Sotheby's To Auction Patek Philippe, Rolex And George Daniels Watches

Rare timepieces from Rolex and Patek Philippe, as well as an extraordinary wristwatch from legendary watchmaker George Daniels will be offered for sale by Sotheby's London on December 18, 2008.  

An 18K white gold Patek Philippe Celestial watch, Ref. 5102, is one of the most notable lots, with its spectacular star map complication that presents an accurate depiction of the night sky in the Northern Hemisphere.   Among vintage Patek Philippe watches, are some exceptional examples of the Ref. 3448 perpetual calendar, including a particularly rare "Senza Luna" variation which lacks the typical moon phase display featured in this reference.

Rolex is represented by some particularly coveted Oyster Perpetual models in the sports range.  One such model is a Submariner watch made in 1974 for the Royal Navy, which features a number of special details for robust usage, including soldered strap bars, and a hacking mechanism intended to allow troops to synchronize their timepieces prior to a mission.  Also to be offered is an example of a "COMEX" Sea-Dweller timepiece, circa 1977.  Created by Rolex in association with the specialty diving firm COMEX, this Oyster Perpetual model utilizes a patented helium-release valve for saturation dives.  It being sold by its owner--a professional diver who joined COMEX in 1981, and used the watch during many of his assignments with the company.  

A Millenium watch from George Daniels has provoked a great deal of interest, especially since a white gold example of the celebrated watchmaker's work has never before been presented in an auction.  Of the very small series of Millenium watches made by Daniels, the majority were produced in yellow gold.  Like all George Daniels timepieces, every element is crafted entirely by hand in the manner of the greatest 19th century masters.  Pre-sale estimates have been set at GPB 50,000-80,000.  

Prior to the December 18th auction, Sotheby's will hold a series of exhibitions.  The first of these showcases will take place on Friday, December 12th, with the last being held the day before the sale.