25th Sep 2024
Weekly Wind Down | Sales Highlights including watches from Patek Philippe, Rolex & Tudor
by Nick Bennett
2024 Patek Philippe World Time 'Tokyo Edition'
Patek Philippe is muscling in on the trend for vibrant watches with the release of this plum-dialled beauty. Limited to just 300 pieces and only available in Japan, the ref. 5330G World Time was one of several special editions created for the Watch Art Grand Grand Exhibition in Tokyo last year.
The World Time is a quintessential watch in Patek Philippe’s line-up and this reference brings another dimension to the model line, not only through its dial colour, but also thanks to a key technical update. The dial incorporates a central date hand which is a first for Patek Philippe on the World Time. It’s been cleverly implemented with the use of a sapphire glass hand which ensures no obstruction of the time zones.
This example was the star of the show in our recent Mid-Autumn Collection and also turned plenty of heads at our recent event with The Horology Club in Hong Kong. With very limited numbers, Japan-only availability at retail, and that killer purple dial, it’s no wonder this watch attracted fierce bidding at auction. Recently sold on Watch Collecting for HK$820,000
2022 Rolex Daytona 'Meteorite'
This is Rolex’s iconic chronograph in an out-of-this-world specification, literally. The dial of this white gold Daytona is crafted from the Gibeon meteorite, which crashed to Earth in prehistoric times, offering a unique and otherworldly texture. The natural crystalline pattern of the meteorite also makes each dial unique, adding a layer of exclusivity to this classic sports watch. It embodies the ideal blend of precise industrial craftsmanship and the raw, imperfect elements of nature.
Rolex has carved out a reputation for its use of rare and exotic materials, and over the years, we’ve seen all sorts of precious materials bring head-turning appeal to the brand’s model lines. With the Crown recently discontinuing all meteorite dial watches, it has only heightened demand and collectability for pieces like this. Recently sold on Watch Collecting for £63,000
2024 Tudor Black Bay Chrono
Tudor is living up to its ‘Born to Dare’ tagline with a punchy pink-dialled version of the Black Bay Chronograph. Its launch in March followed only days after Tudor announced a partnership with David Beckham's football club Inter Miami, whose official club colour also happens to be the same shade of pink. This isn’t an official club collab, but the link here is pretty clear.
With such a conspicuous dial, you may have missed another important design update here - the introduction of a five-link bracelet, known by everyone, except Tudor, as the Jubilee. As a big sports watch, the five-link design brings some welcomed lightness and touch of dressiness to the model line, much like the Jubilee has done for Rolex’s GMT-Master II.
Tudor was quick to acknowledge in its own press release that this watch may not be for everyone, but with examples selling over retail, and hints that production will be limited, the reality is it’s the brand’s hottest watch right now. Recently sold on Watch Collecting for £6,300
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