Like a scene straight from a Hollywood film, a dusty and forgotten safe was found in a dark a dreary corner of the Horological Society of New York, and when it was ‘cracked’, a haul of antique pocket watches and other timepieces were found inside!
Sat in the Horological Society’s building for over 40 years, the safe was discovered by the current board of the society and when it was opened was found to have two exquisite wrist watches; an Audemars Piguet 18K Gold Square Wristwatch Ref. 5128BA Signed Tiffany & Co. Circa 1960 and a Patek Philippe Ref. 3514 18k Gold Automatic Wristwatch. The unique pocket watches found were an Audemars Piguet 18K Gold Ultra-Thin Pocket Watch Signed Tiffany & Co. Circa 1959 and a Piaget $20 Saint-Gaudens Gold Coin Watch Signed Cartier.
The society has decided that the items would be sold at their charity auction with the proceeds going towards the Horological Society of New York Endowment Fund and will be conducted by Heritage Auctions.
Michael Fossner, Watch Expert at Heritage Auctions said:
“It’s a remarkable find. These great watches by Patek, Audemars Piguet, Piaget and others were of modest value when donated to the Society, where they were consigned to a vault and forgotten, oblivious to the skyrocketing market outside.”
The bidding on these beautiful examples of craftsmanship is now underway online for the Horological Society of New York Benefit Auction with the final bidding will being conducted live during the HSNY’s 151st annual Gala & Charity Auction, at the General Society Library in New York this week with some of the watches expected to reach £8,000.
Here at Pieces of Time, we have a wide range of antique timepieces to suit all occasions, from antique pocket watches that will match up perfectly with a three-piece suit to wear at a wedding or an elegant classical men’s wristwatch that is perfect for wearing to the office. We also have a wide range of rare antique horology items such as a Chinese Market Duplex with Enamelled Movement, that will appeal to any collector.
Other articles you may also want to read:
7 interesting facts about watches
Two George Daniels pocket watches are heading to auction
Photo by: Kamal Aboul-Hosn
