its robust and timeless designs, Rolex surprised many by introducing the Daytona ‘Beach’ series, which injects a sense of fun and vibrancy into the iconic Daytona collection. This model is available in four eye-catching colours: yellow, blue, green, and pink (our favourite).
The dial on this pink variant is made from mother-of-pearl and is paired with a matching lizard leather strap, completely transforming the Daytona into a statement piece. The pink finish offers a fresh take on the sporty Daytona, making it highly desirable among collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate Rolex's craftsmanship but also want something a little different.
This watch not only retains the sporty credentials we’ve come to expect from the Daytona, but also adds an element of flamboyance. The Rolex Daytona ‘Beach’ is a perfect example of how Rolex can push boundaries, and we love it. Recently sold on Watch Collecting for £37,500
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