Over the next two posts, we’ll be showing the final additions to the “Watch & Act!” Auction.
Lot 19: Baltic Watches – Aquascaphe Prototype
Based out of France, Baltic Watches have carved themselves a niche in producing watches inspired by the second half of the 20th century, with a range of genuinely attractive references that have proven themselves to be hugely popular with watch enthusiasts around the world. After the roaring success of the Bicompax chronograph release, they immediately began work on their vision of a diving watch, which resulted in this Baltic Watches Aquascaphe Prototype.
While several elements of the design were changed for the final production model, this prototype expresses the no-nonsense restraint of a vintage tool watch that was built with a specific purpose and intent. The 3, 6, 9 style of dial was let go in favour of arrow markers at the cardinal points of the dial in the eventual production piece, but the prototype design reminds of the legendary tool watches of the ’50s and ’60s that are so collectible today. It is through the enormous generosity of the team at Baltic Watches that we are able to offer this Aquascaphe Prototype for sale, and it has also been customised with an engraved caseback to communicate the cause it is supporting, featuring the “Watch & Act!” logo and koala. We give our thanks to Baltic Watches for reaching out and offering such a special watch in their own company’s history in an effort to raise funds for the Australian bushfire crisis.
What we like about it
Here’s a question for you: how often do you see a prototype watch that never made it to production? Answer: very, very rarely. Now, here’s another question for you: how often do you get the chance to buy a prototype wristwatch that never made it to production? Answer: almost never. But that’s exactly what Baltic is offering with their donation to this charity auction – a Aquascaphe Prototype, replete with a unique “3,6,9” dial, that never made it to production. Amazing and seriously cool.
Lot 20: William Wood – Unique Piece, Valiant ‘Watch & Act!’ Edition
William Wood are a British company that create watches dedicated to firefighters internationally, made from upcycled firefighting materials. Their involvement in this auction is the result of a passionate request to donate from William Wood founder Jonny Garrett. Jonny tells us 75 per cent of his customers are firefighters, and around 10 per cent of that segment are Australian. He wants to give back to them.
William Wood was the name of the late grandfather of the founder of the brand, who served in the British Fire Service for 25 years. The recently released automatic Valiant Collection has straps made from upcycled British fire hoses that have served and protected the UK Fire and Rescue community for more than 10 years — you can still smell smoke in the rubber. Each cut of fire hose is completely unique with its own patina and story behind it. Note that a 1920s London Fire Brigade brass helmet has also been melted into each watch crown. The watch is handcrafted in London’s iconic jewellery district of Hatton Garden. The heart of the watch is a Swiss ETA 2824 movement which is known as the workhorse of the industry and a respected movement. By wearing a William Wood watch you are wearing a piece of firefighting history, and supporting an important cause.
What we like about it
It’s easy to love everything that William Wood watches stand for. They’re made from repurposed materials, which have been used in firefighting, and 75 per cent of the people wearing William Wood watches around the globe are firefighters. It doesn’t get much better, or more appropriate, for the “Watch & Act!” auction.
Features
Manufacturer: William Wood Model Name: The Red Watch Year: 2020 Reference: 000/250 Material: Steel Dimensions: 41mm diameter, 16mm thickness Calibre: ETA 2824 Bracelet/Strap: Steel bracelet, deployant clasp
Lot 21: Rolex – Datejust ref. 1601 retailed by Tiffany & Co.
Examples of Rolex watches with “Tiffany & Co.” signatures are extremely popular due to their rarity, and a very noticeable dial-side point of difference from other Rolex watches that are not double-signed. This Datejust ref. 1601, with two-tone case, gold fluted bezel and gold crown, features the wide Tiffany & Co signature on the dial. This absolutely stunning timepiece is generously donated by the renowned Rolex collector behind 10 Past Ten, Mr Eric Ku.
The service history of this Rolex is unknown; however, it is currently running within 3 seconds per day with strong amplitude, and has been pressure tested to 100m of water resistance. Prior to shipping, the movement will be fully serviced by Los Angeles Watchworks. A complimentary service and a two-year guarantee is also included. The Rolex Datejust is an icon. It is a watch instantly recognisable around the world as an object of precision and distinction, and is seen here as a two-tone example with fluted 18k yellow gold bezel and steel oyster case. It features a white sunray dial, which contrasts beautifully against the 18k yellow gold hour markers and hands, and at the 6 o’clock position features the name of the retailer, Tiffany & Co. The watch is supplied with a Horween Cordovan Strap with Rolex Buckle. Mr Ku is an animal lover and has found the news reports from the fires very difficult to watch. He hopes the funds raised will “help both the animals and the people displaced by the wildfires”.
What we like about it
A Tiffany signed, two-tone, ref. 1601 Datejust donated by the doyen of vintage Rolex collecting and selling, Mr Eric Ku … ’nuff said. An incredible watch, offered by one of the most respected watch experts alive today — what an opportunity.
Features
Manufacturer: Rolex Model Name: Datejust Year: circa 1974 Reference: ref. 1601 Material: Steel and yellow gold Dimensions: 36mm diameter Calibre: 1570 Bracelet/Strap: Horween Cordovan Leather strap, Rolex pin buckle
