Important Timepieces – Highlights from Bukowskis watch auction

A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Moon Phase

A true horological masterpiece, the Lange 1 Moon Phase intro­ duces an extraordinary moon­phase display that seamlessly merges the lunar cycle with a day/night indicator. In the exqui­ site pink gold variant, this timepiece boasts an argenté­colored dial meticulously crafted from solid silver.

The distinguishing feature of the Lange 1 Moon Phase is its inno­ vative lunar presentation. During daylight hours, a radiant blue celestial disc provides the backdrop for the moon’s graceful journey, devoid of stars. As evening falls, the stage transforms into a captivating dark­blue canvas adorned with an impressive constellation of 383 meticulously rendered stars, providing a vivid and stark contrast.

The Lange 1, as a whole, represents a bold departure and a fresh beginning. It harmoniously marries time­honored traditions with cutting­edge innovations, standing as a true embodiment of Lange’s unparalleled mastery in watchmaking artistry.

Cartier Santos Carrée “Khanjar”

The Cartier Santos Carrée currently on offer boasts a distinc­ tive and coveted Khanjar dial, which harks back to the year 1993, as confirmed by Cartier themselves. This unique time­ piece carries a special significance, discernible through the presence of the Khanjar crest discreetly adorning the 9 o’clock position. This discreet yet meaningful detail hints at its distin­ guished provenance, as this watch was specially commis­ sioned by none other than the revered Omani royal family.

The late Sultan Qaboos bin Said, known not only for his reign but also for his passion for horology, was renowned for his affin­ ity for timepieces. A prominent aspect of his legacy was the tradition of gifting watches, and these bestowed timekeepers consistently bore the emblem of Oman, signifying their royal origin. It comes as no surprise, then, that these watches have earned a place of high esteem among discerning collectors, making them some of the most sought­after horological trea­ sures in the world.

Breguet Classique “Grande Complication”

Breguet, a renowned leader in classical dress watches, truly distinguishes itself with the Classique Tourbillon ­ a platinum horological masterpiece. Its guilloche gold dial elegantly displays time, a power reserve, retrograde 24­hour indicator, and a captivating tourbillon. Housed in a 39 mm case, the manual­wound in­house Caliber 560T is a visual delight, show­ casing craftsmanship and precision at its finest.

This timepiece exemplifies Breguet’s unwavering dedication to haute horlogerie, beckoning enthusiasts to embrace enduring sophistication and refinement.

Movado Super Sub-Sea “M95”

The Movado Super Sub­Sea is a remarkable timepiece, what truly distinguishes it are the unique “snake” sub­register hands, a striking feature setting it apart from other chronographs of its time. This model is often considered the pinnacle of Movado’s dive watches from that era. Featuring the pioneering M95 movement, initially developed by Piguet, it holds the distinction of being the world’s first modular chronograph movement. Preserved in remarkable condition making it a collector’s dream.

Rolex Day-Date “SCOC Dial” “Second Gen”

In 1956, Rolex introduced its Day-Date references, namely the reference 6510 sporting a distinguished domed bezel, and the reference 6511 adorned with an elegant fluted bezel. These models graced the horological scene for a mere year before undergoing an impressive transformation, receiving a notable upgrade in their movements. The subsequent generation, comprising references 6611, 6612, and 6613, marked a pivotal moment in the Day-Date's evolution. These refined timepieces were equipped with an enhanced iteration of the caliber 1055, a testament to Rolex's unwavering commitment to precision.

One of the standout improvements was the incorporation of a novel balance wheel, featuring microstella regulating screws. This innovation not only accentuated the watch's accuracy but also contributed to its esteemed status in the realm of timekeeping. To solidify this newfound excellence, the updated movement underwent rigorous testing by the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (C.O.S.C.), ultimately earning the prestigious Swiss chronometer certification. What makes these references particularly special is the subtle yet significant alteration to the dial's nomenclature. For the very first time in Day-Date history, the inscription proudly displayed reads 'Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified,' an emblem of Rolex's relentless pursuit of horological excellence. In contrast, the previous iterations had borne the label 'Officially Certified Chronometer,' marking a subtle shift in the brand's proclamation of its timekeeping prowess.

Rolex Sea-Dweller “Double Red Mark II” “Tropical Dial”

In 1967, the Sea­Dweller made its inaugural appearance as an exceptional successor to the renowned Submariner, with a specific focus on catering to the needs of adventurers requiring unparalleled water resistance capabilities for deep­sea ex­ ploration. It is with great pride that Bukowskis presents an early Sea­Dweller reference 1665, configured in the distinguished MK2 arrangement.

This exceptional timepiece boasts a tritium dial that has grace­ fully matured over time, imbuing it with a distinctive and sought­after “tropical” patina. Furthermore, it is adorned with tritium luminous indices and distinguished by a two­row red lettering inscription that proudly declares its identity as the “SEA-DWELLER SUBMARINER 2000”.