Earlier this week, Antiquorum concluded its “Important Modern and Vintage Timepieces” auction in Geneva, having earned over $3.8 million. Final hammer on a Rolex Ref. 6200 with Explorer Dial achieved $210,024, earning its place as top lot. Other timepieces causing heated bidding included several Patek Philippe models, one of which a stainless steel Ref. 96 circa 1903.
As one of the rarest and most coveted Rolex models, the Ref. 6200 with Explorer Dial was produced in the 1950s and was the first generation of Submariners to utilize Mercedes-hands, now a staple of the Submariner collection. This particular model was created in 1954 and features a graduated bi-directional revolving black bezel and a straight-line lever escapement with monometallic balance, shock absorber and a self-compensating Breguet balance spring.
“We are extremely pleased with the outcome for the Rolex Ref. 6200 with Explorer Dial in our March sale,” ulien Schaerer, Managing Director & Auctioneer, Antiquorum Geneva said. “As confirmed by today’s results, exceptional examples from Rolex continue to beat previous records and achieve extraordinary prices at auction.”
The Patek Philippe Ref. 96 also making waves sold for nearly $130,000 at final hammer. Stainless steel, the timepiece is a “Calatrava Observatory Type” with luminous detailing. Produced in 1903, the timepiece was sold in 1936 and remained in the same family for 70-years until Sunday’s auction.
“Unusual and rare Patek Philippe watches continue to drive important results,” Etienne Lemenager, Watch Expert & Director, Antiquorum Geneva said. “The highly competitive bidding for the Patek Philippe Observatory with Luminous Dial in today’s auction demonstrated that even small examples in steel are generating tremendous excitement amongst the collector community.”
To view other top lots and a complete list of items sold at Sunday’s auction, visit Antiquorum.com. Antiquorum’s next auction will be held in New York on April 9.
