This remarkable auction of important watches featuring the "Kronos: Titans of Time” Collection Part 2 represents an unquestionably important grouping of the most significant timepieces from many of the great watchmakers and brands including momentous historic landmarks of, among others, Patek Philippe, Richard Mille, François-Paul Journe, Audemars Piguet and Rolex.
The watches of F.P. Journe are a modern phenomenon, no other contemporary brand is studied in such minute detail or so appreciated by collectors. When immense practical skill is in the hands of a highly individual great thinker such as François-Paul Journe, watches indeed become works of art. We are beyond honoured to present in this auction two great and spectacular new discoveries from the early period of F.P. Journe: the Pre-Souscription Chronomètre à Résonance, no. 56/00R has been consigned directly by the family of original owner. Previously unknown and unrecorded, it is the second-to-last specimen of the ‘Pre-Souscription’ series so far known. Equally exciting is a previously unknown rose gold Octa Lune, the first ‘05L’ (made in 2005) example to be offered at auction and, to the best of our knowledge, the first of its kind known publicly. This auction is particularly strong in further amazing rarities by F.P. Journe, including the Tourbillon Souverain "03T", one of the original 38mm Tourbillon Remontoir d'Égalité watches made in the final year of production for the original reference "T"; an ultra-rare early generation Chronomètre à Résonance “02R” with brass movement, one of only around 22 pieces produced in that year; a platinum Chronomètre à Résonance “Parking Meter”; and a Black Label Collection Octa Lune, reserved for only F.P. Journe boutiques most loyal customers, each watch being personally approved by Mr. Journe himself.
Naturally, Patek Philippe, the greatest ‘Maison de l’Horlogerie’ in the world, needs little introduction. In this auction, several of the major highlights are ultra-complicated wristwatches by Patek Philippe, including an exceptional group of Grand Complication minute repeaters, led by the awe-inspiring pink gold Sky-Moon Tourbillon reference 5002R. The formidable reference 5316P Tourbillon Minute Repeater with retrograde date is complemented by its predecessor, reference 5216R. Also, in pink gold with the three classic major complications of a minute repeater, a tourbillon escapement, and an instantaneous perpetual calendar, is reference 5207R. Also achieving something of a cult status is reference 5104P, with its two-tone engraved case and semi-skeletonised dial, it was a revelation when first released, a watch that combined two high complications like the perpetual calendar and the minute repeater in a completely contemporary yet imposing package. Discontinued in 2013, it is believed that only 100 were made.
Another of the chief glories of this auction is some of the most important Richard Mille wristwatches including a prototype RM27-01, at the time of its launch, the lightest tourbillon wristwatch ever made. The prototypes were initially created for extreme real-world testing by tennis legend Rafael Nadal or designated for evaluation by the brand's ultimate VIP clients. Collectors worldwide will also immediately recognise the importance of the ‘Bubba Watson’ RM 38-01 TI-FQ white quartz carbon TPT® and titanium tourbillon wristwatch with G-Sensor. Introduced as the second development of the RM 038 model, it was made in a limited edition of only 50 pieces and is now one of the grails for Richard Mille enthusiasts.
Many of the wristwatches presented here have never been offered at auction before, indeed, many examples have never been seen publicly before. As the appreciation and alignment of watches at the highest level as portable works of art grows ever stronger year on year. Collectors have the unique opportunity to acquire awe-inspiring and, in some cases, entirely one-off or strictly limited edition timepieces from the great watch houses, many with unbeatable and impressive provenances.
We very much hope that international clients, collectors and enthusiasts will find these carefully chosen timepieces fascinating and take the opportunity to enjoy the catalogue, the exhibition, and perhaps to participate, in order to possess any one of these masterworks of the watchmaker’s art.
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