A variant of the incredibly popular ‘Paul Newman’ Daytona, the extremely rare Rolex reference 6263 ‘Oyster Sotto Paul Newman’ is arguably one of the most sought-after models from the famed Swiss brand. Fewer than 20 pieces were made featuring the black ‘Oyster Sotto’ dial; they are more frequently found with white dials. The expression is borrowed from Italian, in which ‘sotto’ means ‘beneath’ - referring to the order in which the words Rolex, Cosmograph and Oyster appear on the dial. It is exceptionally rare to see this arrangement of the text, and the Important Watches sale will include such an example, a piece which has never been offered at auction before, adding to its appeal. Lot 248, estimate CHF 500,000 – 1,000,000 / $505,000 – 1,010,000.

In today’s exciting market for vintage Rolex watches, the ‘Panda’ Paul Newman, reference 6263 (named for the colour combination of a pale main dial and darker subsidiary dials, reminiscent of the colouring of giant panda bears) is one of the most in-demand. Bidders in our upcoming sale will be have the opportunity to acquire an outstanding example, made in 1970, in excellent condition. Lot 194, estimate CHF 300,000 – 600,000 / $303,000 – 610,000.

PERFECT PATINA: TWO 1950s ROLEXES WITH TROPICAL DIALS
The Rolex reference 6538 ‘Big Crown’ Submariner embodies many of the most sought-after elements on today’s auction market. Produced from 1955 onwards, the reference is famous for its larger-sized Brevet crown which sets it apart. Further adding to the watch’s appeal is a slightly thinner case, as well as its appearance on the wrist of Sean Connery in the first James Bond blockbuster, Dr. No. The November sale will offer a 1959 piece, whose beautifully aged ‘tropical’ dial adds another dimension to its desirability. Originally gloss black, it has taken on an appealing brown patina of varying shades, and the once-smooth lacquer has cracked, resulting in an appealing effect which vintage watch enthusiasts describe as a ‘Spider Dial’. Lot 210, estimate CHF 100,000 – 200,000 / $101,000 – 202,000.

Rolex’s GMT-Master series is imbued with the mid-century glamour of early air travel: it was designed specifically for the pilots of the most successful airline of the 1950s, Pan Am. To help combat the new phenomenon of jetlag, Rolex introduced a rotating bezel to allow pilots to keep track of two time zones simultaneously. The two-colour design in red and blue – a feature now beloved by vintage collectors – was developed to signify daylight and nighttime hours. We are delighted to present an example of the series, reference 6542, which boasts several additional features which make it even rarer. Over time, its dial has developed a rich golden colour known as ‘tropical’, and its bezel is made of bakelite, the original material used in the 1950s but which proved to be prone to cracking and was later replaced by plastic or metal. These are highly prized features for today’s collectors, who value original components and seek out watches which have survived intact. Lot 209, estimate CHF 80,000 – 120,000 - $81,000 – 122,000.

RICHARD MILLE’S CONTEMPORARY MASTERY
A relatively ‘young’ manufacturer, having been founded in 1999, Richard Mille has succeeded in building an extremely strong reputation for combining extraordinary quality of workmanship with innovative design. A perfect illustration of this is a stunning skeletonised tourbillon wristwatch, dubbed ‘The Falcon’. The piece is entirely unique and its impressive complications – power reserve indication, a free spring balance and a tourbillon – are matched only by the extraordinary craftsmanship of its specially-commissioned hand chased falcon dial and black sapphire-set case. Lot 228, estimate CHF 800,000 – 1,200,000 / $810,000 – 1,220,000.