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The Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5065J belongs to the first generation of Patek Philippe’s iconic sports-watch collection. Introduced in 1996, the Aquanaut was conceived as a more accessible and contemporary alternative to the iconic Nautilus, while retaining the sporty and highly distinctive design language of its predecessor. Presented at Baselworld that year with the Reference 5060A, the Aquanaut was aimed at a younger generation of clients, introducing a more casual aesthetic through its rounded octagonal case, embossed black dial and innovative “Tropical” rubber strap.

The success of the original Aquanaut soon led Patek Philippe to expand the collection. In 1997, the Manufacture introduced the Reference 5065, known as the “Jumbo” or large-size Aquanaut, featuring a larger 38 mm case, a sapphire-crystal display back and the automatic calibre 315/190. Produced until 2006, the 5065 became one of the defining references of the first generation of Aquanaut watches, combining Patek Philippe’s traditional craftsmanship with a distinctly modern and sporty character.

The present example, dating from 2000, is the Reference 5065J, distinguished by its 18-karat yellow-gold case, black embossed dial and “Tropical” rubber strap. The dial features Super-LumiNova luminous material.

Throughout its long history, Vacheron & Constantin has been celebrated not only for its mechanical excellence, but also for its particularly refined and imaginative approach to shaped watches. From the Art Deco era through the mid-20th century, the manufacture created numerous unconventional cases, often distinguished by sculptural forms, sophisticated proportions and finely executed details, demonstrating the Maison’s ability to combine technical precision with elegant design.

Dating to approximately the 1940s, the present timepiece is a particularly attractive example of this tradition. Its refined rectangular case in 18K pink gold is complemented by sculpted hooded lugs, which integrate seamlessly into the architecture of the case. The two-tone pink dial, with its contrasting finishes and subsidiary seconds at 6 o’clock, gives the watch a warm and harmonious appearance.

The case was manufactured by Croisier, as testified by the Geneva key hallmark bearing the number 5, identifying the renowned Geneva casemaker. The watch is powered by the manually wound calibre 458/3, a distinguished Vacheron & Constantin movement of the period, appreciated for its elegant construction and fine finishing.

Combining an unusual architectural case, precious pink gold, a beautifully executed two-tone dial and a prestigious Geneva-made case, the present watch offers a fine representation of Vacheron & Constantin’s creative approach to shaped wristwatches during the 1940s.

Before the emergence of Rolex’s professional sports watches, the Bubbleback established the foundations of the brand’s reputation for technical innovation. Introduced in the early 1930s, these pioneering automatic models earned their nickname from the characteristic rounded caseback required to accommodate Rolex’s self-winding movement, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of the waterproof Oyster case.

The present reference 3132, dating to 1937, is an elegant two-tone execution combining stainless steel with pink gold, featuring a smooth pink gold bezel and a beautifully preserved two-tone pink dial with original luminous material. Further enhancing its desirability is the double signature of Cravanzola Roma, one of Italy’s most prestigious historic Rolex retailers, whose signed watches are increasingly sought after for their rarity and historical significance.

Preserved in excellent overall condition, the watch retains crisp engravings to the caseback, while the original Oyster riveted bracelet in steel and pink gold completes one of the most attractive and collectible configurations of the iconic Bubbleback.

Produced during the 1960s, the Audemars Piguet reference 5222 exemplifies the refined and understated approach that defined the manufacture’s dress watches of the period. Crafted in stainless steel, its elegant case features straight lugs and a screw-down caseback, a construction that offered enhanced protection against moisture and dust while reflecting the growing demand for reliable everyday wristwatches. As a result, the reference 5222 successfully combines the sophistication of a classic dress watch with the practicality and durability typically associated with more sporting timepieces.

At its heart lies an automatic movement fitted with a partially gold rotor, reflecting Audemars Piguet’s commitment to combining technical excellence with refined finishing. The silver dial has gracefully developed a warm, even patina over the decades, lending the watch additional character while preserving its elegant appearance. Applied baton indexes, central seconds and a discreet date aperture at 3 o’clock complete the minimalist aesthetic, ensuring both balance and excellent legibility.

Among the most sophisticated horological instruments of the early twentieth century, split-seconds chronographs represented the pinnacle of traditional watchmaking. Designed to measure multiple elapsed times simultaneously through the use of two superimposed chronograph hands, the rattrapante complication required an extraordinary level of technical expertise and was produced only in very limited numbers. During this period, Cartier established itself not only as one of the world’s foremost jewellers, but also as a purveyor of exceptional complicated timepieces, combining refined aesthetics with some of the finest mechanical movements available.

The present pocket watch, dating to the early twentieth century, is housed in an elegant yellow gold open-face case and features a beautifully preserved white Cartier-signed dial with bold Roman numerals, an outer minute track, blued-steel hands, and subsidiary registers for the 30-minute chronograph counter and running seconds. Beneath the dial lies an exceptionally refined manually wound split-seconds chronograph movement, distinguished by its twin column-wheel architecture and finely finished steel chronograph works, illustrating the remarkable level of craftsmanship achieved by Swiss watchmaking during this period. Preserved in excellent overall condition, this highly complicated Cartier pocket watch embodies the Maison’s pursuit of both mechanical excellence and timeless design, offering collectors an increasingly rare example of one of the most prestigious complications of its era.