Hello World

BUECHE GIROD GOLD COIN WRISTWATCH

Established in 1947 by Vital Bueche and his wife Girod, Bueche Girod emerged as a re-spected but modest watchmaking enterprise. Despite its small size, Vital Bueche, a skilled watchmaker celebrated for his precise movements and patented innovations such as the non-phase and plain calendar, bolstered the company’s reputation. Over time, Bueche Girod expanded its capabilities, producing movements and timepieces for renowned brands like Cartier and Bulova. Alongside its own collection, which primarily focused on intricately designed ladies’ watches, Bueche Girod gained recognition for its lavish creations, featuring solid gold cases adorned with precious gemstones. However, with the rise of the quartz era in the 1980s, characterized by a preference for quartz watches and a decline in automatic timepieces, Bueche Girod struggled to adapt and eventually ceased operations in response to shifting market dynamics.

Gold coin watches were highly popular during the 1900s. These timepieces, whether wrist-watches or pocket watches, were ingeniously crafted within original gold coins from various countries such as the US, Mexico, France, and many others. This art is exceptionally delicate, as transforming an original gold coin into a watch without altering its dimensions, especially its thickness, requires great skill. Numerous watch manufacturers, including Patek Philippe, Corum, and Piaget, developed their own unique styles and techniques for crafting these precious timepieces. Bueche Girod was among these brands, known for beautifully refining and crafting gold coins into exquisite timepieces. This particular Bueche Girod timepiece features a 20-dollar gold coin transformed into a wristwatch, revealing an intricate mechanism that opens the gold coin to display a Bueche Girod manual winding wristwatch. Fully adorned with Bueche Girod signatures on the case and dial, this watch is a remarkable addition to any collection, showcasing Bueche Girod’s spirit of innovation and creativity during its golden era.

ROLEX DATEJUST OYSTERQUARTZ 17000 BLUE DIAL LIKE NEW FULL SET

The Rolex Oysterquartz stands as a notable chapter in the brand’s history. Introduced in the late 1970s and continuing production until the early 2000s, it departed from Rolex’s traditional mechanical movement in favor of a quartz movement. This shift was significant, marking a departure from the norm and showcasing Rolex’s dedication to innovation. The quartz movement, renowned for its precision and reliability, was a departure from the mechanical movements found in most Rolex timepieces of the era.Rolex’s engineering prowess with the Oysterquartz caliber was such that the term ‘Oysterquartz’ was prominently displayed on the dial of every timepiece. The distinct angular case designs of the Oysterquartz models set them apart from the classic rounded cases of traditional Rolex watches. They were available in various styles, including Datejust and Day-Date models.Within the Datejust Oysterquartz line, three distinct models emerged over time: the reference 17000 featuring a smooth bezel, the 17014 with a fluted bezel, and the 17013 crafted in steel and gold, boasting a yellow gold fluted bezel. Each model offered its own unique blend of style and functionality, further contributing to the diversity within the Oysterquartz range.

This timepiece is an exceptional smooth bezel Oysterquartz model reference 17000, notable for its outstanding state of preservation. A testament to its remarkable condition is the presence of the caseback sticker, still intact. Additionally, in our opinion, the case remains in factory mint condition and has never been polished. Few signs of wear are evident, indicating careful preservation by the previous owner. Furthermore, the bracelet is in mint condition, showing no signs of wear or stretch. Enhancing its collectability is an exceedingly rare and flawless blue dial with Luminova hands and hour markers. Blue dials are particularly uncommon, further augmenting the watch’s desirability. The dial correctly displays the Oysterquartz wording and COSC certification. Adding to the appeal of this timepiece is its complete set of amenities, including the box, outer box, booklets, and leather portfolio. The paperwork is signed by Hausman, a prominent Roman retailer, further enhancing the collectibility of the watch. Notably, all components are correct and original for the period of manufacture. This timepiece is not only remarkably preserved and complete, but also boasts all correct and original components, making it a highly desirable addition to any collection.

Serial Number P,358,XXX, Diameter 36mm, Year 2001.

