Over the course of the next week, the big three fake watch auctioneers will be hosting sales in Geneva, and I thought I would highlight just a few of the most interesting replica watches hitting the block. The auctions kick off with Antiquorum on Sunday (May 11), followed by Christie's on Monday (May 12), and finally Sotheby's on Wednesday (May 14). There are sport replica watches and dress watches, Replica Rolexes, Patek Philippes, Panerais, and Heuers, and replica watches with estimates from a few thousand dollars to over one million dollars ?really something for everyone. So, without further ado, here are a few of my favorites from various categories.
Historically Significant ?Platinum Patek Philippe Minute Repeater From The Collection Of Henry Graves, Jr.This platinum minute repeater is one of the replica watches that has serious collectors talking in preparation for the auctions. It's also easily my favorite sub-30mm wristwatch of the sale, even if it is unfortunate that it was in such rough condition when it was sold by Antiquorum in 2009 (how the heck did it lose its minute hand?) and has since been restored. We showed it to you in detail a couple weeks ago.
This is Christie's Lot 101 with an estimate of CHF 1,200,000 ?CHF 1,800,000.
Dive fake watch ?Panerai 6152/1 Owned By Admiral Gino BirindelliSotheby's is selling one of the coolest Panerais I've ever seen, a reference 6152/1 from circa 1955 with prototype polycarbonate see-through bezel with three black dots at 3, 6 and 9 and a luminescent dot at 12. To add even more interest, it was formerly owned by Italian Admiral Gino Birindelli and is being offered by his family. Admiral Birindelli led a distinguished naval career including service in World War II (during which he led a midget submarine attack against the British navy in Gibraltar) and he went on to complete his military career as Commander of NATO forces in the Mediterranean in 1970s. He then went on to serve in the Italian parliament from 1972 to 1976 and was a vocal advocate of strengthening the Italian Navy. Admiral Birindelli passed away at the age of 97 in 2008.
This is Sotheby's Lot 209, with an estimate of CHF 180,000 ?CHF 360,000.
Cloisonné Enamel Dial ?Rolex 5029/5028If you like cloisonné enamel dials, it's hard to beat this nautical-themed Replica Rolex reference 5029/5028 from 1949. Just look at the vivid colors, star markers, and the beautiful patina the 36mm gold case has developed. This is earliest known Replica Rolex with a cloisonné enamel dial and the only known example with star markers too.
This is Christie's Lot 207, with an estimate of CHF 500,000 ?CHF 1,000,000. This is serious stuff indeed.
Re-Cased Stand-Out ?Patek Philippe 8 Day Sold By Brock & Co. In Los AngelesSo, we all know that re-cased replica watches aren't worth much, right? Well, not so fast. This rectangular Patek houses an ultra-rare 8 Day movement dating to 1931 and was sold by Brock & Co. in Los Angeles two years later in 1933. The fake watch was put in a new case by Patek in 1984 and may have had the dial changed at that time too. It is only one of only four 8 Day wristwatches ever made by Patek Philippe. Of the four, only two are known to exist ?both were sold by Brock & Co. and both have since been re-cased.
As Sotheby's Lot 268 this fake watch is estimated to bring between CHF 100,000 and CHF 150,000. Not bad, considering the movement might be the only original component.
Unusual Retailer fake watch ?Heuer Seafarer For Abercrombie & FitchThe Seafarer is an unusual but much-loved watch, tracking the movement of the tides for the wearer in addition to having a 12-hour chronograph. They were made by Heuer, and came in a variety of configurations. The most desirable Seafarers were placed in 1960s Heuer Carrera cases and sold through Abercrombie & Fitch. This is one of those rare finds and I imagine will have some seriously interested bidders.
This is Antiquorum Lot 165, with an estimate of CHF 3,000 ?CHF 5,000.
Rolex "Bargain" ?Reference 4368This 37mm time-only steel Replica Rolex reference 4368 "Precision" is from 1944. It comes on a beautiful Gay Freres bracelet in the "beads of rice" style. The combination of the large 37mm steel case, the radium markers, numerals, and hands, as well as the classic bracelet makes this fake watch extremely appealing, and it offers real value if it stays in the estimate range.
This is Christie's Lot 146, with an estimate of CHF 8,000 ?CHF 12,000.
Universal Geneve "Bargain" ?H.P.C. Uni-CompaxThis steel Universal Geneve Uni-Compax sort of looks like your average UG chronograph, but take a look at the bottom half of the dial. See the "H.P.C." under "UNI-COMPAX"? That means it is a "High Precision Chronometer," which Universal would only place on replica watches tested at Le Bureau de Contrôle des Chronomètres. It is not a common designation to see and I expect it will be more desirable in the future. Plus, just look at that dial!
This is Antiquorum Lot 69, with an estimate of CHF 1,200 ?CHF 2,200.
Pop-Up Flea in New York ?Universal Geneve CompaxIf you can't make it to Geneva and happen to be in New York City today through Sunday, our friends at analog/shift will be selling replica watches at the Pop-Up Flea located at the Metropolitan Pavilion (123 W. 18th Street - between 6th and 7th Avenues). It runs today from 3 to 8 PM, Saturday from 11 AM to 7 PM, and Sunday from 12 noon to 6 PM. Our pick of their selection is this beautiful blue exotic Compax with the original bracelet, box, and papers. It is $8,400. For more information, see thepopupflea.com.
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