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BREITLING SUPEROCEAN VINTAGE REF. 1004

In the 1950s, the demand for divers’ watches soared due to their vital role in ocean exploration, professional deep-sea diving, and scientific research. In 1957, Breitling launched two groundbreaking diving watches: the time-only diver (Ref. 1004) and the chronograph (Ref. 807), both under the SuperOcean name. These models were notable not only for their 200m water resistance but also for their striking design, which set them apart from other watches. The rotating bezel was concave, and the 39mm stainless steel casehad a thin profile with extended lugs. The first series of the SuperOcean was produced in limited quantities and discontinued after only a few years, making them extremely collectible today. Few of these watches have survived in good condition, adding to their allure for collectors.

The present Breitling SuperOcean specimen is a well-preserved example of this extremely rare watch, manufactured by Breitling in the mid-1950s for ocean exploration pioneers. These Breitling watches were originally created as tool watches for use in extreme conditions, and many were lost in action or suffered water damage. Very few have survived to this day in collectible condition, making each one that appears on the market highly valuable. The overall condition of this watch is very good, featuring a dial with a superb vintage patina and a well-preserved bezel. The case has wear but it might have not seen polishing over the years and still maintains its original factory proportions. The caliber works perfectly, and all components match the production period and are correct for this watch.

PATEK PHILIPPE CALATRAVA REF. 1578 “GENERAL MOTORS” BLACK DIAL

In 1954, General Motors commissioned 20 unique Patek Philippe Reference 1578 watches for their top employees. These are the only models of Reference 1578 with a black dial. Each watch features an engraving on the case back with “GMC GMOO” (General Motors Overseas Operation) and the employee’s name, such as S.W. Brooks. Every watch also feature the unique reference 1578 GM in the caseback. The Reference 1578GM boasts an 18k yellow gold case (35mm), a manual winding caliber 12-400 movement, a black dial with gold hour markers, and a small seconds sub-dial at 6 o’clock. The watch’s elegant design, including downturned, flared lugs, makes it suitable for high-level executives. These timepieces symbolize a significant partnership between Patek Philippe and General Motors, showcasing the prestige of both brands during the mid-20th century. They repre-sent a time when bespoke, luxurious watches were gifted to recognize outstanding employees.

The current Patek Philippe reference 1578GM is an excellent example of this exceptionally rare watch, created in collaboration in the mid-1950s by Patek Philippe with General Motors. This model is exceedingly scarce, manufactured in very limited quantities. The 1578 models produced for General Motors are the only instances of the reference 1578 with a black dial ever made. No other 1578 watches were ever produced with a black dial. Overall, the watch is in good condition. While the case shows signs of wear, it is likely untouched with deep hallmarks and retains all its original factory finishes. The black dial has aged gracefully, which is typical and does not detract from the watch’s beauty, especially given its age. All components are correct for this watch, including the 12-400 movement and the 1578 “GM” caseback.

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.