Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 6 October – our choices

Auctions · · by Christian Bissener


Rolex 6610 Explorer in steel on a bracelet with black dial, gilt hands and Arabic numerals

Our picks for the Sotheby’s sale in Hong Kong on 6 October.

Rolex 6610 Explorer

A beautiful Explorer with the much sought-after red depth rating. The dial has a very warm patina, and the catalogue describes this rare example as being in excellent condition. Lot 2051, estimate €9,292–13,938.

Close view of the black Explorer dial with gold crown logo, Oyster Perpetual Explorer lettering and red depth rating
The red depth rating on the Explorer dial

Rolex 6556 Tru-Beat

A much sought-after reference. The dead-beat seconds mechanism is very difficult to work on, and in most examples it has been removed; this one still has it intact, which makes it a rare survivor. The condition report states overall very good condition. Lot 2053, estimate €5,807–8,130.

Rolex 6556 Tru-Beat in steel with champagne dial, red seconds hand and steel bracelet
Rolex 6556 Tru-Beat with its dead-beat seconds intact

Patek Philippe 2523/1

An extraordinary example of the world time reference, with a beautiful guilloché dial. It has never been offered at auction before, only 20 were made, and Sotheby’s condition report describes it as excellent. Lot 2219, estimate €464,597–638,821.

Patek Philippe 2523/1 world time wristwatch in yellow gold with a textured dial and city ring
Patek Philippe 2523/1 in yellow gold, with guilloché dial

A. Lange & Söhne Richard Lange Tourbillon Pour le Mérite Handwerkskunst

A rare and recent piece, limited to 15; this is number 02/15. According to the condition report it appears to be unworn, having spent a long time in a safe. Lot 2197, estimate €203,261–255,528.

A. Lange & Söhne Richard Lange Tourbillon Pour le Mérite in rose gold with a two-tone dial on a brown strap
Richard Lange Tourbillon Pour le Mérite Handwerkskunst, number 02/15

Photographs: Sotheby’s.