Having been the Clocks and Watches Specialist at Tennants for over twenty years, I have had the privilege of handling tens of thousands of horological items, however, there are a handful of lots with a rarity and history that make them stand out from the rest. The sense of discovery when a truly special item is discovered is one of the most rewarding aspects of working in this industry.
Patek Philippe: A Very Rare Stainless Steel Automatic Wristwatch, signed Patek Philippe, Geneve, model: Calatrava, ref: 2585, circa 1956 - Sold for £105,000 plus buyer's premium
The first watch that springs to mind was an exceptional and very rare 1956 Patek Philippe Calatrava, which was consigned during a valuation day at our Harrogate office. On first inspection, I had an inkling that this watch was something special, but when I opened the back of the watch the reference number 2585 was revealed - a rare reference made in the 1950s with the early high quality calibre12-600 movement. Only a handful of examples of reference 2585 with this movement and a waterproof stainless-steel case have ever been offered at auction.
Whilst inspecting the watch, I noted that the gold automatic rotor was missing, and after contacting the client and describing the missing piece, she located it in her jewellery box and put it in the post. On arrival, I was delighted that the rotor was inscribed with the matching number to the movement, and it was a great moment to place the rotor back in the watch to be able to sell the watch in a complete state. The automatic part of the movement had a slight problem, which is likely why the rotor was removed in the first place, so the wearer could still use the watch by winding manually.
We were delighted to go on to sell the watch for a hammer price of £105,000.
A Fine and Rare Stainless Steel Chronograph Wristwatch with the White "Khanjar" National Symbol of Oman, signed Rolex, model: Daytona, "so called Big Red", ref: 6263/6265, 1979 - Sold for £120,000 plus buyer's premium
One watch with illustrious connections was a rather special Rolex Daytona. Having been contacted by a client who was thinking of selling a Rolex he purchased in the 1990s from a gentleman who once worked for Qaboos Bin Said as Said, the Sultan of Oman from 1970-2020. When he brought the watch in for valuation, the first thing I noted was the very unusual white Khanjar symbol on the dial, the crossed daggers that are the national emblem of Oman.
It is now known that the Sultan of Oman collaborated with Rolex from the early 1970s onwards, having manufactured fine Rolex models marked with the symbol of Oman either in white, red, green or gold to be given in appreciation and recognition of services rendered. Amongst the so called ‘Khanjar’ watches, which are rare in themselves, those with the white Khanjar, as in the present example, are the rarest of them all. The original recipient of the watch was a pilot who served in Oman.
What made the watch even more exciting, however, was in this particular example, the ‘Daytona’ label written on the dial was executed in red, making this one of the rare ‘Big Red’ Rolex Daytona’s which are of themselves highly sought after by collectors. The rarity and history of this watch, coupled with its fantastic condition, saw the watch sell for an astonishing £120,000 hammer price on sale day.
To discuss consigning watches at Tennants, please contact Adam Wasdell.
