Cartier and Patek Philippe shine at Bonhams’ New York sale
Bonhams’ New York Fine Watches sale has concluded, with a Cartier and a Patek Philippe being two of the top lots that sold.
The Cartier was a Coussin ‘Bamboo’ model — a rare 18k gold manual wind wristwatch. Its fluted bezel and curved rectangular case draw direct inspiration from the segmented contours of bamboo stalks, while the dial features elongated Roman numerals and blued steel hands.
At the June 6–16 New York auction the Cartier Coussin ‘Bamboo’ sold for $108,450 inc. premium, against an estimate of $70,000–$100,000.
Another key highlight was a Patek Philippe Ricochet, originally purchased in 1967. This fine 18k gold asymmetrical manual wind converted wristwatch is one of Patek Philippe’s most unconventional timepieces, designed by Gilbert Albert.
It bears the engraving: “To Tony, My special ‘OSCAR’ to you, Joe Levine.” This inscription is believed to refer to Joseph E. Levine, the American film producer and distributor who served as executive producer of The Oscar.
At the New York Fine Watches auction the Ricochet sold for $102,100 inc. premium, over twice its pre-sale estimate of $25,000–$50,000.
