Rare Timepieces, Including Al Capone's Pocket Watch, to be Sold at Auction in June
In early June, several valuable Patek Philippe watches will go under the hammer at various auctions in New York. Highlights from the Phillips auction include a yellow gold Patek Philippe Ref. 1518, which has remained in a single collection for nearly four decades and is estimated to sell for $400,000 to $800,000. Another notable piece from Phillips is a Rolex Daytona Ref. 6265, known as a "Big Red" and previously owned by French Formula One champion, Jean-Pierre Jabouille. This watch, engraved with the ominous words "Die To Drive," is expected to fetch between $50,000 and $100,000.
Meanwhile, Sotheby's will offer a striking Patek Philippe pocket watch owned by Al Capone. The custom-made case is set with 90 diamonds spelling out Capone's initials, AC. The watch, estimated to sell for $80,000 to $160,000, is a fascinating relic with its share of tales to tell. Sotheby's has also curated an immersive exhibition concept called The Repeater's Studio around its collection of Patek Philippe minute repeaters.
The highlight of the Christie's auction is a pink gold Patek Philippe Ref. 3974R, one of the most complicated wristwatches ever produced by Patek Philippe. Only around 20 of these pieces were made in pink gold. This particular timepiece is considered one of the most important watches ever made in series by Patek Philippe and is estimated to sell for between $650,000 and $1,350,000.
In addition to Patek Philippe watches, Christie's will also auction a Greubel Forsey Double Tourbillon 30o Edition Historique. This watch, made circa 2020, is one of the early creations from the duo who pioneered the concept of the inclined tourbillon. It is considered unique due to its platinum case and bears the signature of both watchmakers, Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey. The estimated sale price for this piece is between $120,000 and $220,000.
Despite a slight decline in retail sales and potential tariffs on Swiss imports, the auction market for luxury watches remains robust. These upcoming auctions promise to showcase some truly exceptional pieces.
- For those with an interest in fashion-and-beauty, Sotheby's auction features a unique Patek Philippe pocket watch owned by Al Capone, encased in a diamond-adorned shell spelling out his initials.
- If you're a fan of food-and-drink or home-and-garden, you might find inspiration in the immersive exhibition concept, The Repeater's Studio, curated by Sotheby's around its collection of Patek Philippe minute repeaters.
- Travel enthusiasts may be intrigued by the upcoming Christie's auction, offering the chance to bid on a Greubel Forsey Double Tourbillon 30o Edition Historique, a rare watch made circa 2020 by the pioneers of the inclined tourbillon.
- Sports aficionados would be drawn to the Phillips auction, featuring a Rolex Daytona Ref. 6265 previously owned by French Formula One champion, Jean-Pierre Jabouille, engraved with the ominous words "Die To Drive."
- The educational and self-development opportunities for those with an appreciation for general-news are rich through the upcoming auctions, displaying information about the intricate histories and production processes of these exceptional luxury timepieces.
- If you're looking to upgrade your lifestyle, cars, entertainment, or enjoy a spot of casino-and-gambling, these auctions could also provide a chance to explore luxury items beyond the highly sought-after watches, such as potentially unique shopping opportunities or experiences.
