On 4 and 5 May, 559 lots will be on offer at Hamburg auction house Cortrie, including rare and high-quality wristwatches and pocket watches as well as exquisite jewellery.
The sale is led by an extremely rare pocket watch à quatre couleurs, which means that yellow, white, rose and green gold were used to make the watch. The double-sided glazed clock shows Adam and Eve with many animals in paradise in a fine enamel magnifying glass painting. Triggered by one of the two machines, the biblical couple is surrounded by a snake.
Exquisite jewellery will also go under the hammer, including a white gold ring studded with a superfine brilliant diamond of 3.56 ct, flanked by six more emerald cut diamonds (0.52 ct in total).
The wristwatches on offer include many current and vintage models of popular brands. Undoubtedly one of the many highlights is a rarity from the house of Patek Philippe: The Nautilus Jumbo from 1979, that was consigned by its first owner to the auction house, and has a Stardust dial with translucent bronze shimmer.
In near-mint condition, a Breguet Tourbillon will also be up for bids. The 2012 watch has an Automatic Power Reserve and a classic 18ct yellow gold case.
It continues with an extremely rare and popular model of Rolex. The rare model is the large chronograph Antimagnetique with full calendar from the 1940s.
Today, the so-called Orange Hand Steve McQueen of 1972 from the first series of the Rolex Explorer II, which was produced from 1971 to 1985, is in great demand today. The watch, which was originally designed for speleologists (cave scientists), did not have many fans at first. This changed when actor Steve McQueen was photographed wearing the model on his wrist.
After Cortrie auctioned off a selection of lavish Indian wedding jewellery from the first half of the 20th century in March, now two more comparable pieces come to call. One of the pieces is a a high-quality gold collar inlaid with turquoises, pearls and rubies.
The other piece, a necklace, can be worn on both sides. While the front combines rubies, diamonds and emeralds into a floral pattern, the reverse shows floral and bird motifs in enamel.
A unique piece is this golden gift pin, with which Duke Henry of Anhalt-Köthen (1778-1847) probably distinguished a deserving member of his court. Gift pins of this kind were common before World War I in the European ruling houses. In a state as small as the Duchy of Anhalt-Köthen, which was dissolved in 1847, it is difficult to find them today.
Also for sale is a handmade Art Deco brooch in the shape of a butterfly. The elegant diamond setting of about 5 carats also includes rare pink style cut diamonds.
This truly complex structure features a golden pendant watch designed as a vase, which hides the dial and movement.
Another rare collector's item is a classic gold hunting pocket watch with eight complications, one of 35 watches that Audemars Piguet sent to the watch wholesaler Dürrstein in Dresden around 1900.