The 2024 Spring Auction of Poly Auctions Hong Kong is about to begin, and this season, the Watch Department will present a selection of the finest timepieces from major brands including Rolex, Jaeger-LeCoultre and Patek Philippe, including a very fine and rare Rolex watch with diamonds and rubies in 18K gold, Ref. 228398Tru.
Other lots include pocket watches, table clocks, pens, and more, so stay tuned. Next, we will be the first to reveal the highlights of this Spring Auction, and we sincerely invite you to appreciate the exquisite craftsmanship and charm of these watches.
Highlights of the timepiece
Rolex. Very Fine and Rare, 18K Gold Diamond and Ruby Self-Winding Watch with Center Seconds, Day, Date and Baguette Ruby Bezel, Day-Date 40, Ref. 228398Tru, circa 2018, warranty and box.
Estimate: HKD 1,300,000 2,000,000
Introduced in 1956, the Rolex Day-Date model has become one of the most popular watch models on the market today, primarily known for the variability of its dial and case decoration. Over time, day-date models have evolved into a variety of flexible combinations, including imaginative dial colors and materials, metal options, bezels, bracelet types, and movements. A symbol of luxury and fame, gem-set watches are made with a variety of different gemstones, the most famous of which are diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires, as well as many different settings. As a result, even within the same day-date watch, you will see a variety of different details.
Launched at Baselworld 2015, the Day-Date 40 has a larger case than the classic Day-Date's 36 mm diameter. Powered by calibre 3255, the Rolex Day-Date 40 Ref. 228398Tru bracelet stands out for its intricate diamonds and rubies adorning the dial and bezel. The entire dial is paved with pavé-set stones, enhanced by baguette-cut ruby Roman numerals, and the bezel is set with 50 baguette-cut rubies weighing a total of approximately 2 carats. Gem-set watches combine the intricacies of horological technology with the savoir-faire of High Jewellery. The aesthetic appeal of this magnificent Day-Date 40 and its indisputable rarity make it one of the most attractive and collectible versions of the Day-Date watch. Commissioned by a private collector, this watch first appeared at auction and is in very good condition with complete accessories.
Jaeger-LeCoultre. Important and rare, 18-carat white gold semi-skeleton watch with perpetual calendar, spherical tourbillon, retrograde date
Month and leap year display, 8-day power reserve and time equation.
gyrotourbillon 1", limited production, no. 17 20, ref. 1493.07.s, circa 2010, with warranty and watch box.
Estimate: HKD 750,000 1,000,000
At the 2009 SIHH, Jaeger-LeCoultre launched three Coffret Grandes Complications masters, all in white gold in limited editions, representing the highest level of Jaeger-LeCoultre watchmaking. The three delightful Grand Complications in the collection, the GyrotourBillon 1, the Reverso GyrotourBillon 2 and the Reverso Triptyque, are all available in white gold and are limited to just 20 pieces each.
Launched in 2004, Jaeger-LeCoultre's Gyrotourbillon 1 was the world's first spherical tourbillon. While a traditional tourbillon rotates on one axis, the gyrotourbillon 1 rotates on both axes at the same time. This Gyrotourbillon 1 Platinum Limited Edition comes with Jaeger-LeCoultre CallCalibre 177, consisting of 679 parts, has a tourbillon element with two rotating cages, the outer one rotating every 60 seconds, and the inner cage supporting the balance, balance spring and escapement every 24 seconds. This special complication permanently compensates for gravitational errors in all locations. In addition, the tourbillon cage element with 90 individual parts is extremely lightweight, weighing only about 0336 grams. In addition, with an 8-day power reserve, the equation of time and a retrograde perpetual calendar, this highly complex watch is a masterpiece of mechanical design.
Rolex. Fine, platinum self-winding watch with chronograph and ice blue dial, Daytona, Ref. 116506, circa 2013.
Estimate: HKD 500,000 800,000
At Baselworld 2013, Rolex unveiled the watch to celebrate its 50th anniversary, as watch fans called"platona", symbolizing the brand's first use of platinum, a rare metal, in this iconic chronograph collection. The brown bezel is made of Cerachrom ceramic, while the numerals and graduations are painted on an ultra-thin layer of platinum using PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition). The revolutionary icy blue color of the dial with a radial brushing technique echoes not only the subdials, but also the sober platinum case. This model is powered by the 4130 calibre chronograph movement. The watch was commissioned by the original owner for auction and is in excellent condition and comes with a full set of accessories.
Jaeger-LeCoultre. Very fine and extremely rare, double-sided watch in 18-carat white gold with a reversible miniature enamel dial.
Depicting Joseph Vernay [Port de la Rochelle], reverso a eclipses"tr**els and discoveries", Model 2466.79, circa 2008, with warranty and watch box.
Estimate: HKD 400,000 600,000
Needless to say, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso has been one of the most influential designs in the history of watchmaking. However, the special feature of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso à Eclipses model is that it not only inherits the reversibility of the Reverso's case, but the dial can also be opened and closed by means of a small wheel (à eclipse), allowing the wearer to open and close the dial.
This watch is part of the "Journey of Discovery" collection of Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso à Eclipses. The model has four themes: Journey of Discovery, Chinese Zodiac, Grand Feu Enamel and Nude Painting.
The dial of this watch is adorned with paintings from the iconic French seaport series by the famous French maritime painter Claude-Joseph Vernet. The original [Vue du Port de la Rochelle], painted in 1762, is an oil painting by Vernet during his time in Paris, and is now owned by the Musée National de la Marine.
Powered by the in-house JLC 849 calibre in platinum, the Reverso à Eclipse recreates the micro-enamel technique, one of the rarest and most exquisite traditional arts, a rare art form that has long been used in the high-end watch industry and requires extraordinary skill and patience to produce these intricate works of art that only a handful of experienced craftsmen in the world can create. This delicate dial can also be hidden under the blinds by means of a wheel at 1 o'clock next to the watch. Only three pieces have been made, this one is numbered 3 3 and is in excellent condition and is sure to appeal to collectors looking for an impressive timepiece for the first time on the auction market.