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PATEK PHILIPPE “DISCO VOLANTE” REF. 2594 PLATINUM

The early and mid-1900s were a time of great experimentation in the watchmaking world.
Being a period where the pocket watch was quickly becoming obsolete, Swiss watchmaking companies found themselves overwhelmed by requests of watches that could be strapped on the wrist. An historical and repentine evolution which led the whole Swiss industry to totally reinvent their products by conceiving new forms, shapes, technical solutions.
A striking example of stylistic evolution is the present watch produced by Patek Philippe in the early 60’s. The case has an extremely futuristic look consisting in very hidden lugs and in a flat circular bezel. Something definitely unusual for the time. This Patek Philippe model for its so peculiar shapes was renamed by the Italian collectors “Disco Volante”, resembling those circular Unknown Flying Objects that have always tickled the fantasies of those who think there is something beyond our world.

The present specimen is an exceptional example of the very rare and sought after “Disco Volante” models. The 32 mm small lugs case despite of some very light signs of aging still shows the original shapes and forms and it is most likely untouched. The silver dial is very well preserved especially if we consider that this watch was produced in 1958 with just some very light signs of aging. The caliber works perfectly and it’s in perfect shape. All the components including hands, signed Gay Freres and Patek Philippe platinum bracelet, caseback and 23-300 caliber match the production period and are correct for the watch. Accompanied by a Patek Philippe extract from the archives, it confirms that the watch was produced in 1958 and sold in 1958 with platinum bracelet.

Serial Number 2,603,XXX, Year 1958, Diameter 32mm.

OMEGA CONSTELLATION ELECTROQUARTZ REF. 196.005

In response to the emerging prominence of quartz watchmaking from Japan, Omega joined forces with 20 Swiss watch brands in 1962 to establish the Centre Electronique Horloger (CES), marking the onset of Swiss-made quartz technology development. Following four years of intensive research the Beta 21 made his debut in 1969, distinguished by its captivating sweeping seconds hand movement. With only 6,000 Beta 21 movements ever produced, timepieces equipped with them are deemed rare treasures in today’s collecting communities. Notable mentions of brands utilizing the Beta 21 include Patek Philippe ref. 3597 and Rolex Oysterquartz ref. 5100. Renowned for its precision, substantial size, and battery life, the Beta 21 represented a significant leap in quartz technology. Omega’s rendition, the caliber 1300, was used in various Omega watches including the Electroquartz reference 196.005.

This Omega Electroquartz reference 196.005 is an exceptional specimen of this rare timepiece crafted by Omega. Produced during the 1970s, it houses the renowned Caliber Beta21, a groundbreaking innovation for its time that posed significant manufacturing challenges for the Swiss watchmaking industry. Constructed with a stainless steel case, the reference number is engraved on the inner caseback. The bracelet, adorned with the Omega signature, is appropriate for the reference 196.005. A notable feature of this watch is its cream dial, a rarity considering that steel models are predominantly found with blue dials. The overall condition of the timepiece is immaculate, with no signs of polishing and a flawless dial, while the bracelet exhibits no signs of stretching. This serves as a pristine example for Omega collectors seeking to acquire a Beta21 watch manufactured by Omega.

PATEK PHILIPPE CALATRAVA REF. 3466 TOBACCO DIAL

Reference 3466 is a rare model manufactured by Patek Philippe for approximately ten years, from the early 1960s to the early 1970s. Made exclusively in stainless steel, it was marketed by Patek Philippe as a sportier alternative to the Calatrava models. This watch features a screw-down caseback, offering greater water resistance compared to other Calatrava models with snap backs. Additionally, the Ref. 3466 is powered by an automatic caliber, eliminating the need for manual winding and making it more suitable for an active lifestyle. Today, this watch is highly sought after by collectors due to its short production run and its 35mm case size, which is particularly appreciated by modern collectors.

