Bonhams’ Watches and Wristwatches live sale on 11 September 2024 showcased 150 exceptional timepieces, but it was a unique Bremont ‘Rock-A-Bye’ automatic triple calendar wristwatch that captured the most attention. Featuring a hand-painted guitar dial by Ronnie Wood of The Rolling Stones, the Bremont watch exceeded expectations, selling for more than three times its pre-sale estimate at £21,760.
A Unique Collaboration
The Bremont ‘Rock-A-Bye’ wristwatch, created in collaboration with Ronnie Wood, is part of a limited edition of 47 timepieces. Wood, an iconic musician, hand-painted each dial while on tour with The Rolling Stones, making each watch one-of-a-kind. This particular model, with its moon phase complication and triple calendar, blends Bremont’s technical expertise with Wood’s artistic flair, resulting in a highly coveted collector’s piece.
Other Highlights from the Sale
While the Bremont timepiece was the standout of the auction, several other lots also performed strongly, surpassing their pre-sale estimates:
- Heuer Skipper Carrera “Skipperera”, Reference 7753: This rare stainless steel chronograph, inspired by the 1967 America’s Cup winner ‘The Intrepid,’ sold for £15,360.
- Rolex Comex Submariner, Reference 5514, circa 1975: This rare stainless steel automatic bracelet watch, made for Comex, achieved £28,160.
- Rolex Day-Date, Reference 18030, circa 1984: The 18K gold automatic calendar bracelet watch, featuring the Khanjar emblem, sold for £17,920.
Strong Results and Global Interest
The auction overall made a total of £650,176, with 88% of lots sold by quantity and 93% sold by value. The event attracted international bidders, and many timepieces exceeded their pre-sale estimates, reflecting the strength of the market for collectible watches.
Charles Dower, Bonhams’ Head of Knightsbridge Watches, commented: “The Bonhams Watches and Wristwatches sale included fine examples of desirable timepieces from the most illustrious designers with extraordinary craftsmanship. Competition saw bidding by international buyers, achieving figures above the pre-sale estimates.”
Conclusion
The September 2024 Bonhams auction demonstrated the continued demand for unique and rare timepieces, with the Bremont ‘Rock-A-Bye’ wristwatch leading the sale. For more information on upcoming auctions and sale highlights, visit Bonhams’ official website.
