Sacha Davidoff Reports On The November 2016 Watch AuctionsBack for their fourth Geneva watch auction, Aurel Bacs Livia Russo in association with Phillips auction house continue to set the bar high. Whenever their watch auctions take place, the entire watch community is buzzing and especially paying very close attention to results. Their Geneva auction is set to be a record setting' auction again and we are looking forward to being there. ?They also have a thematic Rolex sale upcoming in Hong Kong with 38 stunning examples of each milestone' reference in the history of the brand. We will sadly not be able to attend, but with the passion that HK collectors have for vintage Rolex, we can imagine it will be an adrenaline filled auction.As I mentioned previously in my last article, this team works fast. They closed their catalog very early, had it online before its competitors and the collection went on world tour to make sure that potential buyers had a chance to view the highlights of the auction. They make buying easy, they have a great mobile app and they maximize the chances of results reaching their full potential. They clearly play on a high level and that allows collectors to confidently give them their finest pieces to sell and also confidently bid. Prices tend to get out of hand, but where else will you find so many stunning, rare and somewhat unique wristwatches in one weekend. We have attended each auction in Geneva and each one felt like history in the making.GENEVA WATCH AUCTION FOUR (GWA4)The auction, which takes place on the evenings of Saturday and Sunday November 12-13th in Geneva is comprised of 196 watches, but will likely be 193-194 by the time the auction starts as some lots have been pulled.Overall, a very interesting and eclectic selection that we enjoying looking through. Robert-Jan will be covering the Omega Speedmaster Alaska II in a separate in-depth article. In the meanwhile, here are our favorites:LOT 17Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic E168
This anti-magnetic wristwatch, in the same category as the IWC Ingenieur (1954), Rolex Milgauss (1956) and Omega Railmaster (1957), has an interesting history in its own right. In 1958, International Geophysical Year that the study of seabeds served to confirm the theory of plate tectonics, the study of the poles became highly pertinent. On August 1st 1958, the first ever atomic submersible vessel, named USS Nautilus, ventured to cross seas by passing under the ice of the north pole. Being in such a strong magnetic field, the use of the Geophysic was tested for what it was intended for. The successful trip was therefore a shared achievement for science and Jaeger-LeCloultre. This original example is stunning, retains its original radium lume on the hands and on the inner ring dots around the dial. Overall one of the nicest examples of this rare watch that we have seen.Estimate CHF 15,000 ? 25,000
