AuctionsApr 12, 2022
‘The Flawless Star’ Diamond Earns $4.6M at Christie’s OnlineAuctionsApr 21, 2022
This Hand-Painted Patek Philippe Nautilus Design Sold for $727K at Auction
It’s an original prototype from well-known watch designer Gérald Genta.
Gérald Genta’s prototype design of the Patek Philippe Nautilus circa 1976, featuring two side profile options, sold for $727,000 at a recent Sotheby’s auction.
Hong Kong—The Patek Philippe Nautilus is highly sought-after, and as it turns out, so too is its original prototype design, hand-painted by one of the world’s most famous watch designers.
During Sotheby’s second iteration of the “Gérald Genta: Icon of Time” auction series, the original design drawing from Genta circa 1976 sold for $727,000 to a private Asian buyer.
The auction house said the sale came after a battle among 10 bidders from around the world.
The Nautilus was the brand’s first luxury sports watch, representing a subtle yet innovative balance between the two categories and ushering in a modern era for the traditional brand.
Rendered on blue paper, Genta’s design offers two side profile options for the case, something very rare for his creations, Sotheby’s said.
Another highlight of the auction was a never-before-seen alternate prototype design of the Nautilus circa 1976, unproduced, which featured a strap rather than a bracelet.
Patek didn’t introduce a Nautilus with a leather strap until 2006, with its Ref. 5711 and 5712 examples, showing just how ahead of his time Genta really was.
His drawing garnered $121,000 to be the sale’s No. 2 lot.
Also notable in the sale was a Mickey Mouse Watch made specially for the transition of Hong Kong from the United Kingdom to China, a special commemoration series with Mickey holding the flags of all three. It garnered $39,000 at the Sotheby’s auction.
Related stories will be right here …
During Sotheby’s second iteration of the “Gérald Genta: Icon of Time” auction series, the original design drawing from Genta circa 1976 sold for $727,000 to a private Asian buyer.
The auction house said the sale came after a battle among 10 bidders from around the world.
The Nautilus was the brand’s first luxury sports watch, representing a subtle yet innovative balance between the two categories and ushering in a modern era for the traditional brand.
Rendered on blue paper, Genta’s design offers two side profile options for the case, something very rare for his creations, Sotheby’s said.
Another highlight of the auction was a never-before-seen alternate prototype design of the Nautilus circa 1976, unproduced, which featured a strap rather than a bracelet.
Patek didn’t introduce a Nautilus with a leather strap until 2006, with its Ref. 5711 and 5712 examples, showing just how ahead of his time Genta really was.
His drawing garnered $121,000 to be the sale’s No. 2 lot.
Also notable in the sale was a Mickey Mouse Watch made specially for the transition of Hong Kong from the United Kingdom to China, a special commemoration series with Mickey holding the flags of all three. It garnered $39,000 at the Sotheby’s auction.
The sale also featured unique NFTs paired with each of the 100 original designs from Genta.
The first sale of the “Gerald Genta: Icon of Time” series took place in Geneva in February, led by his original design for Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak watch, which sold for $610,586.
It continues during the Geneva Important Watches sale on May 10, where the artist’s own Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and four of his oil paintings will be on offer.
Its final sequence will take place in New York from June 8-22, led by the most valuable Disney watches he ever made, according to the auction house.
More on Auctions
The Latest
Events & AwardsNov 05, 2024
Tiffany & Co., CDFA Announce Design Award FinalistsTen chosen designers will receive mentorship and participate in a design contest for the Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award.
MajorsNov 04, 2024
Jewelers Mutual Appoints Mastercard Exec to Its BoardDana J. Lorberg brings 35 years of experience in finance, technology, and strategy to the role.
CrimeNov 04, 2024
FBI Offering $15K Reward for Info on Halloween Mask-Wearing RobbersThe suspects are said to have been involved in the armed robberies of four jewelry stores across three Midwest states.
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for JewelersFrom protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
CollectionsNov 04, 2024
John Hardy’s New Jewels Turn the Black Sands of Bali into DiamondsThe new designs blend Creative Director Reed Krakoff’s aesthetic with the brand’s Balinese roots.
