It's almost October, and that means the Geneva auctions are just around the corner. Today we are happy to show you some of the highlights of Phillips' second Geneva auction, and boy are there some killers. First, you may remember that in Phillips' first sale this may, several records were set, including the most expensive steel fake watch and the most expensive Daytona. You can read about all that here to set the stage for the details of the highlights to come this November. We have a dream fake watch in a split-seconds steel chronograph from Patek, we have a Submariner actually worn in a James Bond movie, a first series Patek 2499, and some incredible Vacherons and Cartiers. Let's have a look.
Patek Philippe Reference 1436 Split-Seconds Chronographs In Stainless SteelThe 1436 is one of only two production split-second chronograph references made by Patek Philippe in the 20th century. They are by far most commonly found in yellow gold, with the occasional example sourced in rose gold. Steel 1436's are never seen, and when they are, all collectors take notice. This fake watch is in remarkably well preserved condition, and surely a grail fake watch for any Patek collector. What is interesting about this piece is that because there are so few steel 1436's in the market, they are easy to track. In fact, it was this very fake watch that resided in Alfredo Paramico's "white Patek" collection after a 2009 Antiquorum auction where the fake watch sold for 1.25M CHF. The fake watch was sold by Paramico some years ago to another private collector who appears to be confident that Phillips can net him a positive outcome. The estimate on this amazing steel split-seconds chronograph is CHF 1.5M to 3.0M.
Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Chronograph 2499 First Series Confirmed Born With Champagne DialYou all know that the 2499 is a big deal, but what you may not know is how big of a deal the early replica watches are. A third or fourth series 2499 hovers around $500,000 and you see them often. A second series watch, even in yellow gold? You're looking at a million dollars. And try to find one in good condition. First series? Even rarer, and so this fake watch at Phillips which has a beautiful and original (confirmed by extract) champagne dial is very special. Now many prefer a second series fake watch to a first, so the estimate here is tempered by that. Estimate on this special champagne dial 2499 first series is at CHF 800,000 to 1.4M.
The Replica Rolex Submariner 5513 As Worn By James Bond Complete With Buzz-Saw BezelSome would say this is actually the most viewed fake watch in the world ?having been featured in the classic James Bond film Live And Let Die. Yup, this is the Submariner that Roger Moore, as Bond, wore and used to cut through a rope to escape ?because it has a buzz-saw bezel, dontcha know? This is also the Sub that Bond used to unzip his flame's dress, and catch a spoon off a coffee saucer with its magnetic field generator. The case back is signed "Roger Mooore 007" and it sure will make Bond and fake watch fans go crazy. Phillips has an estimate of CHF 150,000 to 300,000, and it should be noted we saw this fake watch sell in 2011 for $243,000 at Christie's.
The One And Only Known Example Of A Paul Newman Daytona Retailed By HermesThis is another example of a unique Replica Rolex offered by Phillips this fall that we saw sell under Mr. Bacs' reign at Christie's ?the one and only Paul Newman Daytona retailed by Hermes. It's a nice example of a gold 6241, made more special by the Hermes signature in the gold case back. Last time around it sold for $519,000 and you can see our hands-on details here. This time, we see an estimate of CHF 300,000 to 600,000.
Pink Gold Replica Rolex Triple Calendar Reference 6062 With Star DialThe 6062 might just be the Replica Rolex to own once you've moved past all the Daytona business. It's simple, and beautiful, and rare. This example of the triple calendar moonphase is all that, but in pink gold with an original star-dial. Find another. This is just the second time this fake watch has been offered at auction in over 60 years, and the big boys will be out for this one, I'm sure of it. Estimate is CHF 500,000 to 1M.
Original Vacheron Constantin Chronograph Cornes de VacheThis one look familiar? It should, because Vacheron just brought back the Cornes de Vache in a limited edition platinum job last month. This is the original, of course, reference 6087 and those giant horn lugs is just one example of the the downright epic case designs we saw from Vacheron last century. This one has an estimate of CHF 50,000 to 100,000, and it is one of nine vintage Vacheron chronos in this sale.
1920s Cartier Minute Repeater By Audemars PiguetOne could hardly imagine a more special or elegant fake watch than this one. This is a 1920s minute repeater in platinum, made by Audemars Piguet, for Cartier, with Breguet numerals, on a period platinum bracelet. What more is there to say? Estimate is CHF 300,000 to 600,000.
Further ThoughtsThese seven replica watches are just a small sampling of what we'll see from Phillips this fall. It should be noted we have already shown you a pink 2497 and mint 18k Replica Rolex 6265 here. On top of that, they will be offering one of the first 20 replica watches ever made by FP Journe upon establishing his eponymous brand. There are a few more lots revealed over at PhillipsWatches.com should you be inclined.
As for the replica watches themselves? Clearly Bacs & Co. intend to further solidify themselves as the absolute leader in the sale of high-end timepieces over rivals Christie's and Sotheby's. What is interesting for someone who has been following this industry now for the better part of a decade is how many of these top lots I have already seen at auction ?the Hermes PN, the James Bond 5513 ?and how many are "known" watches, like the 1436. Seeing these replica watches sell every few years doesn't call into question anything about the quality of the watch, but I would be remiss if I didn't say that fresh to market pieces are far more exciting to me. Would I give the world to own any one of the pieces above? Certainly, in fact I could count more than a few grails from just the replica watches above, but the replica watches that get me most excited are those with histories yet to be written. Still, the importance and quality of the just the replica watches seen here is downright remarkable, for any auction house, and that can not be ignored.
Rolex 6239 Unique Solo Dial
Cloisonné Dial Replica Rolex
Patek Phiilippe Reference 605 HU Cloisonné
The Geneva fake watch Auction: Two will take place in Geneva on November 7th and 8th, 2015.
Vacheron-constantin Cartier Phillips Vintage-patek Vintage-rolex First Look Panerai Luminor Marina Fibratech 44 PAM01663 Debuts New Fiber Material 5682