AuctionsMar 20, 2024
Vintage Baume & Mercier Gifted by Elvis Going Up for AuctionAuctionsApr 08, 2024
Sotheby’s ‘Rough Diamonds’ Sale Is All About … Watches
The auction will take place Thursday and is underground, literally.
This 18-karat gold and citrine Jaeger-LeCoultre Ref. 7295 pinky-ring watch dates to 1953 and is one of 24 lots being offered in Sotheby’s upcoming “Rough Diamonds” watch auction. The watches will be on display in Geneva Monday through Wednesday, with the sale slated to take place Thursday.
Geneva—Today in Geneva, two dozen vintage watches that Sotheby’s describes as “avant-garde and overlooked” will go on display ahead of a live auction later this week.
The “Rough Diamonds” sale features bejeweled, unusually shaped, and car-themed timepieces from brands like Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Jaeger-LeCoultre, and Piaget.
There’s a Corum watch that looks like the grill of a Rolls-Royce from 1980, the circa 1975 Chopard exploding with color (and with a hydrogrossular garnet dial), and the pinky-ring watch from Jaeger-LeCoultre from 1953 that screams mob-wife aesthetic, seen at top of article.
SEE: 5 of the Watches in “Rough Diamonds”
The “Rough Diamonds” sale features bejeweled, unusually shaped, and car-themed timepieces from brands like Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Jaeger-LeCoultre, and Piaget.
There’s a Corum watch that looks like the grill of a Rolls-Royce from 1980, the circa 1975 Chopard exploding with color (and with a hydrogrossular garnet dial), and the pinky-ring watch from Jaeger-LeCoultre from 1953 that screams mob-wife aesthetic, seen at top of article.
SEE: 5 of the Watches in “Rough Diamonds”
Designed by Jacqueline Dimier, this car-shaped, white gold, diamond and emerald Audemars Piguet is from 1995. It’s estimated to sell for CHF 40,000 to 80,000 ($44,180 to $88,382).
This Patek Philippe ring-watch-necklace set designed by Gilbert Albert circa 1962 is yellow gold set with enamel and pearls. The estimated sale price for the suite is CHF 30,000 to 50,000. ($33,150 to $55,253).
This Corum Rolls-Royce watch, Ref. 55585, is expected to sell for CHF 5,000 to 10,000 ($5,525 to $11,051). Corum sold this watch as a limited-edition timepiece starting in 1990, making just 60 a year.
Piaget made this yellow gold, lapis lazuli, and jade bracelet watch in 1970. It is expected to sell for CHF 20,000 to 30,000 ($22,101 to $33,151).
Audemars Piguet came out with the “Cobra Khanjar” one year before it debuted the “Royal Oak,” with its mesh, serpent-like fully integrated bracelet inspiring the name. This circa 1985 Cobra is estimated to sell for CHF 50,000 to CHF 100,000 ($55,254 to $110,511).
Sotheby’s organized the auction in collaboration with heist-out, a “watch and creative collective” that did something truly original last year—it launched a print magazine.
Commenting on the auction, heist-out co-founders Maxime Couturier and Lorenzo Maillard said, “In an industry where each new release often melds into the next, it is invigorating to pay homage to the trailblazers of yesteryear and affirm that audacity has always been pivotal in shaping watch design.”
The public exhibition for Rough Diamonds will take place Monday through Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. CEST underground, literally.
The watches are on display in the wine cellar at La Corne à Vin, 47 Rue de Lausanne, Geneva.
The auction also will take place in the wine cellar, at 6 p.m. CEST on Thursday.
Bidders can participate in person, on the phone, or online via the Sotheby’s website.
To see all the watches in the auction, visit Sothebys.com.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Auctions
The Latest
GradingJan 14, 2025
GIA CEO, President Susan Jacques to Retire at the End of 2025The grading lab said the search for her successor is underway.
ColumnistsJan 14, 2025
Jules Kim: Building Bridges Between Creators and IndustryIn this special op-ed, designer Jules Kim calls on big brands to collaborate with independent creators instead of copying their designs.
Policies & IssuesJan 14, 2025
These Designers and Retailers Are Raising Money for LA Wildfire Relief Several jewelry designers are lending a helping hand to charities in Los Angeles amid the raging wildfires.
