What's Selling Here - August 2, 2024

By Charlie Dunne

OMEGA Constellation Grand Luxe 16331 Diamond Dial in Platinum on Bracelet w/ Extract Unpolished

For those that appreciate OMEGA and chronometer watches, the Constellation is a very special timepiece. OMEGA’s Constellation was one of the most important chronometers being produced in the 1950s and 1960s - and was a cornerstone for the manufacturer’s success. While Speedmasters certainly overshadow the Constellation, the Constellations were among the most historically important model across all brands. We are very excited to be able to offer such an important and special timepiece.

This is a very rare and important OMEGA Constellation Grand Luxe reference 16331. This example is one of two known. The watches were purportedly a special order made for a royal family member in Kuwait in the late 1950s. The other example was sold at the Omegamania auction in 2007 for 413,700 CHF. This was one of the most expensive OMEGA watches ever sold until this point. This example has a serial and case number just one above the example that sold for over 413k CHF and to the best of our knowledge only two were made in this configuration.

It features a platinum case and bracelet. The case measures 35mm in diameter, but wears much larger. The platinum bracelet is very long and can fit approximately a 9 inch wrist. The dial is to die for, in that it features diamond hour markers and has a beautiful patina! We believe the case and bracelet are unpolished.

This example dates to 1958. It is easily one the most exciting and elusive OMEGA timepieces on the planet. Furthermore, it is one of the most elegant and beautiful time-only watches I have ever held - from all manufacturers! This was the highest offering of OMEGA during the period and is exquisitely preserved. There are very few opportunities to own important wristwatches like this.

It comes from a very important and distinguished vintage OMEGA collector. The watch does not come with box or papers. It does come with an Extract from OMEGA. We do not know the service history, but it is running well.

Universal Genève Compax Reference 22499 Chronograph Unpolished

Universal Genève chronographs with an oversized 38mm water-resistant case made by Spillmann are some of the most desirable pieces ever made by the company, particularly those rare few made with three-register movements as the majority of those you see have two-register movements. This particular example has a case serial number that dates it to circa 1945 production and it has wonderful provenance. It was originally owned by David S. Newcombe, M.D. and came to Eric Wind directly from a relative of his who inherited it. Dr. Newcombe served as a Captain in the U.S. Army in Korea and he likely wore this watch during his service there. He later became an expert on the subject of gout. He passed away in 2010. Dr. Newcombe wrote a book entitled Gout: Basic Science and Clinical Practice, a copy of which will be included with the purchase of this watch.

According to the relative, It is possible that Newcombe received this watch as a high school graduation gift and it features “D.S.N” engraved on the case back. You can read more about him in his obituary here: http://archive.boston.com/bostonglobe/obituaries/articles/2010/07/10/dr_david_newcombe_80_renowned_rheumatologist/https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/wickedlocal-wayland/obituary.aspx?n=david-s-newcombe&pid=143587656

The luminous material on the dial is original and we believe the pushers and crown are original. The luminous material in the minute hand was patched at some point presumably decades ago. The case measures 38mm in diameter and approximately 44mm lug to lug.

This watch is from circa 1945, does not include the original box and papers, has a manual wind movement (Caliber 285 made by Universal Genève).

Rolex "Great White" Sea-Dweller Reference 1665

This Rolex "Great White" Sea-Dweller Reference 1665 . The dial is very nice with a hint of yellow in the hands and luminous hours. The watch dates to circa 1981. The case has been polished. The lug-to-lug length is 47mm and it measures 40mm in diameter excluding the crown. The height of the watch is 17mm including the crown. It has a service bezel insert. It has a TrueDome D39 superdome.

It does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well.

Universal Genève Black Dial Chronograph Pocket Watch Reference 5798 Unpolished

This Universal Genève is an extremely cool and uncommon pocket watch chronograph. I am thrilled to offer it because these are such special timepieces. It features a very attractive gilt dial with leaf hands. The case is massive at 55mm in diameter and has a very sharp channelled profile. The watch is powered by the calibre 292.

