Sothebys : RACING LEGEND JIM RUSSELL’S ROLEX DAYTONA 6239 ‘PAUL NEWMAN’ To Lead London Watch Auction on 24 September

London | [phone] | Marie-Beatrice Morin | [e-mail]

RACING LEGEND JIM RUSSELL'S

ROLEX DAYTONA 6239 'PAUL NEWMAN'

To Lead London Watch Auction on 24 September

On View alongside

Spectacular Hand-sketched Drawings of Watches by Artist Julie Kraulis

Sotheby's New Bond Street Galleries, 20-23rd September

Jim Russell's Rolex Daytona 6239 'Paul Newman' and a sketch by Julie Kraulis

London, 17 September 2019 - As the autumn watch auction season revs up, Sotheby's will present the Rolex Daytona 6239 'Paul Newman' of racing legend Jim Russell in its London Watches sale on 24 September 2019. Dating from circa 1968, this prime example of the hottest vintage Rolex on the market and certainly one of the most recognizable watches in the world will be offered alongside a curated selection of fresh-to-the-market vintage and modern wristwatches by the leading manufacturers, offering an exciting range of brands, price points, metals and complications.

A successful racing driver, Russell won no less than 64 Formula 3 races and 11 Formula 2 races between 1953 and 1959. In addition to his international success, the racing driver also won the British Formula 3 Championship for three successive years from 1955 to 1957. Following a crash at Le Mans in 1959 which abruptly ended his driving career, Russell remained deeply involved in motorsports by founding the legendary Jim Russell Racing Driver School, sharing his knowledge and his passion with future driving champions.

A number of very successful drivers were tutored both by Russell and at his school, including Emerson Fittapaldi, Derek Bell, Tiff Needell, Danny Sullivan, Jacques Villeneuve, Jan Magnussen, Jenson Button and Lance Stroll, to name a few. The success of this institution led to further schools opening in Mont Tremblant, Canada, as well as Laguna Seca and Sears Point, USA.

Derek Bell with Jim Russell wearing the

presented lot

Estimated at £60,000 - 90,000 ($73,500 - 110,000), the present Rolex Daytona 6239 'Paul Newman' was until today the property of Jim Russell (1920-2019). Worn for several decades by the racing driver and instructor, this timepiece would have assisted him in the crucial task of calculating lap times with the highest precision, with the calibre

Valjoux 72 and the very legible Paul Newman dial making this timepiece the perfect racing companion.

Father of the Daytona dynasty, the reference 6239 was introduced just over 55 years ago, with its popularity standing the test of time. The longstanding desirability of this model owes to the perfect balance between the different components, as well as combining the highest quality standards with a sporty chic twist on the design.

The sporty spirit of this timepiece is enhanced by the Paul Newman chronograph dial - especially on the striking black version of the present lot. This rare dial adds a dimension to the timeless elegance of the Daytona, transporting the wearer back to the vintage racing world.

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

PATEK PHILIPPE

Reference 3448 Yellow Gold Perpetual Calendar Wristwatch with

Moon-Phases made in 1973

Estimate: £80,000-120,000($97,500-147,000)

In 1962, Patek Phillipe launched the reference 3448 - the world's first self-winding perpetual calendar wristwatch. Fitted in an elegant and highly sought-after case by Antoine Gerlach, the present watch features correct first series case with a flatter bezel. The plexiglass gives a more vintage look to the piece and the Calatrava cross crown which replaced the PP crown in 1965.

The very well-preserved dial is typical of the production post-1972 with printed signature, straight date and pearled minute track.

According to Sotheby's research, there were less than 600 examples manufactured in total - with 450 pieces in yellow gold - until its discontinuation in 1981. The rarity of this piece is furthered by

original gold marks which are still legible on the case. With such elegant lines and enduring case design, this watch is the quintessential ingredient to any important wristwatch collection.

ROLEX

Submariner Explorer Dial, Reference 5513

Stainless Steel Wristwatch with Bracelet, circa 1964

Estimate: £50,000-80,000 ($61,000 - 97,500)

This outstanding 5512 is offered on behalf of the original owner after 55 years of faithful ownership. The exceptionally rare Explorer dial is wonderfully preserved, displaying a stunning cream patina to the indexes. Only some early Rolex references, including the 5513, feature the instantly Explorer dial.

Available between 1962 and 1989, the reference 5513 is the most well- known Rolex Submariner, produced for the longest period out of all Rolex diving watches. The length of production was due to the 5513 being considered a true tool watch, heavily used and enjoyed as such.

The combination of gilt minute indexes and signature, silver depth rating indication and the cream patina of the hour indexes and matching gives the piece a unique character. This watch boasts a beautifully vibrant dial, as well as being fitted with a naturally faded bezel and a case still retaining strong proportions, demonstrating the exceptional charm these vintage Submariners can offer.

LANGE & SÖHNE

Grosse Lange 1 Moonphase Lumen, Reference LSLS1392AI

Limited Edition Platinum Wristwatch with Date, Moon-Phases and

Power Reserve Indication, circa 2017

Estimate: £50,000-70,000($61,000-85,500)

The Grosse Lange 1 Lumen's sapphire crystal is treated with a patented coating blocking the visible spectrum of light, allowing only UV light to being transmitted onto the dial. This makes it possible for the wearer to see the large date mechanism working while keeping the hours, minutes, and running seconds fully legible.

The dial appears most impressive in the dark when the luminescent material on the dial, date and the stars on the moon phase dial are fully glowing. The moon-phase disc is also adorned with 116 luminescent stars laser cut in 5 different sizes.

The platinum version of Grosse Lange 1 Lumen was produced in a limited edition of 200 watches. The present lot is in very good condition with very little signs of wear and comes with all the accessories and a Guarantee dated February 2017.

"MAKING TIME"

Exhibition of Spectacular Hand-Sketched Drawings of Watches by Julie Kraulis

The 139 timepieces in the sale will go on view in Sotheby's London galleries from 20th until 23rd September, alongside hand-sketched "portraits" of watches by Canadian artist and illustrator Julie Kraulis.

Over the past three years, Kraulis' incredibly detailed and realistic graphite drawings of vintage and modern timepieces have become a sensation in the watch community. Each sketch is one-of-a-kind and can take up to 280 hours and 50 pencils to complete.

The works in the exhibition will depict models of watches in the forthcoming auction, including a Rolex Submariner 5513 (illustrated p.1), an Omega Speedmaster (pictured right) and a Lange & Söhne Datograph.

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*Estimates do not include buyer's premium. Prices achieved include the hammer price plus buyer's premium and are net of any fees paid to the purchaser where the purchaser provided an irrevocable bid.

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