This Ultra-Rare George Daniels Watch From 1999 Is Expected to Fetch Over $750,000 at Auction
Get your bids ready, there are some incredible timepieces coming up for grabs at Bonhams New Bond Street Fine Watches Sale on December 13. Headlining the auction is a rare, limited-edition watch from the legendary George Daniels. This 18-karat yellow gold timepiece hails from 1999 and is aptly named Millennium. It features an engine turned silvered dial with black roman numerals, black outer minute markers, and a gold subsidiary dial at six o’clock for calendar markers. Of course, the Millennium also features the famed watchmaker’s patented invention: the co-axial escapement. The watch is one of just 50 known examples and is expected to sell for at least $755,000.
“The Fine Watches sale includes this important and sought after George Daniels Millennium timepiece that is an unmissable opportunity to attain at our auction,” said Jonathan Darracott, Bonhams Global Head of Watches. “The English horologist is considered one of the best in the world in the field of luxury mechanical watches and timepieces. He was renowned for building complete watches by hand and for creating the co-axial escapement; he made signature timepieces for select clientele with many taking more than 2,500 hours to make. It is believed George Daniels created 37 individual watches by himself and under the brand George Daniels, in collaboration with Roger W. Smith, only 50 Millenniums and 35 Anniversary watches. By the time of his death in 2011, he is said to have completed the most extraordinary and superlative watches ever created. The Millennium timepiece heading to auction is a crowning jewel for the seasoned horology collector.”
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There are several other notable lots in the sale. One particular watch of note is a Cartier Crash Ref. 015-91. This 18-karat yellow gold example was made as part of the Paris 1991 edition and is expected to fetch more than $150,000. Other standouts include an unusual F.P. Journe Souverain Dead-Second Tourbillon Ref. 05-TN with remontoir (or constant force). The model is rendered in platinum and commands a high estimate of well over a quarter million. In addition, there’s a Rolex Comex Submariner Ref. 5514 hitting the auction block. This rare stainless steel reference is expected to bring in at least a quarter million as well.
Bonhams New Bond Street Fine Watches Sale will take place on Wednesday, December 13 at 2:00 p.m. local time (9:00 a.m. EST). Previews begin this Sunday, December 10 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and continue 9:00 a.m, to 5:00 p.m. Monday and Tuesday as well as Wednesday, December 13 just ahead of the auction from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. For more information on all 52 lots and to register to bid, visit the Bonhams website.
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