Weekly Wind Down | Sales Highlights Including Watches From Patek Philippe And Rolex

The Patek Philippe Celestial continues the brand’s tradition of making watches with grand complications. Crafted entirely from platinum, this 2022 reference is earmarked by its eye-catching four-tier dial, which indicates the sky, the phases and orbit of the moon, the stars and Sirius - the brightest star in the solar system. A final layer with N, S, E, W cardinal points displays a portion of the sky visible from Geneva, Patek Philippe’s hometown in Switzerland.

This exquisitely-detailed dial is finished with an elliptical-tipped date hand, which adds to the watch’s slow-wearing character, whilst the deep blue alligator leather strap amplifies its elegance. Beneath the transparent caseback beats Patek Philippe’s calibre 240 LU CL C, an automatic movement with a 48-hour power reserve and an off-centre minor rotor fashioned from 22K yellow gold stamped with the brand’s Calatrava. A highly unusual piece, the Celestial underlines why Patek Philippe is considered one of the ‘Holy Trinity’ watchmakers. Recently sold on Watch Collecting for £260,000

Now considered an unusual piece, the Rolex Explorer II is a seemingly understated watch in the Crown’s line-up thanks to its stainless steel case, bracelet, and matching bezel. Very much a tool watch, the watch has a GMT complication allowing the wearer to track a second or even third timezone and serves as a nod to the original Explorer II of 1971.

Its ‘polar’ white dial has gained a cult following amongst enthusiasts and is finished with black-surround hour markers - a design language exclusive to this reference. Announced in 2021, this latest-generation Explorer II was released to mark the 50th anniversary of the watch, and it remains a popular choice due to its sheer versatility and unassuming, rugged aesthetic. Recently sold on Watch Collecting for £7,750

The Black Bay is a much loved reference from Rolex’s sister brand, and a key watch in the Tudor’s relaunch. This limited edition 2022 example is part of the ‘Harrods’ collection, and combines the Black Bay’s vintage-inspired design with green elements reflecting the signature green used by the iconic department store in London. What’s more, the watch was only available for purchase there.

An aftermarket green rubber strap has been fitted to the watch, however, the original stainless steel bracelet is included with the set along with an additional black NATO strap. The rear caseback is stamped with the Harrods ‘H’ in its centre, and beneath it beats Tudor’s calibre 5602, an in-house developed certified chronometer with a 70-hour power reserve. Recently sold on Watch Collecting for £2,403