If you have a yen for rare, vintage timepieces, keep a watch on Christie’s auction scheduled for this month in Geneva. The sale will include collector’s pieces signed by the world’s most famous watchmakers, including some with Royal provenance such as His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said of Oman or from the family of Hélène Duchesse d’Orléans. The auction will also have a selection of appealing pocket watches, including three pieces dating from the 17th century.

Estimated to rake in the highest amount of CHF1,200,000-CHF1,800,000, is the extremely rare wrist watch signed by Patek Philippe and manufactured in 1927 with Breguet numerals made for Henry Graves Jr. Another fine 18K gold double-dial wristwatch, signed by Patek Philippe, is expected to fetch a cool CHF750,000-CHF1,200,000. An 18K gold open face pocket watch signed Breguet et Fils is estimated to sell for CHF600,000-CHF1,000,000. The watch was sold in 1809 for 4,600 francs. A Rolex made in 1949, with a dial depicting a whale and a frigate in full sail cruising through stormy seas, is expected to go under the hammer for CHF500,000-CHF1,000,000.

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