ROLEX DATE REF. 15238 FULL SET BLACK DIAL RIVETTI BRACELET

The Date model sets itself apart from the Datejust with its slightly smaller case size; the Datejust measures 36mm while the Date is 34mm. Additionally, the Date was positioned as a slightly more affordable option compared to the Datejust and Day-Date models, making Rolex watches accessible to a broader audience at the time. Over the years, Rolex continually upgraded the Date model, resulting in changes to its reference number. Rolex manufactured the Date model from the early 1970s, with the final iteration being the reference 15200, produced from the early 1990s to the early 2000s, after which it was discontinued from the Rolex catalog. The main features of the Date model included the caliber 3135 movement and a case diameter of 34mm. During this period, Rolex also produced the Date model in yellow gold, with reference 15238 being the most expensive Date option in the catalog. Particularly noteworthy were versions with special bracelets such as the Jubilee or riveted bracelets, like the example here.

This specific Date ref. 15238 in 18kt yellow gold is an exceptional representation of this reference. Purchased from the notorious Italian authorized dealer “Monetti” from Napoli in 1991, this Date has been worn but also meticulously cared for over the years. The case retains its original finishes without any polishing, displaying deep gold hallmarks. The gorgeous black dial remains flawless still with all lume plots. All components are correct for the production year, including the T Swiss Made T dial, caliber 3135 movement, 15200 caseback, Twinlock crown, and original 18kt rivetti bracelet. The watch comes with its original box and certificate of guarantee from the Italian authorized dealer, Monetti Napoli and an extra white dial. It is truly an amazing timepiece, both in terms of its exceptional overall condition and the collector set that accompanies it.

VACHERON CONSTANTIN “LES HISTORIQUE” JAULOSIE

Les “Historiques” is a collection by Vacheron Constantin that pays homage to the brand’s rich heritage by reintroducing iconic timepieces from its history, often with modern updates and enhancements. These watches often appeal to collectors who appreciate the timeless elegance and historical significance of Vacheron Constantin’s creations. The origins of the Jalousie and its design can be traced back to a wristwatch design from the 1930s called the ‘Montre à Volets’. In contrast to the Jalousie’s lever at 6 o’clock, the original 1930s version featured shutters that were opened by turning the crown at 3 o’clock, with time adjustment accomplished by turning a crown at 9 o’clock.

This Vacheron Constantin Jaulosie watch is an exceptionally rare model from the “Historique” line, produced by Vacheron Constantin in the 1990s. The Jaulosie was predominantly crafted in gold, with the white gold version, like the present specimen, being the rarest and produced in limited quantities. Its rectangular case is intricately adorned with decorative motifs on the sides. When the lever at 6 o’clock is not engaged, the watch is concealed by a complex mechanism resembling grates, which open upon pushing the lever and activating the mechanism. Beneath the cover lies a simple yet elegant timepiece with a silver dial and a subsidiary dial at 6 o’clock, adorned with blue steel hands. This mechanical, manual-winding watch is based on a JLC caliber, a characteristic occasionally found in Vacheron Constantin timepieces. In terms of condition, the watch is exceptionally well-preserved, showing minimal signs of handling on the case. The original leather strap, accompanied by a matching Vacheron Constantin deployant clasp, adds to its allure. Undoubtedly, this is a truly special and rare addition to any Vacheron Constantin-themed collection.

CARTIER WATCH BRACELET

Established in Paris in 1847, Cartier began as a jewelry and watchmaking workshop by Lou-is-François Cartier. Renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship and royal clientele, Cartier quickly rose to prominence in the late 19th century. As both a watchmaker and a jewelry maker, Cartier crafted exquisite pieces for women in the early 19th century, blending the skills of both trades. A prime example is the jewel watch, epitomizing Cartier’s craftsmanship and the symbiosis between jewelry and watchmaking.

The Cartier Jewel watch presented here is a captivating find for Cartier collectors. Rarely appearing on the market, Cartier Jewel watches embody the artistry and craftsmanship synonymous with the brand. This particular example is a remarkably unique jewel watch, likely a challenging feat to manufacture in the mid-1900s due to its intricate structure and combination of materials. Functioning as both a bracelet and a concealed watch, it employs a sophisticated elastic mechanical system. When inactive, the watch remains hidden within the bracelet’s design. Activation is achieved by pushing a section adorned with three diamond-studded stripes, revealing a stunning timepiece. This mechanical watch features rear charging and an Arabic numeral dial, bearing the mark “Made in France” on both the dial and case-back.