Pocket watches have long been a subject of interest among watch enthusiasts, fashion savvy and status-conscious men. With popular television shows such as Mad Men celebrating vintage fashion and dapper dress, the pocket watch again becomes relevant and offers men a new opportunity to express their individuality through horology.
Initially developed in the sixteenth century, pocket watches remained popular until the advent of the wristwatch around the time of World War I. Although the wristwatch replaced the pocket watch in terms of common everyday use, the pocket watch continues to be a coveted timepiece that is not only a fashion statement and a nostalgic nod to the past, but can also prove to be a valuable investment.
When looking for a pocket watch, Antiquorum experts suggest considering four factors that determine the value: condition, rarity, complications and craftsmanship. Locating an exceptional example requires some legwork as you’re not likely to find it at your local watch or jewelry store. Often, you can find a good selection of vintage pieces at an auction house.
Antiquorum is pleased to present an outstanding and varied selection of pocket watches at its December 13th auction of “Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces” in New York:
Vacheron Constantin Enamel Pocket Watch
Made in 1945, this is a unique 18K yellow gold and painted on enamel keyless dress watch with a polychrome painted on enamel scene by Helen May Mercier depicting Lake Geneva. Mercier studied under Charles Poluzzi and examples of her work rarely appear at auction. This unique watch is being sold by the family of the original owner and has been kept in immaculate condition since its production over 60 years ago.
Estimate: $ 20,000 – $30,000
Westminster Chime Carillon Minute Repeater Yellow Gold
Attributed to Jean Richard, this exceptional pocket watch was produced in 1910. It is a very fine and very large 18K yellow gold hunting-cased, keyless, minute repeating pocket watch with carillon Westminister chime with four hammers on four gongs.
Estimate: $ 30,000 - $ 50,000
Patek Philippe Split Seconds Chronograph regulator Dial in Box Case Pink Gold
Made for Merrick, Walsh and Phelps, St. Louis, MO in 1882, this is an extremely rare and possibly unique, very fine, keyless, 18K pink gold pocket watch with split seconds chronograph in a heavy and elaborate Patek Philippe box case. Patek Philippe split-second chronograph pocket watches with regulator dials were produced in few numbers and primarily for the US market. While most of these movements were cased domestically, the present lot is the only known example to feature a pink gold box-style case that was made by the Patek Philippe factory. The watch is further distinguished by featuring the movement number on the dial. It was common for the dials and cuvettes to be signed by the retailers, and the present lot bears the signature of Merrick, Walsh & Phelps out of St. Louis, Missouri. The co-founder of Patek Philippe, Antoine Norbert de Patek, personally made the retailer a client in 1885.
Estimate: $ 40,000 - $ 60,000
J. Ullmann & Co. Chinese Market Minute Repeating Chronograph Hunting Case Yellow Gold & Enamel
Made circa 1900, this is a fine 14K yellow gold pearl-set and enamel, keyless hunting cased minute-repeating pocket watch with chronograph.
Estimate: $ 15,000 - $ 25,000
Tiffany Five Minute Repeating & Split Second Chronograph
A very fine and rare, hunting cased, 18K yellow gold, five minute repeating keyless pocket watch with split second chronograph produced circa 1900. It is accompanied by a 36 cm yellow and white gold chain with a rectangular pendant decorated with a dragon and opening slide to reveal 5 dice.
Estimate: $ 8,000 - $ 12,000
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