LONDON, Jan. 19, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The world of luxury watch collecting is set to embark on an exciting new journey with the upcoming Fine & Vintage Watches auction, created in partnership with Blenheim Auctions. This sale marks a significant milestone in the houses’ specialized program, designed especially for established collectors and those interested in building long-term, thoughtful collections. Attendees can anticipate a carefully curated selection that not only showcases artistry and craftsmanship but also embodies the essence of timeless luxury.
The auction is slated for January 30 at 1 PM GMT, and participants can join both in-person at the Apollo Art Auctions showroom located at 63 – 64 Margaret Street, London, W1W 8SW, and online through the Apollo auction platform and several other reputable sites, including The Saleroom, Invaluable, and LiveAuctioneers. This accessibility to bidders across the globe underlines the auction’s commitment to building an inclusive yet exclusive environment for horology enthusiasts.
The auction features a striking collection of 103 vintage and collectible timepieces, each selected for its historical significance, avant-garde design, and lasting appeal. These timepieces represent the evolution of watchmaking, spanning the works of renowned Swiss maisons to rare, sought-after references. From elegant dress watches to the most robust tool and collector models, every piece has undergone extensive assessments for authenticity, originality, and condition, ensuring today’s sophisticated collectors can bid with confidence.
Select Highlights:
Lot 84 – Rolex Reference 8171 “Padellone”:
This landmark piece of post-war horology is considered one of the rarest and most significant watches produced by Rolex. Crafted between 1949 and 1952, the “Padellone” uniquely combines a triple calendar, moon phase, and automatic movement—an ambitious feat never fully replicated afterward. Known as the “large frying pan” due to its bold 38mm stainless steel case, this model stands out from the usual Oyster designs. The watch features elegantly displayed day and month apertures, a blue-tipped date hand, and a finely engraved moon phase. Accompanied by both its original Rolex green box and an exceptionally rare vintage shipping container, this lot is a quintessential trophy for collectors.
Lot 95 – Girard-Perregaux Neo-Tourbillon with Three Bridges, Reference 99270:
This dynamic watch embodies the spirit of modern haute horlogerie. Housed in a striking 45mm sandblasted titanium case, the fully skeletonized dial exhibits dark grey PVD-treated titanium bridges and a prominent tourbillon at six o’clock. As an early example, uniquely numbered No. 002, it retains its allure through limited production numbers and cutting-edge craftsmanship. Featuring the in-house automatic Calibre GP 9400 with a micro-rotor, this piece not only showcases technical innovation but high finishing standards.
Lot 96 – Rolex Submariner, Reference 6538:
This model is not just a watch; it’s a piece of cinematic history. Famously worn by Sean Connery in the early James Bond films, the Rolex Submariner “Big Crown” from the late 1950s is highly coveted among collectors. This example features a unique gilt dial distinguished by a tropical patina and is complemented by an original box, making it an even more compelling investment. Its oversized crown, combined with a rare “Big Logo” bracelet, increases its desirability, representing a fusion of style, history, and technical prominence that defines high-value collectible watches.
With pre-auction bidding already open on multiple platforms including Apollo Art Auctions and Invaluable, collectors eager to secure their own piece of horological heritage are encouraged to participate now. The auction provides a rare opportunity for both seasoned collectors and new enthusiasts to explore some of the finest timepieces ever crafted.
For more information about lot details and upcoming auctions, interested parties can reach out via enquiries@apolloauctions.com or call (+44) 7424 994167. To discover more about Apollo Art Auctions and their rich portfolio of future events, visit their website at www.apolloauctions.com.
Ultimately, as the clock ticks down to the 30th of January, the excitement builds. Each lot tells a story, reliving moments in history that are as captivating as the watches themselves. This auction promises to be a landmark event for the watch collecting community, characterized by expertise, discretion, and a passion for timeless craftsmanship.