Weekly QuizOct 31, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsNov 04, 2024
Eiseman Jewels is Celebrating Watches All Month-LongThe Dallas-based jeweler will showcase timepieces from Cartier, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Parmigiani Fleurier, and more.
SourcingNov 01, 2024
Reena Ahluwalia Donates Diamond Painting to Benefit CJAThe artwork, titled “Pristine,” was raffled off at the Canadian Jewellers Association’s recent summit.
Brought to you by
Enhance Your Expertise with IGI’s In-Person Courses in NYCThis fall, sharpen your skills in jewelry grading, quality control and diamond assessment.
IndependentsNov 01, 2024
Gunderson’s Jewelers Opens New Location in NebraskaThe new store features a custom design studio and a bridal salon.
CollectionsNov 01, 2024
Piece of the Week: Sydney Evan Gets ‘Wicked’Designer Rosanne Karmes has created a collection to coincide with the release of the movie musical, which is expected to be a blockbuster.
FinancialsOct 31, 2024
Charles & Colvard Faces Possible Nasdaq DelistingThe retailer said it will file the necessary paperwork to regain compliance as soon as it is able.
ColumnistsOct 31, 2024
Peter Smith: Nervous Flyers and Emotional SellingWhether you’re calming the jittery gentleman in seat 13B or selling a diamond ring to a hesitant customer, an empathetic approach is best.
Events & AwardsOct 31, 2024
WJA Will Celebrate 4 Award Winners at ‘Future of Forty’ GalaThe gala includes a red carpet, music from DJ Renata, an awards program, and “mystery boxes.”
Events & AwardsOct 31, 2024
The Instore Show Returns To Chicago AreaThe trade show, in its third year, will take place in late September at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois.
Lab-GrownOct 31, 2024
Q&A: Constance Polamalu on Selling Natural and Lab-Grown DiamondsThe jeweler shared her change of heart on lab-grown diamonds and why she keeps them separate from natural diamonds in her business ventures.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2024
These Designers, Journalists, and Retailers Are Up for a Gem Award The 2025 Gem Awards are scheduled to take place March 14 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.
MajorsOct 30, 2024
Peggy Grosz Leaves Assael After Company Is SoldGrosz had served as Assael’s senior vice president and creative director since 2017.
CollectionsOct 30, 2024
CD Peacock Honors Its Hometown of Chicago in First Bridal Collection“Love and Celebration” is the jeweler’s first in-house collection featuring engagement rings, wedding bands, and celebration rings.
SurveysOct 30, 2024
Consumer Confidence Rebounds in OctoberA more positive view of the labor market contributed to the strongest monthly gain since March 2021.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2024
Mejuri to Award $50K in Scholarships to Jewelry Design StudentsThe funds will be distributed to schools in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.
MajorsOct 29, 2024
Cybersecurity Expert Selected as President of Jewelers’ Security AllianceJennifer Mulvihill, the first woman to lead JSA in the organization’s 141-year history, takes over for the retiring John Kennedy.
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2024
The Can’t-Miss Events of 2024 New York City Jewelry WeekThis year’s festivities include more than 100 experiences, such as designer showcases, panel discussions, and even a treasure hunt.
MajorsOct 29, 2024
Pandora’s Holiday Campaign, New Jewelry Celebrate Light and LoveThe ads star brand ambassadors Chloe and Halle Bailey and Pamela Anderson.
SourcingOct 29, 2024
De Beers’ Production Drops 25% as Demand Remains SluggishThe company combined two sights in Q3 due to the slowdown in demand, and said it is moving up the dates for sights 9 and 10 in Q4.
EditorsOct 28, 2024
Q&A: Monica Rich Kosann Looks Back on 20 Years The jewelry designer discussed how she got into the jewelry industry, what she keeps in her favorite locket, and the future of her brand.
MajorsOct 28, 2024
Jewelers for Children’s Halloween Costume Contest RocksParticipants can buy five votes for $5 to decide which jeweler will dress up as an ‘80s rockstar for Halloween.
TrendsOct 28, 2024
Amanda’s Spooky Style FileThese 15 pieces of jewelry hand-picked ahead of Halloween appeal to the costume- and candy-loving child in all of us.
