Corum Golden Bridge Napoleon watch will auction for $70,000 in HK
The distinctive Corum Golden Bridge Napoleon is to star in Hong Kong
The highly-distinctive Corum Golden Bridge Napoleon is to feature as the top lot in a Hong Kong watch sale on October 19.
The Golden Bridge was resurrected in 2005 for a limited edition run
The Golden Bridge design is unique in the watchmaking world, with its four sapphire crystal panels presenting a superb view of the watch's delicate movement. Its linear mechanism is supported by a single strip of 18k gold, which gives itthe appearance of floating, as well as giving the watch its name.
The example at auction is number 15 in a limited edition of 50, which was produced to celebrate Corum's 50th anniversary in 2005. The company resurrected the Golden Bridge design for this issue, after it was initially released in the 1980s.
The watch face features a spectacular hand painted dial that takes 36 hours to complete on each piece. The reverse is decorated with a coat of arms, which is visible through its transparent backing. The casing is made from 18k white gold, as is the buckle, with the strap made from leather. Accompanied by the original mirrored presentation case, certificate, booklet and CD, the watch is expected to bring $45,000-70,000.
Another example of the Golden Bridge Napoleon sold at Christie's Hong Kong for $37,260 in 2009, achieving a 91.6% increase on estimate.
The Tambour was created for the Only Watch charity auction
Following is the Louis Vuitton Tambour, which was created as a unique entry for the Only Watch charity auction in 2011. The large 18k black gold diver's watch boasts a square button chronograph, Louis Vuitton rubber and alligator straps, and will be accompanied by a Louis Vuitton Damier Graphite canvas presentation trunk with an embossed message from Paul Pettavino - a young boy with muscular dystrophy whom the Only Watch auction benefited. It is expected to sell for $20,000-30,000.
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