Sotheby’s To Sell Gerald Genta’s Royal Oak In Geneva ; Plus Several Double-Signed Patek/Tiffany Watches In New York

Gerald Genta, known as the Picasso of watches, famously designed the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. His personal Royal Oak, a customized version of the model, made in 1978, is the only known steel ref. 5402 with a gold bezel, goes on the block tomorrow at the Sotheby’s watch auction in Geneva, estimated at 300,000-500,000 CHF $303,400-$606,800). There are several other important Royal Oak models in the Geneva sale, including two rare openworked references, one a pink gold made in 2015, and the other, a 40^th Anniversary platinum model made in 2012 . There are also several vintage models of the Patek Philippe Nautilus, another watch famously designed by Genta.

The top two lots in Sotheby’s June sale in New York City include a 1999 F.P. Journe Tourbillon Remontoir d’Egalite, estimated at $500,000-$1million, and a 1970 Rolex ref. 6241 Paul Newman Daytona John Player Special, estimated at $600,000-$1.2 million. The F.P. Journe as a platinum tourbillon with constant force Remontoire and power reserve indicator. This is one of the rare first generation series of the watch, with a brass movement and the remontoire system exposed via an aperture on the dial. Subsequent models were closed. Journe was the first use a remontoire on a wristwatch.

The John Player Special is so-called because of its resemblance to the livery of the John Player Special sponsored Team Lotus cars of the 1970s. The black dial is contrasted by yellow gold subdials, with font and style in the Paul-Newman style and a yellow gold case and bracelet. This one, being consigned by its original owner, is in outstanding condition. Only about 3,000 JPS Paul Newman Daytonas were ever made.

Other highlights include three outstanding double-signed Patek Philippe/Tiffany & Co pieces: a ref. 5270 platinum perpetual calendar with a salmon dial ($200,000-$300,000); a Patek Philippe ref. 1463 yellow gold chronograph made circa 1950, nicknamed the “Tasti Tondi” by Italian collectors for its round chrono pushers ($120,000-$220,000); and a ref. 5980 Nautilus pink gold chronograph made circa 2016 ($150,000-$250,000).

There is also a beautiful seed pearl and diamond Cartier bracelet watch made circa 1925 – a forerunner of Art Deco styling, with every seed pearl intact ($20,000-$40,000). The Sotheby’s Important Watches live sale in New York takes place June 15.