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Sweat W

 
The design of a wristwatch often carries with it distinct characters and styles of the time, but, more importantly, the zeitgeist of the era in which it is made.
Timepieces once belonging to historical figures, celebrities and prominent families are regarded as not only stylish accessories, but also cultural artefacts.
15 costliest watches and accessories sold at Sotheby’s Geneva auction
The stories behind each watch often make them sought-after items at auctions and high-profile sales, sometimes setting record prices.  
In this spirit, top luxury watch brands are recreating designs inspired by their own vintage models. Check out some of the best-known, in-demand vintage timepieces.
Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona, US$17.75 million

A wristwatch bequeathed by the late American actor, racing driver and philanthropist Paul Newman set a record for the highest price paid at auction for a timepiece in 2017.
The Rolex Daytona was a gift to Newman from his wife, Joanne Woodward, while playing the part of a racing driver during the making of the 1969 film, Winning, in which they both starred.
Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona is now the world’s most expensive watch ever auctioned
A short, loving message, “Drive Carefully – me”, was inscribed on the back of the case, to request his safe return.
Newman was often seen wearing the watch, which he gave to James Cox, the former boyfriend of his daughter, Nell, in 1984.

A 1968-made, stainless steel watch of this type would originally have sold for US$300. When the watch went under the hammer in New York, it was sold after only 12 minutes of heated bidding for US$17.75 million.
James Dean pocket watch, HK$325,000

Another watch left behind by a celebrity is a pocket watch made by Standard USA in about 1889.
It was once owned by the late American actor James Dean, who appeared in only three films before his death, aged 24, in a car crash in 1955.
He bought the watch in 1951, before he found fame, and later gave it to his friend Tillie Starriet, who worked at the film studio, Warner Brothers. She wrote to verify the authenticity of the timepiece.
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The keyless pocket watch, which has an Elgin movement, came inside a wooden case with a golden emblem on the front cover. Dean’s initials “JD” are carved on its surface.
It was sold at auction in Hong Kong in 2013 for HK$325,000 (about US$41,401), despite having an estimated value of only US$5,000.
Elvis Presley’s Omega, US$1.8 million

An Omega wristwatch given to music legend Elvis Presley also attracted great attention from collectors.
The Omega watch was originally bought at Tiffany & Co., which is why the dial carries the names of both brands.
With a case made of 18-carat white gold and decorated with 44 diamonds around the bezel, the wristwatch has a plain yet elegant design.

RCA Records presented the watch to Presley in celebration of the date when he reached record sales of 75 million in 1960. The back of the case is in inscribed with the words: “To Elvis, 75 Million Records, RCA Victor, 12-25-60”.
The Elvis Presley Museum certified that the watch was presented to Presley in February 1961 in Memphis, Tennessee.
Elvis Presley’s Omega watch sells for record US$1.8 million
The watch, which had an estimated value of between US$53,000 and US$107,000 was sold at auction in Geneva, Switzerland, for US$1.8 million in May 2018.
Charlie Chaplin’s wristwatch, US$51,250

Another highly valued vintage watch is the Rolex Oyster, made in about 1945, which was owned by the late Charlie Chaplin, the acclaimed silent comic actor and filmmaker.
The timepiece, featuring a simple design and a waterproof, stainless steel case, was rare for being one of the few left-handed models made to be worn on the right wrist.
The watch, which had an estimated value of about US$12,000 when it was auctioned in New York in 2013, was sold for US$51,250.
Watch brands release vintage-inspired designs
The keen interest generated by vintage watches with historic value has led to many major brands creating new timepieces with retro designs.
7 new Rolex watches hit Baselworld 2019

These brands, including Rolex, Tudor, Oris, Omega, Blancpain, IWC, Longines and Bell & Ross, have been able to use their own classic designs from the past as an inspiration.

Blancpain’s Fifty Fathoms collection traces its origins back to its marine series dating from 1953.
Oris released a few limited edition timepieces, Oris Big Crown, Oris ChronOris, Oris Divers Sixty-Five last year, which had references to products from the last century, too.
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Longines’ new Heritage line revives a variety of elegant designs, some from the first world war and others from the years immediately after the second world war.
Ownership of a watch with vintage elements is not simply a matter of wealth, it also adds to its allure and feeling of sophistication.
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Timepieces

Why Longines, Blancpain and other luxury brands recreate vintage watches loved by celebrities

Charlie Chaplin’s Rolex Oyster, made in about 1945, attracted huge interest when it was sold at auction in 2013 for US$51,250.

Longines Heritage 1945 | FOR STYLE USE ONLY

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms | FOR STYLE USE ONLY

Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona with loving inscription “Drive Carefully – me”. | FOR STYLE USE ONLY

Elvis Presley’s Omega purchased in 1960. | FOR STYLE USE ONLY

James Dean’s Pocket Watch by Standard USA circa 1889.| FOR STYLE USE ONLY

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Hublot. Here’s something to refresh the digital memories of football-lovers. The limited-edition Big Bang Referee is an innovative timepiece featuring a competition function that notified wearers instantly every time a goal was scored during the 2018 Fifa World Cup Russia. Price on request

Montblanc. The Summit 2 stainless steel and leather watch features an exclusive travel function and a physical performance monitor. The watch face configurator and interchangeable straps allow users to personalise the timepiece. Price on request

Breitling. The limited-edition Cockpit B50 Orbiter features Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) that enables a smooth switch between time zones for travellers. The watch has a case crafted from black carbon-coated titanium, a bright orange dial and rubber strap. Price on request

Tag Heuer. The Connected Modular 45 Golf Edition combines technology with a passion for golf. Featuring an app available on iOS and Android devices, insights on each round of golf, records of shot distances and scores can be accessed via the watch. Price on request

Serpents and secret watches — the most glamorous high jewellery from Baselworld

Bulgari High Jewellery Serpenti watch, with an 18-ct rose gold bracelet, was inspired by the creative excitement of the 1980s.

Chopard's Red Carpet Collection.

Sapphire bangle from Graff.

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Audemars Piguet’s Haute Joaillerie Sapphire Orbe sports a dial that is set on an orb that can be turned over and hidden within the spacecraft-like bracelet.

Jaeger-LeCoultre's Rendez-Vous Day & Night Jewellery watch.

Patek Philippe's new Twenty~4.

The Baignoire Allongée Celadon watch from Cartier.

Graff's Peony diamond watch paired with a black satin strap.

Chopard's Happy Sport Oval watch.

Parmigiani's Tonda 1950 watch with a rainbow gemset around the bezel.

Bulgari's Serpenti watch with a newly designed bracelet.

The Galop d'Hermès watch with diamond bezel and a red leather strap.

Piaget's Limelight Gala with a malachite dial and diamonds around the bezel.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36 with coloured gem hour markers.

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The record US$17.75 million paid for Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona and US$51,250 for Charlie Chaplin’s timepiece highlight demand for classic styles of yesteryear


Auctions

Why Longines, Blancpain and other luxury brands recreate vintage watches loved by celebrities

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}The record US$17.75 million paid for Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona and US$51,250 for Charlie Chaplin’s timepiece highlight demand for classic styles of yesteryear

The record US$17.75 million paid for Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona and US$51,250 for Charlie Chaplin’s timepiece highlight demand for classic styles of yesteryear