Baselworld 2012 is a Smorgasbord of Horological Delights

Seiko’s Astron GPS Solar watch

A fractured arm kept me from attending Baselworld this year. Fortunately, I know some of the best writers and experts in the jewelry and watch industry. One of those folks is William George Shuster who has kindly agreed to take time from his busy schedule to write a few stories from the tradeshow. Below is his second report.

By William George Shuster

Rare Patek Philippe Watches to Star in Antiquorum's September Auction

Patek Philippe Ref. 2499

Two Patek Philippe watches will share the starring role at the upcoming "Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces" auction by Antiquorum Auctioneers.

The September 14 event at the watch auctioneer’s New York headquarters will be led by a Patek Philippe ref. 2499 and an extremely rare and probably unique Patek Philippe Split-Second Chronograph Ref. 1436. In addition,

Graff, Blancpain among Top-Rated Luxury Brands

Heart-shaped diamond necklace by Graff.

The Luxury Institute released its 2011 Luxury Brand Status Index survey of wealthy U.S. consumers. Watches, jewelry and automobiles (selling for at least $100,000) were rated on a one-to-ten scale by consumers who earn at least $200,000 a year. The top three brands in each category follows:



Blancpain L-Evolution
Jewelry
Graff 8.38
Buccellati 8.19

Rare Clocks, a Reverso Anniversary Sale and Fine Watches at Antiquorum Geneva Auction

A Breguet silver carriage clock with 10 complications once owned by the Marquise de Béthisy is one of the top items on the block at the Antiquorum Geneva sale of “Important Modern and Vintage Timepieces,” to be held on May 15.

Breguet introduced his silver humpback carriage clocks—of which only a few were made—circa 1812. The present clock is the most complicated of the eleven Breguet humpback

Patek, Rolex and Erotic Watches to Headline Antiquorum’s Geneva Auction

Patek Philippe Ref 3939

More than 550 vintage timepieces will be up for auction at Antiquorum’s “Important Modern and Vintage Timepieces” auction to be held March 27 at the Mandarin Oriental Geneva.
The top lot is a Patek Philippe Ref 3939 HP minute-repeating platinum watch with one-minute tourbillion regulator and enamel Breguet dial (pictured above). The timepiece may be only the fifth