T+T Highlights: Sotheby’s Australia Important Jewels Auction

Nick Kenyon

Next month, Sotheby’s Australia are hosting their Important Jewels Auction in Melbourne, with a catalogue that includes a small collection of watches. The focus of the offering is obviously heavily on jewellery, however it is great to see a large local auction house include a few interesting watches, too. After passing the catalogue around the office this morning, there are a couple of standout pieces that were T+T team favourites.

Felix (Editor) – HEUER AUTAVIA AUTOMATIC CHRONOGRAPH “JO SIFFERT”

HEUER AUTAVIA REF 1163 A STAINLESS STEEL AUTOMATIC CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH REF 1163 'JO SIFFERT', CIRCA 1970 - Sotheby's Australia Important Jewels Auction — In 1968 racing champion Jo ‘Seppi’ Siffert won both 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring in a Porsche 907, firmly securing his place in motor racing history. Jack Heuer made a sponsorship deal with the Swiss sportscar and Formula 1 ace, and in 1969 he wore a white-dial Autavia on his wrist.

The classic, cushiony case and panda dial with just the right amount of pop. The motor sports legacy doesn’t hurt either.

Emma (Marketing) – CARTIER SANTOS 100 REF 2656

CARTIER SANTOS 100 REF 2656 - Sotheby's Australia Important Jewels Auction — The bold and ‘jumbo’ looking 100 model was made to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Santos.

I’m loving this Santos’ bold beauty for its dramatic contrasts of gold, steel and oxblood red — it’s a striking variation of a Cartier icon.

Nick (Writer) – CARTIER TANK AMERICAINE REF 2483

CARTIER TANK AMERICAINE REF 2483 AN 18CT GOLD BRACELET WATCH WITH DATE, CIRCA 2000 - Sotheby's Australia Important Jewels Auction — A Cartier Tank Americane in yellow gold with bracelet.

Cartier are known for their timeless design language, but the Tank Americane is a standout for me. Yellow gold and dress watches go together like vermouth and gin.