Vintage Rolex collectors will have no problem recognising the star lot in John Weldon’s latest jewellery, silver and collectables auction. It is a Rolex GMT-Master, a particularly rare example according to the auctioneer, dating to 1967/1968 with a guide price of €15,000–€30,000.
Weldon says he had an idea that it might be a bit special when it came to the auction house as part of an estate job lot.
“Our inhouse watch specialist, who got very excited, confirmed that it was indeed one of the rarest vintage Rolex GMT models and described it as an Antiques Roadshow moment,” he says.
Collectors will recognise it as the Reference 1675, Mark 1, Long E model. “What makes this particular watch so special is the anodized aluminium bezel insert. Due to exposure to ultraviolet daylight the originally red section has taken on a beautiful fuchsia colour patina.”
The wearer can tell the time in two time zones by adjusting the aluminium bezel. What started as a purpose-built watch for pilots has become a symbol of style and urbanity which may be seem on the wrists of famous actors, entertainers, artists, and musicians – including in films such as Ocean's 13.
"Playfully known as the Pink Panther, they are highly collectible, and this particular watch comes to market in very good working condition featuring the 19,800 vph calibre 1575 movement and expandable Oyster link rivet bracelet," says Weldon.
The live online auction on July 20th, has more than 400 lots, including, for those with more modest tastes, a 1986 Rolex (€1,200 –€1,800) with a white face bought in London in February of that year, according to the catalogue (Lot 299). Another Rolex wrist watch, described as mid-size, with a blue face and two tone bracelet has a guide price of €1,000 to €1,500 (Lot 312). Also in the sale, an 18ct gold ladies' Ebel watch (Lot 305) is guiding at €5,000-€7,000.
Among the diamond offerings are a Tiffany cluster ring with the main diamond weighing between 1.2-1.3cts (Lot 187, €6,000-€8,000), Lot 97 a diamond line bracelet set in 18ct gold (€4,000-€5,000) and a 1.76ct diamond tennis bracelet, set in 18ct gold (Lot 248 €2,500.00 - €3,000).
While the auction is online, viewing by appointment is welcome at the auction rooms in Temple Bar.
Ceylon sapphire
Anyone interested in Irish art will have plenty to choose from at Hegarty’s latest timed auction. The Bandon-based auctioneer has put together a strong showing from Irish artists such as JP Rooney, John Morris, Charles Napier Kennedy, TC Murphy, Emma Jones, Annie Robinson and CJ Maguire, as well as international art. The sale is also offering some interesting jewellery, furniture, glass and collectables.
Among the highlights is an 18ct white gold Ceylon sapphire and diamond art deco cluster ring. The sapphire weighs 2.24cts and is surrounded by 1ct of diamonds. (Lot 1, €3,000-€6,000). There is also an 18ct white gold Colombian emerald and diamond cluster pendant on a 16-inch white gold chain (€2,200 - €4,200.) The emerald weights 1ct while the diamond weighs .55cts.
Lot 13 is a fine Georgian mahogany fold-over tea table circa 1800. Its D-shaped top has satinwood string inlaid detailed, raised on square tapered legs. (€400-€600).
The auction is available to view online now and will begin to time down from 3pm on July 25th.
