The outstanding Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces Geneva auction achieved more than CHF 6 Million with more than 83% of watches sold (CHF 6,188,875 incl. buyer’s premium).
Antiquorum Geneva (July 1st, 2020) — Past Sunday June 28th, Antiquorum, the world’s premier auctioneers of modern and vintage timepieces, established in Geneva in 1974, hosted a memorable auction at Beau-Rivage Genève hotel with remarkable results including three record-breaking Rolex sales.
LOT 379 – Rolex, Ref. 6034, Oyster Chronograph, 18K rose gold, circa 1955 – An extremely fine and rare, manual wind, 18k rose gold chronograph wristwatch. The Rolex 6034 is an icon in Rolex chronograph for a few reasons. The first one is that its reference number starts with a 6XXX, which denotes the first steps into the more sporty versions of chronographs that would end with the reference 6263/6265, the second is that it is only the second chronograph featuring a screw-down waterproof caseback not only increasing its usability but also adding thickness/ ruggedness to the case. This particular example is what one could call in “Concours” unrestored condition. First one is taken back by the overall condition of the piece, the case not only being in close to mint condition as evidenced by the two crisp deep hallmarks on the lugs but more amazingly, 3 crisp hallmarks on the back of the case that are almost never seen as usually worn or polished off. The beautiful and extremely rare Rolex pink gold riveted bracelet is also tight and in perfect condition showing no stretch. The rare dial shows a wonderful light patina from age but is free from oxydation and damage as many examples from this period show. Furthermore it is a rare configuration with luminous dauphine hands and indexes with all luminous perfectly matching and still in place. Rarely found in pink gold, this is, without a doubt, the best example Antiquorum has ever offered at auction.
Estimation : CHF 250’000 – 350’000
Result : CHF 600’000 incl. premium’s buyer (480’000 CHF hammered)
LOT 346 – extremely rare Rolex Ref. 1680 Submariner, COMEX from 1979. The COMEX Ref. 1680 is probably the rarest of all COMEX sport watches, since COMEX only received approximately 60 examples. The great majority of those were later serviced, with the COMEX dial being replaced with a regular Rolex dial. Indeed, surprisingly, at that time many owners did not like the COMEX logo on the dial. This example has been kept in amazing condition as it was never used for diving operations and is complete with its original punched warranty, another unusual feature as most were retained by Comex and never given to the final owner.
Estimation : CHF 150’000 – 250’000
Result : CHF 524’000 incl. premium’s buyer (420’000 CHF hammered)
LOT 345 – an astonishing Rolex Ref. 1680, Red Submariner, Meter First Mark II, tropical dial with box and papers from circa 1969. The “Red” Submariner is one of the most sought-after vintage Rolex references. The example to be auctioned has a gorgeous brown aged and incredibly uniform tropical dial. The dial is a Mark II, as signified by the meters first configuration, the open number six, and the the elongated “f” in “ft.” This watch is in fantastic condition, with its correct punched Chronometer attestation and its original fitted bracelet date 1971 which only adds to its appeal.
Estimation : CHF 40’000 – 60’000
Result : CHF 103’750 incl. premium’s buyer (83’000 CHF hammered)
