Christie’s Dubai, 19 October – Patek Philippe 591 and Rolex 6542 Bakelite

Auctions · · by Christian Bissener


Patek Philippe 591 chronograph in pink gold with a salmon dial and Roman numerals on a brown crocodile strap

Two watches in Christie’s Dubai auction of 19 October stand out.

Patek Philippe 591, pink on pink

The 591 is one of the most legendary and extraordinarily rare Patek Philippe chronographs, and this example is in outstanding, original condition. It combines a pink gold case with a pink, salmon-coloured dial, confirmed by the Extract from the Archives. The watch is fresh to the market and has had only one previous owner.

The dial, engraved and then filled with enamel, still looks after 74 years as it did on the first day. The case has strong, crisp hallmarks and a fine oxidation on the bezel. Originality, quality, pink on pink and a single previous owner make this a truly rare 591. Lot 21, estimate $45,000–75,000.

Close-up of the pink gold chronograph dial with salmon enamel, Roman numerals and two sub-dials
Patek Philippe 591: engraved dial filled with enamel

Open case back of the Patek Philippe 591 showing the chronograph movement
The movement

Case back engraved Patek Philippe Genève with the 750 hallmark and serial number
Case back with hallmark and serial number

Rolex 6542 Bakelite, yellow gold

The yellow gold version of the 6542 with its brownish dial gives a warm presence on the wrist. This example has a very strong case and a dial with an even, handsome patina. It was last sold at Christie’s New York in December 2014, when it fetched $112,500 – no mark against it, as it remains a fine and strong example of the legendary Bakelite 6542. It will be interesting to see what it makes two years later. Lot 71, estimate $80,000–120,000.

Yellow gold Rolex GMT-Master 6542 with a brown Bakelite bezel and dial on a gold bracelet
Rolex 6542 Bakelite, yellow gold

Close-up of the brown dial of the Rolex 6542 with gold hour markers and date window
The brown dial with its even patina

Case back of the yellow gold Rolex 6542
The case back

Photographs: Christie’s.