Function & Beauty in Luxury Vintage Watches

Wristwatches serve a dual purpose – they are both a utility that help you keep the time, while also a piece of jewelry worn to dazzle and delight. From military to luxury watches, this week’s collection of wristwatches feature pieces that dazzle both with their function and their design.

The 55-lot auction contains several military watches including a vintage Gallet Royal Canadian Air Force Monopusher chronograph watch. This watch was issued to the Royal Canadian Air Force in the early 1960s and is considered rare. Its white dial has evenly toned patina praised by collectors. The watch has been fully serviced; all functions work as designed.

Vintage Gallet Royal Canadian Air Force Monopusher chronograph watch, early 1960s. Estimate: $3,750-$5,000. Jasper52 image

 

Another fine watch consigned from the rank of the military is a vintage Unver (universal Geneve) chronograph Argentine Air Force watch. The case is engraved on the back: “N264 Univer Argentina Air Force Logo 92 48.” The chronograph watch incorporates the functions of a stopwatch for measuring time intervals.

Vintage Unver (universal Geneve) chronograph, Argentine Air Force watch. Estimate: $1,500-$2,000. Jasper542 image

 

Another beautiful chronograph in the auction is the 1950s Lip that features a black and gilt telemeter dial. This watch is in pristine condition.

Lip chronograph, black and gilt dial 1950s. Estimate: $3,700-$4,900. Jasper52 image

 

Also from the 1950s is an oversize Longines Calatrava watch, which is clean and keeping time. The dial, with the iconic Longines winged hourglass logo, shows minimal aging. This manual wind Swiss-made watch is estimated at $3,525-$4,700.

Oversize Longines Calatrava, 1950s. Estimate: $3,525-$4,700. Jasper52 image

 

A top-shelf timepiece in the sale is the Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse Jumbo 3747 watch from the 1980s. Its thin case and blue dial paired with the class dauphine hands make it an instant icon. It has a high-grade Patek Philippe quartz movement and date feature and retains the original crocodile band with the classic ellipse-shape buckle.

Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse Jumbo watch, Patek Philipe quartz movement, 1980s. Estimate: $8,000-$10,000. Jasper52 image

 

No luxury watch auction would be complete without a fine Rolex. One of the best in this collection is a classic men’s Datejust in 18K two-tone case.

Men’s Rolex Datejust watch, two-tone 18K, ss model 116233. Estimate: $8,500-$12,000. Jasper52 image

 

Peruse the full collection here where you will discover timeless luxury from a variety of periods and styles.