CORUM ROLLS ROYCE WHITE GOLD DIAMONDS
Yes, the Corum Rolls-Royce watch is a fascinating piece with a unique design inspired by the luxury car brand Rolls-Royce. Introduced in the mid-1970s, it was part of Corum’s bold and imaginative approach to watchmaking, where the brand often took inspiration from luxury and lifestyle themes. This model is instantly recognizable by its case shaped like a Rolls-Royce radiator grille, complete with the Rolls-Royce logo and a miniature Spirit of Ecstasy emblem at the top. The watch was built with the goal of mirroring the elegance and prestige associated with Rolls-Royce cars. While its design polarized watch collectors, the watch became an iconic piece in the Corum lineup and it remains a collectible for both car enthusiasts and watch collectors, who appreciate it as a statement piece and as a product of its time.
The present Corum Rolls-Royce is an exceptional example of this iconic timepiece. Overall, the condition is very good, with a likely unpolished case, a mint dial and handset, and a perfectly working caliber. The case of the watch is crafted in 18kt white gold and further adorned with diamonds, emphasizing the rarity and collectability of this piece. The winding crown, case back, and buckle are also adorned with the Corum emblem. All components are correct for the year of manufacture.
ROLEX KING MIDAS REFERENCE 3580 WHITE GOLD “CREAM” DIAL
The Rolex King Midas reference 3580 was the second model marketed in the iconic Rolex King Midas series. Manufactured from the early 1960s, this model bears the creative touch of its designer, the master himself: Gerald Genta. Drawing inspiration from ancient Greek aesthetics, Genta crafted the watch case to echo the silhouette of the Parthenon, while the left-sided winding crown symbolizes the sun atop Mount Olympus, adding a distinctive flair. An exceptional aspect of the Rolex King Midas is its original box set, which also reflects the ancient Greek theme. The outer box features typical Greek decorations and figures, shaped like an urn with printed pictograms reminiscent of authentic Greek artifacts. Reference 3580 gradually replaced the original reference 9630, with minor differences such as the gradual replacement of “Midas” on the dial with “Cellini.” However, some examples of the 9630 retain the “Midas” wording on the dial, making them particularly special, like the present example.
This present Rolex King Midas reference 3580 exemplifies the sought-after and rare nature of this model. White gold King Midas timepieces are especially rare, as they were produced in limited numbers. The rarity of this particular example is further enhanced by the presence of the “Midas” wording on the “cream” dial, despite being a second series model. The watch is in excellent overall condition, with a pristine dial, perfectly functioning caliber, and a case that retains its original curves and angles.
PIAGET BLACK TIE MALACHITE DIAL
A true style icon, instantly recognizable by its signature curved lines, the Black Tie holds a special place in Piaget’s history. Launched in 1972, it quickly captured the attention of watch enthusiasts with its cushion-shaped silhouette and distinctive gadroons along the edge, eventually drawing in the famed Andy Warhol. The artist was captivated by with the model in 1973, choosing a version with an anthracite grey galvanic dial and yellow gold case, powered by the Beta 21 quartz movement. In 2015, Piaget revisited the timeless Black Tie design, making subtle updates while preserving its core identity. The new version featured an automatic movement and a 5-stepped case, with various stone dials, including Lapis Lazuli, Onyx, Meteorite, Jade, and Malachite like the present specimen.
This specimen belongs to the 2015 limited series produced by Piaget to celebrate the history of the Black Tie model. Crafted in very limited numbers, this watch quickly captured the enthusiasm of many Piaget collectors. It is highly sought after by all collectors who were unable to purchase one of the few available at the time. The watch features a white gold case and a stunning malachite dial. It is in new condition, with stickers intact and has never been worn.
The watch comes with original box and papers.
HERMES TAVANNES BELT WATCH
Hermès collaborated with Tavannes Watch Co., a well-regarded Swiss watchmaker, to produce a series of belt watches in the 1920s and 1930s. These watches were distinctive for their elegant design, blending fine Swiss horology with the luxurious style for which Hermès is known. They are now highly collectible due to their rarity, craftsmanship, and the appeal of vintage Hermès items in the luxury market. Collectors value the combination of Hermès’ design legacy with Tavannes’ horological expertise, and the silver models especially carry a distinct allure for their material quality.
The present Hermès co-signed belt watch is an exceptional example of this ultra-rare horological marvel. Produced in very limited numbers during the 20th century, these belt watches are highly coveted by collectors. The overall condition of this piece is outstanding. The “GrenĂ© Fab Suisse” signed dial is virtually mint, showing no signs of wear or damage from watchmakers.
The case is equally well-preserved, with only minor wear. It is crafted from sterling silver, bearing the correct 0.935 hallmarks. A charming patina has developed on the silver, giving it a warm, yellowish tone. The cabriolet mechanism, used to extract the watch from the belt, functions flawlessly, as does the caliber inside this miniature masterpiece. Additionally, the original buckle is still present.
The term “Reverso” typically conjures thoughts of the iconic watch model produced by Jaeger LeCoultre. However, it’s worth noting that in the horological world’s rich history, other brands have also made significant contributions to the concept of reversible timepieces. In 1930, Cartier made a notable stride in this direction when they developed and patented a similar reversible case system, initially christened the “Cabriolet Reverso” before adopting the moniker “Basculante”. This innovative approach to watch design didn’t gain widespread recognition until much later, specifically in the 1970s when Cartier introduced the Tank Reverso, an exemplar of this inventive concept.
The Cartier Tank Reverso presented here holds particular fascination. It features a Paris dial, clearly establishing its association with Cartier Paris—a fact that gains further authentication through the presence of French hallmarks on the caseback. The desirability and collectibility of this Cartier Reverso are heightened by its unique characteristics. Notably, it boasts two distinct dials, each powered by separate calibers, affording the watch the ability to indicate two different time zones. What sets it apart even more is the crown attached to the case, differing from the traditional and more common cabochon-operated mechanism found in other Cartier Reverso models.
Moreover, the watch’s exceptional quality is unmistakable. Its dial remains untouched, and its calibers perform flawlessly as designed. The case retains its robust profile and sharp lines. The combination of outstanding quality and rarity elevates this timepiece to an exceptional addition for any Cartier collection.