The present Patek Philippe Calatrava ref. 3466 is an excellent example of this rare reference. Its overall condition is great, retaining the original factory case dimensions with no extensive polishing over the years. The most attractive feature of this watch is undoubtedly the dial, which has developed a captivating “tobacco” hue over time, making this watch exceptionally special and almost unique. The rich yellowish patina adds an exclusive touch, setting it apart from other similar examples. The 27-460 movement is in good working order and is very well preserved. The watch comes with an original Patek Philippe strap and matching buckle. Accompanied by a Patek Philippe extract from the archives, it confirms that the watch was produced in 1965 and sold in 1968.

ROLEX DAYDATE REF. 1803 DIAMOND DIAL “RIVETTI” BRACELET

The Rolex Daydate made its first appearance at the Basel Fair in 1956, an extraordinary novelty for the time, being the first automatic watch made of precious material with a waterproof case and equipped with a date and day of the week complication. Its success was immediate, a true icon of watchmaking was born, which can still be found in the modern version in the Rolex catalog almost 70 years after its presentation. In 1959, Rolex introduced an updated version of the Daydate: the reference 1800, with its main features being: a new caliber with 18,000 frequency and a slimmer and slender case. Also for the 1803, only precious materials such as gold and platinum were used for the case. The different bezel variants of the reference 1800 were identified by a digit at the end of the reference number : 1803 fluted, 1802 smooth, 1807 bark, etc. Over the years, the Daydate 1800 series will become the Daydate par excellence for Rolex enthusiasts.

This Rolex Day-Date 1803 is a truly stunning watch, notable for both its exceptional quality and its rare features, such as the no lume diamond dial and hands but also the bracelet. Its most special feature is undoubtedly the “Rivetti” bracelet, which is extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors. These “Rivetti” bracelets are exceptionally scarce and were mounted on both the reference 1803, as in this case, and the reference 1802, the Rolex Day-Date with a smooth bezel. In white gold, they were produced in extremely limited quantities, making this watch exceptionally special. The watch was made in 1970 and is in truly exceptional condition. The bezel still has sharp and well defined edges, the case has deep hallmarks and lugs that match the original factory proportions, the rare no lume diamond dial is in excellent like new condition, the 1556 works perfectly. Every component of the watch is correct for 1970: fluted bezel, silver no lume TswissT diamond dial, caliber 1556 numbered “DD”, caseback signed 1803, twinlock crown, “Rivetti” bracelet with correct 76 end links and a little earlier clasp.

ROLEX DAYDATE REF. 1803 DIAMOND DIAL WHITE GOLD D’AGOSTO BRACELET

In 1956, Rolex introduced one of its most successful and beloved watches ever: the DAY-DATE, the first automatic, waterproof wristwatch to indicate both the date and the day of the week. This innovation marked a significant milestone in watchmaking history, as the Day-Date was the first watch to display the date at three o’clock and the day of the week at twelve o’clock. This unique combination quickly became a hallmark of luxury and precision, solidifying the Day-Date’s status as a prestigious timepiece. Over the years, Rolex has offered many aesthetic variants of the Day-Date, each identified by a different reference number. These references typically correspond to specific design elements, particularly the finish of the bezel. Among these variants, the reference 1803 stands out due to its distinctive fluted bezel.

The present Rolex Day-Date is an incredibly charming and glamorous reference 1803, featuring a mix of very rare details that make this watch stand out among other similar models. First of all, the rare diamond dial is simply stunning, showing virtually no signs of aging—it’s essentially perfect. The tritium plots have aged beautifully to a nice orangish tone, perfectly matching the handset and creating a superb vintage patina.
Additionally, the dial bears the “Sigma” marking, which is typical of a certain production period of Rolex and correct for this watch. Sigma dials were produced for a short period at the beginning of the 1970s, indicating that the indexes were in white gold. In this case, the base of the diamond-set indexes is indeed white gold.
The watch’s case is most likely unpolished and in perfect condition, further enhancing its desirability. It also comes with a fabulous D’Agosto bracelet. Manufactured in Argentina under Rolex authorization, the D’Agosto bracelets are exceptionally rare. Even more remarkable is that the D’Agosto bracelet matches the case, as it features the gold squared marking “C”. The overall condition of this watch is truly incredible. All components are correct for its year of manufacture: the Sigma dial, the D’Agosto bracelet, the 1556 caliber, and the 1803 case back.