Phillips Geneva Auction Timepieces Overview

Alkiro1 · 2017-11-09T12:51:11Z

Alkiro1 shares personal highlights from a Phillips Geneva auction viewing, featuring rare Vacheron Constantin, Omega, Patek Philippe, and Laurent Ferrier timepieces.

Alkiro1

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

40 replies8103 views18 photos

Alkiro1 provides a personal selection of intriguing timepieces from a Phillips auction public viewing in Geneva, offering readers a glimpse into rare and historically significant watches. This post goes beyond mere cataloging, sharing the author's subjective appreciation for each piece and inviting the community to engage with these horological marvels.

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Hi all,

I wanted to share with you few shots (I’m really sorry for their poor quality 😕) taken today before the Geneva Phillips auctions.

Before the shots, I want to precise that I have absolutely no interest with Phillips. This watch selection and my comments reflect only my personal feeling.

Vacheron Constantin American 1921 perpetual calendar in platinum.

One of my favourite. The case is top cool and the dial with its four sub dials has an incredible and so unusual style.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms “Barracuda” made for the polish military.

The open back of a unique Omega prototype tourbillon in steel made in 1947. Its rotation is complete after 7mn and 30s. I’m really sorry but I forgot to take a shot of the... front 😕

An Audemars Piguet pocket watch with a chrono, a perpetual calendar and a minute repeater. Always a true pleasure to hear a MR.

I wanted to try this Omega in platinum from 1952 just because its spider lugs were soooooo cool for me as well as its gorgeous dial

Patek Philippe ref. 2499 from 1971 in pink gold with chrono and perpetual calendar.

Patek Philippe Dual time in white gold ref. 3619 from 1977. Very pure no?

But pushers are not really practical. Probably the only way to not “break” the case shape.

A unique Laurent Ferrier Galet Secret in pink gold with a Tourbillon and a hidden enamel dial. Funny!

Gorgeous mouvement as always with LF.

Patek Philippe perpetual calendar in white gold ref. 2497 from 1954. I wanted to see this watch for one specific element. Its loupe on the plexiglass to magnify the day and date. Truly unusual.

My favourite timepiece. The Patek Philippe dual time ref. 2597 in pink gold. So pure, timeless and nice for me. The two buttons on the left are here to adjust the dual time and they are absolutely perfect. You just have to push them with your nail (forget to bite them 😊) to adjust the dual time hand. Perfect!

Patek Philippe world time in yellow gold ref. 2523/1 from 1964. Well, no word for such a rare beauty 😍

I hope you enjoyed these few pictures even if they’re not as nice as I would have liked.

Best wishes

Alkiro

About the Vacheron Constantin Historiques Ref. American1921

The Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 is a distinctive reinterpretation of a cushion-shaped watch originally produced by the manufacture for the American market in the 1920s. This reference is characterized by its unique diagonal display, with the crown positioned at the 1 o'clock position and the dial rotated 45 degrees clockwise. This design was historically intended to allow drivers to read the time without removing their hands from the steering wheel, offering both a functional and aesthetically unconventional presentation within the Historiques collection.

This particular iteration of the American 1921 features a case crafted from precious metal, often rose gold, with a polished finish that highlights its cushion shape and stepped bezel. The watch is typically fitted with a manual-winding mechanical movement, visible through a sapphire crystal case back, providing a power reserve suitable for daily wear. The crystal protecting the dial is also sapphire, ensuring clarity and scratch resistance.

The American 1921 appeals to collectors seeking pieces with historical provenance and an unconventional design. Its distinctive orientation and vintage inspiration make it a conversation piece and a unique offering within Vacheron Constantin's contemporary lineup. Various sizes have been produced, catering to different wrist preferences while maintaining the core design principles of the original 1921 model.

Specifications

Caliber: Caliber 4400 AS

Case: 18k rose gold

Diameter: 40mm

Dial: Silver

Water Resist.: 30m

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

The Omega prototype tourbillon from 1947, with its 7-minute, 30-second rotation, is a unique and highly desirable piece, considered a 'true grail' by some collectors.
The Vacheron Constantin American 1921 perpetual calendar in platinum is highlighted for its 'top cool' case and unusual dial with four sub-dials.
The Patek Philippe ref. 2597 in pink gold, a dual time watch, is praised for its pure, timeless design and the practical, perfectly integrated pushers for adjusting the second time zone.
The Omega prototype tourbillon should technically be described as a 'karussel' if it is indirectly driven, according to the definition from FH's Dictionary of Horology, given its slow rotation speed.
The Patek Philippe ref. 2497 from 1954 features an unusual loupe on the plexiglass to magnify the day and date, a unique design element.
Many vintage case shapes were shared among the 'big three' watch brands, as exemplified by the Vacheron Constantin 6394 resembling the Omega case design.

The Discussion

Ares501 - Mr Green

Nov 9, 2017

2587 is truly superb

Thanks for the pictures Cheers D

Alkiro1

Nov 9, 2017

Humm, 2597 or 2497 (I have no 2587 🤔😉)? But, anyway, they’re both too gorgeous 😁

Best wishes Alkiro

Ares501 - Mr Green

Nov 9, 2017

2597 of course.....it's not easy to type in the night as it use to ,) [nt]

Alkiro1

Nov 9, 2017

Don’t ask to your daughter to help you. That could end badly... for me 😂

Best wishes Alkiro

crown comfort

Nov 9, 2017

Wow, I'm impressed that they

actually let you try the watches on your wrist, I mean that's unusual, or is it not?

Alkiro1

Nov 9, 2017

Well, I went there last year too and that was exactly the same process. You can try them without any problem, take pictures...

I have something more just for you. Don’t tell it to Blomman and Mr Green. I’m kidding of course 😉 Sorry no Opera 2 unfortunately 😕 Best wishes Alkiro