Bonhams Auction Review - 15 September 2015

This review is for the upcoming watch action being held at Bonhams in Kightsbridge, London. The lots that have been chosen for review are those which have caught my eye as being potential bargains. The full list of lots and full descriptions can be viewed at the following link to Bonhams website.  

Lot 131: Rolex Date (1962)

This ladies Rolex comes in 18k white gold. At 30mm, it's a typically small ladie's watch and has a calendar. The condition of the watch looks good and for a white gold Rolex, this looks like very good value for anyone looking for a watch like this. 

Link to full description

Estimate: £800 - 1200     Sale Price: £6875

Lot 140: Movado Datron Pilot (1975)

A well-maintained 1970's watch by Movado with chronograph and date. A fairly rare watch, this model looks very refined with its light blue centre chronograph second hand and well-defined bezel. At 43mm, it's the perfect size for most men. 

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Estimate: £800 - 1200     Sale Price: £1375

Lot 141: Omega Flightmaster (1970)

In my opinion, one of Omega's most attractive designs ever. Features include an internal rotating bezel, second time zone hand as well as 24 hour timekeeping on a subsidiary dial. This particular watch needs a bit of care as there is visible corrosion on the case and strap. A service and clean would probably have it back to top condition. Case size is 43mm.

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Estimate: £1000 - 1500     Sale Price: £1125

Lot 149: Rolex Oysterdate (1967)

A Rolex Oysterdate in moderate condition. There are visible signs of wear on the case and crystal and the watch would benefit from a professional polish and probably a service. With a case size is 35mm, it's probably too small for most men but would suit a lady who prefers a slightly larger watch.

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Estimate: £800-1200     Sale Price: £937

Lot 217: Rolex Air-King (1973)

A Rolex Air-King in good cosmetic condition. The leather strap is non-standard and the face is radial brushed. Case size is relatively small 34mm.

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Estimate: £800-1200     Sale Price: £1125

Lot 278: Omega DeVille (2006)

This DeVille is in great condition and relatively new. The watch would benefit from a strap change from the current one to give it a more classic look. Case size is 39mm, a perfect dress watch size for most men. 

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Estimate: £700-900     Sale Price: £1250

Lot 287: Tag Heuer Monaco (2005)

This Monaco is my pick of the auction for bargains. It's the chronograph model and is in great condition. A unique feature is that this particular model is branded with the traditional Heuer logo which was used before the Tag Heuer partnership. At 10 years old, and with an estimated price of £700-1000 it looks set to sell for what the standard non-chronograph model usually sells for at auction. Case size is 38mm.

Link to full description

Estimate: £700-1000     Sale Price: £1250

Bulova Accutron Snorkel II

The Snorkel II is a welcomed re-make of a vintage Bulova diver's model. The standard steel mesh strap adds to the vintage feel and Bulova have been careful in faithfully recreating this particular watch. 

As part of the Accurton range, these watches run off a battery powered high-frequency movement that results in a sweeping second hand. Owners can enjoy the benefits of quartz accuracy and reliability along with the pleasing aesthetic of a gracefully gliding second hand, usually only associated with mechanical movements. 

A collection of vintage Snorkel watches.

The watch features an internal bezel for timekeeping. This internal dial which is graduated in minutes, is turned by one of the two crowns and then locked into place. Water resistance is to 200m or 20 ATM. 

Retailing for around £350 in the UK (at the time of writing) or a far more reasonable $275 in the US, this watch offers great 60's and 70's design and a watch with great heritage at a very affordable price. Vintage models sell for anything between £250 and £500 depending on condition. 

Autodromo Prototipo

If a vintage Heuer Autavia is a little out of reach, the Autodromo Prototipo might be the answer. With styling inspired by vintage racing chronographs of the 1970's, this watch beautifully reproduces the look of the timepieces of the era. 

The Prototipo is powered by a Seiko hybrid meca-quartz movement which offers a sweep second hand and instant chronograph reset just like a mechanical watch, but with the reliability and accuracy of a quartz movement. 

With a case width of 42mm it's not too large but big enough for modern trends. Besides the chronograph with tachymeter scale, also included is a date aperture at 6 o'clock, water resistance to 50m and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. An alternative large-hole racing strap is also available. The watches can be bought directly from the manufacturers website. At $625 these are not cheap but it's a good looking and reliable modern alternative to a vintage Heuer Autavia or other similar watches of the same era. At time of writing, second hand models are almost impossible to find so it's difficult to tell yet what used prices are like or how much of their value these watches are likely to hold, but based on the design and quality, it's likely to be a fairly secure investment should you ever want to part with it.