Watch Facts

was first launched in 1972, it immediately captured the attention of all watch lovers in the world. There are 2 important aspect to this watch. Firstly for its truly original styling, the work of Gérald Genta, the incomparable designer who imagined its octagonal bezel, held in place by eight visible screws, and its integrated bracelet. Secondly, because the Royal Oak was the first high-end sports watch. It went against the trend and made this watch in steel, a metal that would go on to win new respect. The brand gave its Royal Oak a self-winding movement with calendar function. It took its innovative shape from a porthole on HMS Royal Oak, the ship that would also give it its name. The brand’s wider interest in trees came later. In the photo, features a very early 2nd generation Royal Oak in two tone 18K and Stainless steel

It had a case measuring 40mm in diameter. The movement also changed a bit and became Rolex caliber 1575. Later, the GMT-Master 1675 evolved with a caliber 1570 inside, the base caliber for this self-winding movement is 1570 and was left engraved on the bridge of caliber 1575. There also have been production numbers of the 1675 GMT-Master with caliber 1565 but it is unclear when these were used and in which particular models. The 1675 GMT-Master was in production for a long time, from 1959 till approximately 1980. Here is one from the 70s.

18k gold case 38x45mm. This watch was Andy Warhol’s Collection. Beta 21 quartz movement. The Beta 21 quartz movement is an electronic movement used in wristwatches. Developed in the late 1960s by the Swiss consortium CEH, it features a high-frequency quartz crystal oscillator (8192 Hz) for enhanced accuracy. While it had a limited production run, the Beta 21 movement played a crucial role in the advancement of quartz watch technology, marking the start of the industry’s quartz revolution.

This watch was made in 1973 to commemorate the 125th anniversary of Omega. It is also the first automatic chronograph, that also carries the certificate of the Swiss Institutes for Official Chronometer Tests. (COSC) The Speedmaster125 was produced as a limited run of 2,000 pieces. Unlike other Speedmaster commemorative or limited editions, no engraving was done on the case or the case back of the watch.

This was Japan’s first diver’s watch. It was an automatic 150m Diver’s. The launch of this model marked the start of Seiko’s pursuit for ever greater reliability and safety. In 1966, the watch proved its reliability and precision on the 8th Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition. The 6217-8000/1, which is better known as the Seiko 62MAS (autoMAtic Selfdater)Stainless steel case at 37mm. It featured a date function, a bi-directional bezel, stronger luminosity on the hands and indexes, and a big crown. It has a screw down case back but non-screw down crown. The Seiko 62MAS was rated to 150M of water resistance. While this doesn’t seem like a lot by today’s standard, it was Seiko’s deepest rating at the time (prior watch was rated only to 50M). The 6217-8000/1 caliber is a 18,000bph automatic, non hacking seconds with quick set date.

Panerai L’Egiziano REF. GPF 2/56 (1956). Case is in 60mm in stainless steel. At the request of the Egyptian Navy, Panerai custom made the Ref GPG 2/56 (aka the Egiziano) build for its solidity with a rotational bezel for calculating immersion time. Patented crown protecting bridges to enhance the water resistance.

A vintage Ulysses Nardin chronograph from the 1950s, this piece is unrestored, completely original in amazing condition. The large stainless steel 38mm high-pressure snap-back waterproof case, manual winding movement is Valjoux 22-based.

From Jean Claude Biver personal collection. 18k pink gold case in 35mm. The 1518 was the first perpetual calendar chronograph wrist watch ever produced in a series (1941). Only 281 pieces were made until 1954. This watch is up for auction at at Phillips on June 27/28 2020 in Geneva. Estimate 1,200,000 – 2,400,000CHF

• Vacheron Constantin brings us the Maison’s heritage pieces.
• Chosen with patience and talent by the Masion’s heritage department specialist, vintage watches covering the entire 20th century are now part of the “Les Collectionneurs” collection.
• These pieces are carefully restored by the maison and comes with a certificate of authenticity, and a 2 year guarantee.
• 36 mm case in 18k pink gold with tear drop lugs.
• Manual winding movement cal 492, 30-minute counter chronograph wristwatch.
• 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, small seconds at 9 o’clock, applied indexes.

The history of Piaget in secret watches started in the 40’s. This particular watch was formerly owned by Andy Warhol. 24-carat gold (ingot) and 18-carat gold (habillage) Piaget 9P ultra-thin hand-wound movement.