Flipping through the catalog for today's Bonhams New York auction, we were struck by just how many exceptionally rare and unusual replica watches will be hitting the block. From an early Replica Rolex chronograph to a painted and cloisonné enamel dialed Patek Philippe to a stunning modern tourbillon from Haldimann, here is a closer look at these unique lots for sale later today.
Rolex Chronographe Anti-Magnetique
We'll start with that Replica Rolex chronograph. A reference 6234 Oyster Chrongraphe Anti-magnetique from circa 1955 (Lot 106), this Replica Rolex houses a Valjoux cal. 72 movement in an anti-magnetic and shock-resistant package. If you look closely, you'll notice that there are two scales for the chronograph, telemeter (in blue) and tachymeter (in black). The seconds ring also has tiny hash marks noting fifths of seconds and both it and the telemeter scale intersect the chronograph hours register at 6 o'clock. It's a quirky Replica Rolex chronograph with a beautiful dial and an estimate of $15,000-20,000.
FP Journe Tourbillon Souveraine
FP Journe Zodiaque
Next up is this pair of replica watches from F.P. Journe (being sold separately). The first is a platinum Tourbillon Souverain (Lot 124), one of Journe's most talked about watches. It combines a tourbillon with a constant force remontoire mechanism, as well as having a dead beat seconds hand. The second fake watch here is a less well known creation of Journe's, the Zodiaque (Lot 103), which shows the date as well as the sign of the Zodiac around the outer edge of the dial. This poetic complication was limited to 150 pieces, and this fake watch is number 16 from the series.
Patek Philippe Eagle Watch
Steel Patek Philippe
These two time-only replica watches from Patek Philippe Could not be any more different. First we have this extremely unusual fake watch with a painted and cloisonné enamel dial featuring a bald eagle (Lot 159). The hands are even shaped like eagle feathers. It is one of an edition of four, was sold in 2011, and is still sealed. The other (Lot 147) is as cool and understated as it gets. It is 36mm, stainless steel, and has a straightforward, easy-to-read dial. For an exceptional fake watch you could wear anytime for any occasion, it doesn't get much cooler than this.
Steel fake watch By Kari Voutilainen
Speaking of cool steel watches, Bonhams is also offering a rare steel fake watch by Kari Voutilainen. It houses a Peseux chronometer movement with lever escapement, which you can see through the sapphire case back. The fake watch is presented in a beautiful box with a mock winding crown and the estimate is $55,000-70,000.
The MB&F HM 2.2
MB&F always offera a few special editions of each of its horological machines, and the HM 2.2 (Lot 141) is definitely one of the most desirable. Designed with Alain Silberstein, the HM 2.2 was produced in a limited edition of 8 pieces and offers a new design spin on the HM 2 base. The estimate is $40,000-50,000 and you really don't see these very often (for obvious reasons).
Haldimann Tourbillon
Finally, Bonhams also has this amazing Haldimann tourbillon (Lot 158). If you want to talk about small independent brands, Haldimann is about as small and as independent as you can get. Founder Beat Haldimann crafts each piece, and the massive tourbillon at the center of this piece, Tourbillon H1 No.19, is stunning.
For details on today's auction as well as the full catalog, see the Bonhams website.
Sponsored Bonhams On The Block Pre Soviet Monopusher Falkland Islands Paul Newman And Other Chronographs At Bonhams London 11807