You don't need millions to invest in watches
In the March auction, we present a diverse selection of watches, from which we have chosen three exceptional items with particularly interesting stories.
The Rolex Daytona is a watch that is constantly in demand and increasing in value. In the March auction, we present this particular model with reference number 116520, a manufacture movement in a steel envelope, and a full set of boxes and documents. Its value has risen from around PLN 30,000/EUR 6,425 (at the time of purchase) to around PLN 200,000/EUR 42,834 (its current market value). Models from the beginning of production, when Rolex used the El Primero movement from the Zenith company, can reach even higher prices. However, it was not believed that a stopwatch watch would be accepted by a wider group of customers. Modern models, due to their limited availability incident to a more complicated movement assemblies when compared to simpler movements, are also valued higher than in stores. This relatively simple watch has quite an unusual set of features and functions: a mechanism with automatic winding and a stopwatch function, no date display or other complications that could interfere with the accuracy of the time or the stopwatch itself. Simplicity, precision, prestige, timelessness are the features that make the Daytona a watch valued from the time of its creation and still desired by millions of people around the world.
The Omega Speedmaster Mark 4.5 is a watch with a history full of interesting details. The Speedmaster line was introduced in 1957, and its characteristic feature was a movement with a stopwatch. The name Mark 4.5 originated from combining the envelope and a dial similar to the Mark 4 model and adding the movement from the Mark 5 model. The movement itself is based on the legendary Lemania design and is a decidedly more interesting choice than the often-used Valjoux movement.
This model has one unique feature: the caseback bears the logo of the Seamaster line and an image of a seahorse, as opposed to the logo of the Speedmaster line as in other versions. It is not an error or a single case, as this feature was present in the entire series. Currently, this is what makes this line unique. The item offered at the auction is in exceptionally good condition, which allows you to purchase a watch that showcases the high-quality materials used in its production.
The name Gondolo comes from the name of the Brazilian distributor Gondolo & Labouriau, with whom they cooperated from 1872 to 1927. Gondolo ordered numerous interesting envelope shapes for his customers, and thus the line with the aforementioned name was created.
Ref. 5200, in a white gold envelope, was presented in 2013. The watch uses a new movement made specifically for this reference number. An 8-day power reserve and a double date display, combined with traditional manual winding and beautiful decoration, make up for an exceptionally attractive watch in the Art Deco style. The movement has two energy-storing barrels, providing precisely 192 hours of transmitted energy. Modern high-tech components such as the Spiromax balance spring and Pulsomax escapement are just some of the innovations that affect the accuracy and uniformity of energy transmission. Modern components made of Silnivar, based on silicon, were designed and patented by the PP Advanced Research Department. Silnivar is extremely hard, corrosion-resistant, non-magnetic, and two-thirds lighter than steel.
An exceptionally precise date display changes the reading exactly at 12 o'clock and does so faster than the blink of an eye, unlike most classic movements where the date change starts and ends within tens of minutes.
The watch has a transparent caseback, allowing us to follow the work of this exceptionally beautiful movement, which can be referred to as "Haute Horlogerie." This is a unique model for special customers who value the highest quality craftsmanship and details.