Highlights of the HSNY x Phillips 2021 Charity Auction include a co-branded Rolex and a watch with a NY state of mind

Zach Blass

Each year the Horological Society of New York and Phillips team up to raise money to advance the art and science of horology – offering financial aid to watchmaking institutions and full-time watchmaking students in the United States. All proceeds, including the 26% buyers premium, go towards the cause, a much needed effort to help keep the art of watchmaking alive in our modern times. This year, HSNY x Phillips are presenting seven stellar lots in the “Timepieces for HSNY: 2021 Charity Auction”, donated from various parties within the industry that collectors will definitely fancy. From the first Greubel Forsey Meccano ever known to grace an auction catalogue to an Arnold & Son piece unique that New Yorkers will especially adore.

Lot 1: Rolex Air King ref. 5500 “Pool-Intairdril Dial” – donated by Eric Ku of 10past10

Co-branded dials have always intrigued collectors, and Rolex is no stranger to the concept having (among others) Tiffany & Co. text, as well as Dominos and Winn-Dixie logos gracing dials over the years. Here we have a Rolex Air King ref. 5500 “Pool-Intairdril Dial” from circa 1979. The 34mm stainless steel watch is accompanied by a period-correct presentation box, and as for the watch itself the case and bracelet show signs of wear but remains in overall great condition. The dial has a nice creamy colour to it and features the Pool-Intairdril logo above the sixth hour index. On it’s caseback, the watch is engraved “G.W. KAUFMAN SERVICE SINCE 7-31-78” to honor the original owner’s work. Inside the watch is the Rolex caliber 1520, a workhorse caliber that, according to Phillips, is in clean and running condition as of the time of cataloguing.

Estimate: $2,000 USD – $3,000 USD

Lot 2: Ulysse Nardin 1942 Deck Chronometer – donated by Ulysse Nardin

Ulysse Nardin has donated an incredibly clean example of a 1942 deck chronometer made for the British Hydrographic Service. The chronometer itself is made of silver, cased in brass, and enclosed in the original wooden box which remains in pristine condition. The white enamel dial is very clean and crisp, with no visible blemishes. The movement, while running, should be serviced (as recommended by Phillips). Accompanying the lot is an Extract from the Archives issued by Ulysse Nardin that confirms its production for the British Hydrographic Service in 1942.

Estimate: $2,000 USD – $4,000 USD

Lot 3: Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse ref. 3589 – donated by John Reardon of Collectability

The Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse has a special place in my heart. While I no longer own my ref. 3548, I have fond memories of when I first unboxed it – the smile on my face reflecting the fact that I was now the proud owner of a holy trinity watch. This ref. 3589 is a rather unusual take on the model but remains an attractive interpretation of the Golden Ratio it was inspired by. John Reardon, who donated the watch, is known to have a fondness for the model as well, so its nice to see him share the experience with a lucky bidder who can join in on the allure of owning a classic original example of the Ellipse watch. The white gold case is 33mm in diameter and 35mm in length, compact classic dimensions that evoke the art-deco style of the time it was produced, and the blue gold dial has a rich satin sunburst finish that I personally know looks gorgeous in sunlight.

Estimate: $4,000 USD – $6,000 USD

Lot 4: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date ref. 1500 – donated by Eric Wind of Wind Vintage

Aside from some small cosmetic blemishes to the lugs, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date ref. 1500 offered could probably get away with being held in a retail case with new watches. It is a very clean example, dated to circa 1980, of a yellow gold OPD in classic 35mm diameter case. The golden champagne dial and yellow gold case creates an attractive monochromatic aesthetic and the lot will surely add some robust elegance to the winner’s collection. The tritium is in original condition and the black enamel fillings to the indexes remain in great condition. If you are looking for a yellow gold Rolex in collector-grade condition, this is the lot for you.

Estimate: $3,000 USD – $ 5,000 USD

Lot 5: Greubel Forsey Meccano, Double Tourbillon Concept – donated by Greubel Forsey

This remarkable piece will speak to rather niche tastes – but then we are all members of a niche hobby so there is definitely a market for this lot. The first known Greubel Forsey Meccano to go up at auction, the mechanical object will really speak to fans and collectors of the brand. According to Phillips, “In 2002, Stephen Forsey, who as a child played with a Meccano set given to him by his father, spent a weekend at home with his childhood toy and rendered a three-dimensional model of the Double Tourbillon 30°, which would go on to represent their first marketable wristwatch.” This Mecanno was created in honour of the 10th anniversary of the brand and was part of a 150 piece run never offered to the public for sale, only given to loyal collectors of the brand at SIHH in 2014.

Estimate: $1,000 USD – $2,000 USD

Lot 6: Grand Seiko ref. SBGM239 Hodinkee Limited Edition – donated by Grand Seiko & Hodinkee

For those who missed out on one of the 500 pieces of the limited edition sold through the Hodinkee Shop, here is a prime opportunity to acquire a brand new ref. SBGM239 and raise money for charity in the process. The SBGM239 stands out with its twilight blue dial and three-piece link, stainless-steel bracelet not typically found on similar references within the catalogue. Inside the faceted Zaratsu finished stainless steel case is the in-house automatic GMT caliber 9S66, regulated to +5/-3 seconds per day with 72 hours of power reserve.

Estimate: $3,000 USD – $6,000 USD

Lot 7: Arnold & Son ref. ALCAPD05A Piece Unique – donated by Arnold & Son

This is by far my favorite lot of the auction, and I suspect many will be as equally enamored with the watch as I am. While I was born and raised, as well as currently living in New York City, it is fair to assume anyone will appreciate the artistry of this piece unique. The 18K rose gold case is 40mm in diameter and the movement inside is a mere 2.7mm thick, which allows the case to be a slender 8mm on the wrist.

The in-house movement, caliber A&S 1001, boasts twin barrels that allow the watch to run for 90 hours and exquisite anglage executed and finished by hand, as well as bridges with an attractive sun-ray Côtes de Genève finish.

The superstar of the show, or lot, here is the dial. The mother of pearl dial has been hand painted by an Arnold & Son artisan utilizing a brush with a single hair in order to accomplish the rich detailing at scale. What you see is a view of the Manhattan bridge from Washington Street in Brooklyn (the area affectionately known as DUMBO), the red-bricked building perfectly framing the Manhattan Bridge and the sky above. Luminous material has been incorporated as well, creating a day and night effect where the lights of the windows and the lights seen on the Manhattan bridge come to life in darkness. I will have enormous envy towards whoever wins this watch, and if the hammer price is within the listed estimate it will be one of the best steals I have ever seen at auction.

Estimate: $5,000 USD – $10,000 USD

HSNY x Phillips “Timepieces for HSNY: 2021 Charity Auction” details…

For more information on the lots click here to check out the online catalogue for yourself or watch the video auction preview above.

Auction Window: opening 9:00am EST, 7 June 2021 & closing 12:00pm EST, 14 June 2021