AGUTTES
AGUTTES, A WONDERFUL UPCOMING AUCTION
On Monday, December 9, France’s leading independent auction house will present 160 watches and timepieces at auction. For its 6ᵉ sale of the year, and ultimate 2024 rendez-vous, Aguttes’ watchmaking department, headed by Claire Hofmann, offers a selection that will appeal to all watch lovers. Enamelled or cruciform pocket watches, marine chronometers, Art Deco pieces or iconic sports models, collectors can discover the exhibition from Friday December 6 in Neuilly-sur-Seine.
AN EXCEPTIONAL “DARK CHOCOLATE” PATINA
ROLEX DAYTONA 6262, LOT 28
Consigned by the original owner’s daughter, this Daytona is a rare piece in the world of collector’s watches for three reasons. The first is undoubtedly its reference. The 6262 model was produced for just two years, from 1970 to 1971, making it an extremely attractive transitional reference. The second is its tricolored “Paul Newman” dial with the famous “T Swiss T” on the flange at 6 o’clock. The “6262 / Paul Newman” combination is unquestionably the most sought-after by enthusiasts of the brand today. Finally, the unique patina of this “Paul Newman” dial will leave connoisseurs speechless. Perfectly homogeneous, the “Dark Chocolate” coloration of the dial makes it a sensational vintage specimen. Presented with an estimate of €80,000 / €120,000 and accompanied by a 2005 service guarantee from Rolex, this cult timepiece is one of the finest watches of the auction.
THE ROLEX FROM THE NOVEL “LE RÊVE DU JAGUAR”
MILGAUSS REF. 1019, LOT 53
Introduced to the Rolex world around 1955 under reference 6543, the Milgauss model is no longer sold by Rolex! The year 2024 marked the end of production for this mythical model, whose last reference appeared in the film Xmen Dark Phoenix on the wrist of Professor X. Among the many references produced by Rolex, ref. 1019 with its brushed steel-effect “silver” dial marks an evolution in production, as it features a smooth bezel for the first time. The model on sale is particularly unusual, as it belonged to Dr. Antonio Borjas Romero. The story of this famous Venezuelan surgeon has just been published in the book Le retour du Jaguar, winner of the Grand Prix du Roman de l’Académie française 2024. This fine literary reference is sure to attract the interest of enthusiasts in search of watches steeped in history.
A MASTERPIECE OF WATCHMAKING FROM THE XVIIᵉ CENTURY
BY CHARLES BOBINET, Lot 28
Charles Bobinet is an essential signature of XVIIᵉ century watchmaking. Throughout his career, this Geneva master watchmaker mainly produced rock crystal and hardstone watches, mostly in the shape of crucifixes. The example presented at Aguttes is remarkable, as it is comparable in every way to another piece by the watchmaker sold on April 1, 1938 at Hôtel Drouot during the legendary sale of the Jubinal de Saint-Albin Collection dispersed by auctioneer Étienne Ader. Many of Bobinet’s pieces are now held in prestigious collections such as the Victoria & Albert Museum in London and the Metropolitan Museum in New York. Estimated at €8,000 / €12,000, this marvel is around 300 years old and is signed on the movement.
CARTIER ART DÉCO
VERY ATTRACTIVE LADY’S WATCHES, Lots 43 et 44
Following last year’s sale of a very rare Cartier Tank in patina produced around 1915, Aguttes is once again positioning itself as one of the specialist houses for the rediscovery of rare pieces signed by the iconic French jeweler. Kept for several decades in a French family, an attractive Art Deco wristwatch in platinum and diamonds (lot 43) is sure to create a stir. This feminine model, whose geometric lines and materials are emblematic of a stylistic trend established 100 years ago, is equipped with an atypical gold and black enamel clasp. Estimated at €5,000 / €8,000, this mechanical jewel is a rare item on the market. Another Art Deco piece (lot 44), with an elegant dial signed “Cartier France”, will also be offered for sale with an estimate of €3,000 / €5,000.
