A new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
Patek Philippe’s Most Complicated Watch Up for Auction
The brand’s yellow gold Calibre 89 could sell for as much as $10 million at Sotheby’s May 14 Important Watches sale in Geneva.
Geneva--The most complicated watch ever created by Patek Philippe soon will be up for sale.
Research into the Calibre 89 began in 1980 and took nearly a decade before the brand unveiled the finished product in yellow gold in 1989 to mark its 150th anniversary.
Nine years later, the final three Calibre 89 watches were finished, in rose gold, white gold and platinum. A prototype of the watch also is displayed at the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva.
Now, the original yellow gold version will hit the auction block at Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva on May 14.
The timepiece is estimated to sell for between $6.4 and $9.9 million, with the auction house calling it “one of the most important watches ever to be offered at auction.”
However, if past sales are any indication, the $6-$10 million estimate could turn out to be low, as Sotheby’s sold the “Henry Graves Supercomplication,” which had nine less complications than the Calibre 89, for a record-breaking $24 million in 2014.
The Calibre 89 weighs 2 pounds, 6.4 ounces and measures 88.2 mm in diameter (with the case).
It’s Patek Philippe’s most complex mechanical watch, with 33 complications, 24 hands, two dials, eight disks, 61 bridges, 129 jewels, 184 wheels, 332 screws, 415 pins and 429 mechanical components as well as other parts for a total of 1,728 parts.
In addition to the complex calendar functions, including a tourbillon escapement and an astronomical sun hand, the watch features a unique calendar that displays the date of Easter every year.
Watch the video for a close-up of the Patek Philippe Calibre 89
Sotheby’s also has announced that this auction season will be the first in its new sales location, in the Mandarin Oriental in Geneva.
The Latest
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
From now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
De Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
The Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
The 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.
NDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”
John Carter received the AGS’s highest honor Tuesday afternoon at Conclave in Austin, Texas.
LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.
B&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.
It’s ultra-feminine and filled with gold, pearls, and soft pastels.
Emily Highet Morgan and Emily Bennett have joined the agency’s team.
Its updated book for mountings is also now available.
She has been with the organization since 2010, most recently serving as its chief officer of PR and industry relations.
Joyce’s Jewelry sued the bank after cybercriminals drained its accounts of nearly $1.6 million through a series of wire transfers.
He is remembered by loved ones for his loyalty, integrity, and kindness.
From lab-grown diamonds and AI to the inevitable Taylor Swift mention, here are some of Conclave’s most intriguing educational offerings.
From cybersecurity liability to trade show coverage, insurance experts share tips on how to build the right policy.
The charm is a modern rendition of the evil eye amulet that has been worn for thousands of years.
Ahead of its trade show next month, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to one jewelry professional and three students.
By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.
Members can still sell lab-grown stones, it said, but only natural gems are allowed on the show floor.
He is remembered for his charisma, passion, integrity, kindness, and wit.