Phillips in association with Bacs and Russo has a treat coming up for horophiles and watch enthusiasts. Its live New York Watch Auction: Seven, taking place on 10-11 December, features some serious horological history. Under the hammer are watches selected ‘for their quality, importance and enduring appeal,’ says Paul Boutros, Phillips’ head of watches in America. These include a rare and extraordinary Cartier London Crash, an important and highly complicated Patek Philippe Ref. 5275P, a modern chiming jump hour wristwatch created for the watchmaker’s 175^th anniversary, plus a complete set of Patek Philippe’s Ref. 5131, the cloissoné enamel world time pieces, in platinum, pink gold, yellow gold and white gold, a collection considered among the masterpieces of the brand.

Another highlight of the sale is Lot 110, the renowned horologist George Daniels’s Anniversary watch, paying homage to the 35^th anniversary of Daniels’s invention of the important co-axial escapement. Made by celebrated British watchmaker Roger W Smith, only 35 examples were created in yellow gold and the piece up for sale is offered by the original owner in “exceptional” condition. As a key and important example of the finest in British watchmaking, this is a trophy watch for a lucky collector.

Yet more history, this time immersed in the remarkable story of space exploration, is brought to the auction with Omega’s Speedmaster Ref. 145.012. Omega and Nasa, as is well known, share history, with Omega’s Speedmaster chronograph accompanying Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on the Apollo 11 mission, becoming “the first watch worn on the moon” and also playing a starring role in other Apollo missions. This timepiece was issued to Nasa, evidenced by an inscribed Nasa serial number and special engravings on the caseback and central case band, ensuring it is among the most rare and desirable of all vintage Speedmasters.

Among all the exciting Swiss-made timepieces there’s also a chapter dedicated to the fine Japanese brand Grand Seiko. Boutros says, ‘The selection of watches in the sale includes many fresh-to-market, original owner timepieces,’ and prices obviously reflect the importance of all these watches. But enthusiasts can access the online catalogue and dream.

phillips.com/auction