Journal

Notes from the bench

Christian writes about the pieces, the people and the ateliers behind them.

Rolex Milsub 5513 with black dial and rotating bezel on a dark blue NATO-style strap
Auctions · Rolex Milsub 5513 at Christie’s, March 2015 A very well preserved 1977 Rolex Milsub 5513 with box, guarantee and a Rolex UK letter confirming supply to HM Dockyard Devonport, offered by Christie’s.
Man with a magnifying visor working at a small guilloché machine in a workshop
Atelier · Guilloché lessons at the atelier of Jochen Benzinger A full day of guilloché practice at Jochen Benzinger’s atelier, ending with a sun guilloché practice dial.
Wristshot of a watch with a skeletonised rose-gold coloured dial on a dark strap
Collecting · To start the year, a wristshot mélange A selection of wristshots of independent watches, including Andersen Genève, to start the year 2015.
Framed painted sketch of a Benzinger watch with sunflower and poppy dial, pencil outline of the case
Novelties · Benzinger by Zanella – “Een Häerz vir kriibskrank Kanner” Benzinger by Zanella pairs an original painting by Léon Zanella with a Benzinger watch; €500 per watch sold went to a children’s cancer charity.
Black leather card with the Watch Collector script logo and the words 3 years anniversary in red
Watch Collector · Watch Collector – three years Watch Collector marks three years since I started my own boutique at the end of 2011, and I thank clients, friends and the watch brands for their support.
Yellow gold open-face pocket watch with white dial and Arabic numerals, with its open movement beside it
Auctions · Haas Neveux & Cie, Gübelin and Patek Philippe at Sotheby’s, 10 December Four lots from Sotheby’s 10 December sale: two Haas Neveux & Cie pocket watches, a 1935 Gübelin jumping hour and a 1950 Patek Philippe 1518.
Tonneau-shaped Haas Neveux & Cie wristwatch with cream dial, Arabic numerals and brown leather strap
Auctions · Christie’s, 9 December – Haas Neveux, Patek Philippe, Rolex and Vacheron & Constantin Six picks from Christie’s sale of 9 December, led by a rare minute-repeating Haas Neveux and two Patek Philippe 565 watches.
Benzinger Subskription VIII reverse with white dial, red XII and blue hands on a dark leather cushion
Novelties · Benzinger – Subskription VIII reverse Jochen Benzinger’s Subskription VIII reverse has hours and minutes decentred towards 3 o’clock, a red XII, a Unitas 6497 base and a 42 mm case.
Caseback of the platinum A. Lange & Söhne Tourbillon pour le mérite showing the movement and the engraving 42/50
Auctions · A. Lange & Söhne Tourbillon pour le mérite, platinum 42/50, at Heritage Heritage Auctions offered a platinum Tourbillon pour le mérite, number 42 of 50, on 20 November 2014 with an estimate of $250,000–275,000.
F.P. Journe Tourbillon Anniversaire with white dial, rose gold and steel case and brown strap, tourbillon visible below
Auctions · F.P. Journe, Patek Philippe and Rolex at Christie’s, 27 November Four lots from Christie’s 27 November sale: a F.P. Journe Tourbillon Anniversaire, a Rolex military Submariner and two steel Patek Philippe references.
Benzinger wristwatch with skeleton dial, blue hands and black strap on a dark box
Collecting · Benzinger ONE – a Patek Philippe movement of 1917 Benzinger ONE uses a rare Patek Philippe movement of about 1917, sold in its day to Henry J. Howe in New York, finished by hand in Benzinger style.
Gold pocket watch by Audemars Frères with white dial, Arabic numerals and sub-dials
Auctions · Rare pocket watches at Sotheby’s, 11 November Four pocket watches from Sotheby’s sale of 11 November, including an Audemars Frères repeater of circa 1890 and a Patek Philippe with split seconds.