The watch does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well.

OMEGA Railmaster Reference 2914-4 SC Unpolished

This OMEGA Ralimaster reference 2914-4 SC is an awesome watch. It has very beautiful lume. We believe the case is unpolished but heavily worn. The case measures 38mm by 47mm lug to lug. The watch dates to circa 1959 with a 17.3M movement number. The crown is a replacement.

This watch does not come with box and papers. It was recently serviced and is running well.

Gallet MultiChron 12 Gilt Luminous Dial Unpolished

This Gallet Multichron 12 chronograph is a super attractive example. The lume is very warm and the gilt dial is in fantastic condition. The case is 37mm in diameter by 43mm lug to lug. We believe the case is unpolished. For those looking for an epic gilt Gallet chronograph, this is a really great choice.

The watch was recently services and it is running well. The watch does not come with box and papers.

Gallet MultiChron 12 Silver Luminous Dial Unpolished

This Gallet Multichron 12 chronograph is a fantastic example. The lume is very attractive and the dial is in spectacular condition. The case is 37mm in diameter by 43mm lug to lug. We believe the case is unpolished. For those looking for a brilliant Gallet chronograph, this is a really great choice.

The watch was recently services and it is running well. The watch does not come with box and papers.

Rolex White Dial Zenith Daytona Reference 16520 Full Set Unpolished

This is an outstanding example of a Rolex Daytona reference 16520. It has a U serial dating it to circa 1998. The “Zenith Daytonas” have appreciated significantly the last few years as people respect the modified Zenith El Primero movements that Rolex used for their first automatic Daytonas starting in 1988. We believe the case is unpolished. It is in outstanding condition and looks hardly worn. It measures 40mm in diameter (46mm lug-to-lug).

This watch comes with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well.

Vulcain Cricket Grey Fume Waterprotected Reference S2326B Unpolished

The 1960s and 1970s ushered in a fantastic new style for the Vulcain Cricket. Particularly in the bulkier case references such as the S2326B. The massive steel case measures 41mm lug-to-lug, with a diameter of 38mm (excluding the crown). The case is unpolished. The dial features a beautiful variant in grey fume.

The watch is powered by the calibre MSR S2. It also includes the thin-white “Vulcain” font which is less compact compared to the earliest models.

Read Charlie Dunne’s Collector Guide on: Oversized Vulcain Crickets.

We do not know the service history, but it is running well. The watch does not come with box and papers.

Rolex Non-Luminous Oyster Perpetual Reference 6332 on WAB Rivet Bracelet

This Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6332 is a unique timepiece while being a rare and uncommon reference.

This watch is an early post Bubbleback design. The profile of the case is brushed similar to the early Submariner reference 6204. The case is has been lightly polished, but is strong. The dial features an elongated coronet at 12 o’clock. Some other interesting aspects of this watch is the seconds track is shorter than the minute track and the dauphine hands. This watch dates to 1953 with a 0.979M Serial. It measures 34.5mm in diameter (41mm lug-to-lug. It is paired on a period correct Oyster bracelet, dated to the 4th quarter 1952.

The watch does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well.

Rolex Non-Luminous Precision Reference 9022 Unpolished

This Rolex reference 9022 is a rare and uncommon reference which I love. The dial is a very cool non-luminous example with great hour markers. The case is unpolished and measures 35mm in diameter. The crown is a service replacement.

The watch does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well.

Vulcain Cricket Reference 6001 Unpolished

This Vulcain Cricket reference 6001 is a super cool and funky model from the 1970s. It features an awesome multitone blue dial. It is powered by the MSR calibre. The case is chrome plated and is unpolished. It is approximately 40mm in diameter.

This watch does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well.

Vulcain Alarm Blue Dial Unpolished

This Vulcain Alarm model is a super cool and funky model from the 1970s. It features an awesome blue dial. It is powered by the AS calibre. The case is chrome plated and is unpolished. It is approximately 34.5mm in diameter by 41mm in length.

This watch does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well.