Journal

Notes from the bench

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

Four men in suits on a stage in front of a large clock projection, one holding a glass award
People · Prix Gaïa for Dr. Helmut Crott Dr. Helmut Crott receives the Prix Gaïa 2025 for his life’s work – auctioneer, head of Urban Jürgensen and author of Le Cadran.
Closed steel caseback of an A. Lange & Söhne 101.005 engraved Glashütte in Sachsen on a black strap
Collecting · A. Lange & Söhne 101.005 with early 110xxx serial The Lange 101.005, launched in 1994, with a very early 110xxx serial, closed caseback, and original box and papers.
A. Lange & Söhne Datograph with black dial, sub-dials and date window, worn on a wrist
Collecting · A. Lange & Söhne – Datograph, 1999 Why the Lange Datograph remains one of the most beautiful modern watches, and why the early 1999 examples are the most interesting.
A. Lange & Söhne 101.001 in yellow gold on a wrist, silver dial with large date
Collecting · A. Lange & Söhne 101.001 from 1994 – closed caseback The Lange 101.001 was shown at the 1994 re-launch; the most sought-after examples are the very early ones with a closed caseback.
F.P. Journe prototype tourbillon, steel case with gold-toned movement and white Roman dial, held in a hand on a tan strap
Collecting · François-Paul Journe – Prototype Tourbillon N°15/93 The F.P. Journe prototype Tourbillon N°15/93, sold for CHF 7.3 million – seen next to Philippe Dufour’s unique Duality and Derek Pratt’s Oval Tourbillon.
Side view of Patek Philippe 3970J yellow gold chronograph case with crown and two pushers
Collecting · Patek Philippe 3970J, second series, unpolished oxidised case, full set A second-series Patek Philippe 3970J with early serial number, unpolished oxidised case and full set – the end of a golden era of Patek design.
Cover page of Urban Jürgensen and Sønner catalogue reading Manufacturers of Collectors Watches Copenhagen
Collecting · Urban Jürgensen Reference 3 N°015 – the "Reference 3 Model" of the official catalogue Urban Jürgensen Reference 3 N°015, the piece shown in the official catalogue: never worn, full set, with Derek Pratt’s up/down and perpetual calendar work.
Rolex Daytona in yellow gold with black dial and cream sub-dials and gold bracelet, held in the hand
Auctions · Geneva auctions May 2025 – Rolex JPS, FPJ 041/00R, Newman Lemon dial, 8171R full set, Rolex 6238 14kt, Patek 425 Breguet Highlights from the Geneva auctions in May 2025 – three standout results: a Rolex 6264 JPS, an 8171 Padellone full set and a Cartier mystery clock.
Patek Philippe 2499/100J yellow gold chronograph on a black strap in front of its certificate of origin and wooden box
Auctions · Auktionen Dr. Crott, 10 May – Patek Philippe 2499/100J, 3450J and 3700/1J, NOS full sets Three new-old-stock Patek Philippe from the family of the original owner at the 112th Auktionen Dr. Crott sale: the 2499/100J and 3450J, both Gübelin, and a 3700/1J Nautilus.
Qing dynasty clock with gilt case, blue enamel panels and white dial on a black background
Auctions · Sotheby’s, 24 April – five Qing Dynasty clocks from the Nezu Museum Five Qing Dynasty clocks from the Nezu Museum, crafted in the late 18th century, at Sotheby’s Hong Kong on 24 April – museum-grade masterworks.
Daniel Roth cushion-shaped yellow gold perpetual calendar, two-tone grey and silver dial, sub-dials and black alligator strap
Auctions · Bukowskis – Daniel Roth/Philippe Dufour 2117, perpetual calendar N°0000 Daniel Roth 2117 “Numero 0000”, the instantaneous perpetual calendar developed with Philippe Dufour on a Lemania 8810 base – at Bukowskis on 15 April.
Gold Omega Speedmaster caseback engraved Astronaut Neil A. Armstrong and Apollo 11, gold bracelet beside
Auctions · RR Auction – Neil Armstrong’s No. 17 yellow gold Omega Speedmaster, plus two photographs signed by Ed White Neil Armstrong’s yellow gold Omega Speedmaster 145.022 “Tribute to Astronauts” No. 17 at RR Auction on 17 April, with comparable results and two photographs signed by Ed White.