Rolex Cosmograph is one to watch in North Yorkshire sale

A highly sought-after Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Reference 16520/16500 looks like one to watch in an upcoming Fine Jewellery, Watches and Silver Sale at North Yorkshire auctioneer’s Tennants.

The watch, which is offered with an estimate of £25,000-30,000, is known to collectors as the ‘Patrizzi’ Rolex, after the specialist watch auctioneer Osvaldo Patrizzi, who researched the material used on the sub-dial chapter that fades to the distinctive toffee colour in this model, which is so highly desirable to collectors. The model also has a fine quality Zenith el Primero automatic movement.  

Representing another maker synonymous with excellence in watchmaking is a fine and rare Patek Philippe perpetual calendar watch in 18 carat rose gold (reference 5059R). Patek Philippe launched this reference in 1998, and it was produced for only a few short years being discontinued in 2006; this particular watch was made in 2000 and is sold with an estimate of £20,000-25,000. Further highlights of the watches in the sale include a Breguet lady’s 18 carat white gold and diamond set Horloger De La Marine (reference 8401BB/52/B41), sold with an estimate of £5,000-7,000, and a circa 1975 Omega Seamaster 600 PloProf (reference 166.077), which was designed in collaboration with legendary diver Jacques Cousteau and sold with an estimate of £3,000-5,000.  

Elsewhere in the sale, the jewellery section offers pieces by Garrard, Tiffany & Co., and two stunning brooches by Cartier, both consigned from good private collections. The star sapphire, amethyst and diamond brooch uses grey-toned star sapphires contrasted with the purple amethysts to create a floral motif, estimated at £2,000-3,000, and an amethyst and diamond brooch which demonstrates the fine attention to detail synonymous with the master jeweller, estimated at £2,000-3,000. Brooch are seeing a resurgence of interest, and two further interesting lots include a finely made sapphire and diamond brooch with superbly matched stones, estimated at £2,500-3,000, and an unusual and striking ruby and diamond cluster brooch designed as a stylised flower with a central rose-cut diamond believed to weigh between two and three carats, estimated at £2,000-3,000.  

An interesting selection of Art Deco jewellery in the sale includes an art deco diamond ring with an approximately 3 carat central stone, exemplifying the simple lines and monochrome styling of the era, estimate of £8,000-10,000. In contrast, an art deco platinum sapphire, emerald and diamond ring uses colour with art deco lines to great effect, estimated at £1,000-1,500. Two period brooches comprise an art deco diamond brooch, estimated at £500-700, and a versatile art deco ruby and diamond double clip brooch that can be worn in a multitude of ways and estimated at £1,200-1,800. Finally, a stylish art deco diamond bracelet of a strap design is offered with an estimate of £1,500-2,000.  

A small collection of silver and objects of vertu in the sale are sold with provenance from legendary racing trainer John Scott (1794-1871), who was based at the Whitewall Stables in Malton. Known as the ‘Wizard of the North’, he was responsible for wins in 40 British Classic races, a record which stood until 2021. Notable amongst the lots are a George III silver-gilt cup and cover made in London in 1767 and with a maker’s mark; it was presented to Scott by William, 4th Earl Annesley who was the owner of Sweetsauce, the winner of the Goodwood Cup in 1860. It is estimated at £3,000-5,000. Further lots from the collection include a Victorian silver snuff-box by William Summers, estimate of £100-150; two Victorian gold-mounted hardstone fob-seals, carrying an estimate of £100-150, a Victorian silver-gilt and coral-mounted whip, estimated at £70-100, and three George IV silver-mounted cow-horn beakers, estimate of £100-150.  

From other vendors in the sale are a Louis XV gold-mounted lacquered and tortoiseshell bonbonnière, made in Paris circa 1761 decorated with vines and grapes, estimate of £5,000-8,000, a pair of Victorian silver figural salt-cellars by Alfred Benson and Hugh Webb, estimate of £1,00-1,500, and a diamond-set gold and enamel Minaudiere by Cartier, made in the early 20th century with an estimate of £4,000-6,000. Fine pieces dating from the second half of the 20th century include an Elizabeth II diamond-set gold, silver and mineral specimen ‘fairy tale’ castle by William Tolliday, estimated at £4,000-6,000, and an Elizabeth II diamond and enamel-set limited edition silver-gilt casket by Richard Jarvis and Ian Calvert made to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth, estimated at £3,000-5,000.

The sale takes place on July 12.