Rolex Collection And Vacheron Constantin "Skeletonized" Wristwatch Highlight Fine Timepieces At Heritage Auctions

'Timepieces from a Distinguished Gentleman' - one of the finest collections of Rolex watches ever offered at auction — led by Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner, est. $30,000+, offered Nov. 21 in New York

DALLAS — One of the finest private collections of Rolex watches and an Extremely Fine Vacheron Constantin 'Skeletonized' Pink Gold Wristwatch, estimated to sell for $50,000+, will headline a wide-ranging selection of rare and exclusive watches and timepieces Nov. 21 at Heritage Auctions' New York location, 445 Park Avenue (at 57^th Street).

Models include a Piaget Protocole Exceptional 18k White Gold Diamond & Sapphire Wristwatch, which may hammer for $50,000+, and a rare and very fine Audemars Pigue Rose Gold Rubens Barrichello Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph, estimated to bring $30,000+. An important Swiss Gold Minute Repeater With Perpetual Calendar, Moon Phase & Chronograph could sell for $20,000+.

"These are among the finest names collectors seek when buying the very best," said James Wolf, Consignment Director for Watches and Timepieces at Heritage Auctions. "In particular, the market for Rolex continues to see strong demand but quality examples are difficult to come by. Collectors should be pleased to see what we've uncovered for them."

Notable discoveries include a rare Minute Repeating Tandem Wind Pocket Watch fashioned by Tiffany & Co. with a highly unusual combination of complications. The superior time train and repeating element is accented by the sophisticated rattrapante chronograph that was perfected by master craftsman Louis Audemars. The rare pocket watch is expected to sell for $30,000+.

The auction features Heritage Auctions' special presentation of "Timepieces from a Distinguished Gentleman," a singularly-important collection of 360 first quality wristwatches. The collection includes 200 Rolex watches, such as a rare Oyster Perpetual Submariner made for The British Royal Navy, circa 1974, which could sell for $30,000+, and a rare 18 karat Gold Oyster Cosmograph, circa 1982, which may sell for $20,000+.

Highlights include, but are not limited to:

Blancpain Very Fine Rose Gold Limited Edition Leman Chronograph Perpetual Calendar Wristwatch, No. 34 of 50. Estimate: $15,000+.

Patek Philippe & Co. Ref. 5035J Very Fine Yellow Gold Annual Calendar Wristwatch. Estimate: $12,000+.

Audemars Piguet "Jules Audemars Quantieme Perpetual Metropolis" Very Fine Platinum World Time Wristwatch. Estimate: $12,000+.