Brought to you by
3 New Year’s Resolutions for Jewelry Lovers The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.
GradingJan 14, 2025
Former SSEF Director Henry A. Hänni DiesA pioneering figure in gemology, he is remembered for his spirit of generosity, curiosity, and joy.
Weekly QuizJan 09, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsJan 14, 2025
Signet Jewelers Lowers Q4 Guidance After Holiday Sales Fall ShortThe peak selling days leading up to Christmas did not meet the jewelry retailer’s expectations.
MajorsJan 14, 2025
Edouard Schneider Joins Messika as Chief Brand OfficerSchneider brings over 20 years of luxury and fashion industry experience to his role as a key member of the brand’s global leadership team.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Celebrates "Forever Present" Holiday CampaignA Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’
SourcingJan 13, 2025
Zambia Reinstates 15% Export Duty on Precious Gemstones, Shocking GemfieldsGemfields said the Zambian government revoked the 2019 suspension of the tax with no warning.
TechnologyJan 13, 2025
Ultrahuman Unveils Luxury Smart RingWith versions in 18-karat gold and platinum, the wearables company is blending health technology and fine jewelry.
Policies & IssuesJan 13, 2025
Brandee Dallow Elected President of Ethical MetalsmithsThe executive brings more than two decades of industry experience to the role.
IndependentsJan 13, 2025
The Seven Pops Up in Palm BeachThe New York City-based retailer is bringing its curation of jewels to a pop-up shop at Love Binetti in Palm Beach, Florida.
Policies & IssuesJan 10, 2025
Jewelers Relief Fund Reopened to Aid Victims of LA Fires Created by JA and DCA, the fund is collecting money for jewelry businesses damaged by the wildfires in Los Angeles County.
TrendsJan 10, 2025
Piece of the Week: Elsa Jin’s ‘Mozi’ BroochAdrien Brody received his first Golden Globe while wearing the “Mozi” brooch, which depicts a spill of traditional Chinese calligraphy ink.
SourcingJan 10, 2025
De Beers, GJEPC Partner to Promote Natural DiamondsThe pair will work together to support independent retailers in India with marketing assets, training materials, and other tools.
CrimeJan 09, 2025
US Customs Seizes Counterfeit Tiffany & Co. JewelsOfficers in Champlain, New York valued the jewels, if genuine, at nearly $30,000.
CollectionsJan 09, 2025
Karma El Khalil’s New Collection is an Ode to the MoonThe “Moonlight Rhapsody” collection is overflowing with gemstones, from raw opal to morganite and spessartite.
Events & AwardsJan 09, 2025
Here Is the 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson Educational LineupThe seminar series covers topics from market trends and colored stone terminology to working with museums and growing an Instagram profile.
SourcingJan 09, 2025
Reena Ahluwalia Unveils New Works in ‘Diamond Trails’ AnthologyThe artist collaborated with industry creatives on the project, which features five fictional stories and five corresponding paintings.
IndependentsJan 09, 2025
Virginia Jewelers Raise Nearly $26K for Children’s Hospital at Charity BallNine jewelers donated jewels for a raffle to support the Children’s Hospital Foundation at Virginia Commonwealth University.
WatchesJan 08, 2025
Oris Debuts Hot Pink Miss Piggy WatchMiss Piggy shared her thoughts on being fabulous, the importance of accessories, and how to be your own cheerleader.
Lab-GrownJan 08, 2025
Effy Introduces Brand Dedicated to Lab-Grown Diamonds“Promise by Effy” includes fashion jewelry and engagement rings.
IndependentsJan 08, 2025
Haltom’s Jewelers to Close After 130 YearsThe Texas-based jeweler is closing all three locations.
TrendsJan 08, 2025
Zendaya’s Engagement Ring Combines Vintage and Modern ElementsZendaya’s ring, featuring an east-west set elongated cushion-cut diamond, is said to be from British designer Jessica McCormack.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2025
The Smart Lab: The Hottest Digital Marketing Trends For 2025Micro-influencers, customer reviews, and shoppable videos are going to be key to getting customers’ attention, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsJan 07, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: January Is for GarnetGarnet is comprised of a group of minerals, giving those with a birthday in January options when it comes to their birthstone.
IndependentsJan 07, 2025
Edge Retail Academy Names 2024 ‘Wag’ Award Winner The annual award, created in memory of business coach William “Wag” Wagner, went to a retailer in Fairfax, Virginia.
