Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe and Longines at Christie’s, 11 May 2015

Auctions · · by Christian Bissener


Audemars Piguet yellow gold dress watch, silver dial with applied Arabic numerals, dark strap, small seconds

A selection of dress watches and chronographs from Christie’s sale of 11 May 2015.

Audemars Piguet minute repeater, 1951 – lot 204

Very rare. The Audemars Piguet archives confirm three examples of this watch. This is the first and so far the only one to appear publicly; where the other two are, or whether they survive, is not known. The 14‴ movement was also scarce: Audemars Piguet made only 47 between 1882 and 1900. Estimate €130,000 – 250,000.

Back of a gold case showing an open movement with ruby jewels, gilt plates and four lugs
The minute repeater movement

Patek Philippe 3428 in platinum – lot 115

Only the second known example of the reference in platinum. It differs from the other with its diamond-set numerals. Estimate €94,000 – 190,000.

Steel Patek Philippe Geneve watch with silver dial, diamond hour markers and black alligator strap
Patek Philippe 3428 in platinum, with diamond hour markers

Longines sector dial, 1938 – lot 217

A two-tone sector dial in a 37 mm case. With a good leather strap it would also make a fine dress watch. Estimate €2,900 – 5,900.

Steel Longines watch with two tone silver and gold dial, Arabic numerals and brown woven strap
Longines with two-tone sector dial, 1938

Longines chronograph, 1937 – lot 218

Fitted with the famous 13ZN movement. What makes it special is its military designation, together with an enamel dial with luminous Arabic numerals and an engraving on the back. It is the first Longines chronograph in this configuration to appear publicly. Estimate €15,000 – 23,000.

Steel Longines chronograph with brown woven strap, gold Arabic numerals and two subdials
Longines 13ZN chronograph, 1937

Photographs: Christie’s.