Rolex Timepieces Show Strong Results at Bonhams Luxury Watch Auction

Rolex Submariner, reference 1680, circa 1975, sold for £9,600

On May 22, Bonhams hosted an exceptional auction at London Knightsbridge, featuring an impressive array of timepieces that drew significant attention from collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. The event, which showcased 174 lots, highlighted over 20 coveted Rolex models, ranging from Explorers and GMTs to Day Dates, Daytonas, and Submariners, with production dates spanning from 1957 to 2019.

The sale also included exquisite designs from prestigious brands such as Cartier, Patek Philippe, Breguet, Jaeger LeCoultre, Audemars Piguet, and a standout Piaget Polo from the 1980s.

The auction was a resounding success, generating a total of £713,344. An impressive 91% of the lots were sold, with 97% sold by value, reflecting the strong demand and competitive bidding.

Charles Dower, Bonhams Watches Specialist, expressed his delight with the results, stating, “The Bonhams Watches and Wristwatches sale included fine examples of desirable timepieces from the most illustrious designers with extraordinary craftsmanship, presenting designs that are both wearable and highly sought-after in today’s market. Competition was fierce on the top lots with bidding by international buyers, achieving figures above the pre-sale estimates.”

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, reference 116500LN, circa 2019, sold for £20,480

The star of the auction was a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, stainless-steel automatic chronograph bracelet watch, reference 116500LN, circa 2019. Known as the LN reference ‘lunette noir’ due to its black Cerachrom bezel and white dial, this sought-after piece surpassed its pre-sale estimate, fetching £20,480.

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, reference 116520, circa 2002, sold for £15,360

Another notable Rolex timepiece, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, reference 116520, circa 2002, achieved £15,360. Additionally, a Rolex Explorer, reference 1016, circa 1957, featuring a stainless-steel automatic calendar bracelet, black dial, and luminous baton hours, sold for £10,880, exceeding expectations. The Rolex Submariner, reference 1680, circa 1975, a stainless-steel automatic calendar bracelet watch, garnered £9,600, also surpassing its pre-sale estimate.

Rolex Explorer, reference 1016, circa 1957, sold for £10,880

Beyond Rolex, the auction featured several other remarkable timepieces that captivated bidders. A Breguet Marine 18K rose gold automatic calendar flyback chronograph wristwatch, circa 2011, with its Guilloché engraved grey dial, applied rose gilt Roman numeral hour markers, and coin-edged band, sold for £12,160, well above its estimate.

Furthermore, a Patek Philippe Twenty-4, 18K gold diamond set quartz bracelet watch, circa 2010, inspired by the Gondolo line and adorned with diamonds on the dial and bezel, also achieved £12,160, exceeding its pre-sale estimate.

Breguet Marine 18K rose gold automatic calendar flyback chronograph wristwatch, sold for £12,160

The successful sale of these high-end watches at Bonhams underscores the enduring appeal and robust market for luxury timepieces. Collectors and enthusiasts continue to seek out these exquisite pieces, recognizing their craftsmanship, heritage, and potential as valuable investments.

Overall, the auction at Bonhams Knightsbridge not only met but exceeded expectations, reinforcing the auction house’s reputation for offering some of the finest and most desirable watches in the market today.

Patek Philippe Twenty-4, 18K gold diamond set quartz bracelet watch, circa 2010, sold for £12,160

Founded in 1793, Bonhams has representatives in over 30 countries and operates flagship salerooms in London, New York, Paris, Los Angeles, and Hong Kong. It is a global network of auction houses boasting the largest number of international salerooms and offering the broadest range of collecting categories, catering to all price points. Recognized for its bespoke service and dedication to fostering local market relationships, Bonhams enhances its global platform. With 14 salerooms, Bonhams hosts over 1,000 sales annually, spanning more than 60 specialist categories such as fine art, collectibles, luxury items, wine & spirits, and collector cars.

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