LONDON, Jan. 19, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Created in partnership with Blenheim Auctions, the sale marks a new chapter in the houses’ specialist-led programme of sales. Designed for established collectors and those seeking to build considered, long-term collections, this launch sale sets the foundation for an enduring luxury watches platform defined by expertise, discretion, and confidence.
The Fine & Vintage Watches auction is set for January 30th at 1 PM GMT. Bidders can participate online and in person at the Apollo Art Auctions showroom, located at 63 – 64 Margaret Street, London, W1W 8SW. Online participation is also available through several platforms, including the Apollo auction platform, as well as The Saleroom, Invaluable, and LiveAuctioneers.
This auction features 103 vintage and collectible timepieces, meticulously selected for their historical significance, design integrity, and enduring allure. The range includes everything from elegant dress watches to robust tool and collector models, each thoroughly assessed for authenticity, condition, and originality, ensuring clarity and confidence for today’s astute collector.
Among the highlighted lots is:
**Lot 84** – A landmark in post-war horology, the Rolex Reference 8171 “Padellone” is recognized as one of the rarest and most significant watches ever crafted by Rolex. Produced only from 1949 to 1952, it’s one of a mere two vintage Rolex references that combine a triple calendar, moon phase, and automatic movement—an ambitious complication that Rolex has not revisited meaningfully since.
This model, nicknamed “Padellone,” or “large frying pan,” features a bold 38mm stainless steel case, an extraordinarily rare configuration considering only about 600 were ever produced. The appealing dial includes day and month display apertures, a blue-tipped central date hand, and a finely decorated moon phase indicator, marking it as a scholarly departure from Rolex’s traditional aesthetic.
Accompanied by its original Rolex green box and an exceptionally rare vintage cardboard shipping box labeled with the Maypole House insignia, this piece symbolizes an extraordinary convergence of rarity and historical importance.
**Lot 95** – Another notable piece is the Girard-Perregaux Neo-Tourbillon with Three Bridges, reference 99270. This striking contemporary watch showcases a modern interpretation of one of the manufacture’s most storied complications, produced in strictly limited quantities. Notably, this early example is uniquely numbered No. 002.
Encased in sandblasted titanium with a black DLC coating, the dial is entirely skeletonized, revealing enchanting dark grey PVD-treated titanium bridges and a striking tourbillon positioned at 6 o’clock. Powering this remarkable timepiece is the in-house automatic Calibre GP 9400 with a micro-rotor, meticulously finished to the highest horological standards.
Complete with its original box and documentation, this Neo-Tourbillon represents a rare chance to own an early-numbered piece of Girard-Perregaux’s most celebrated modern complications.
**Lot 96** – An iconic instance of 20th-century watchmaking, the Rolex Submariner, reference 6538 stands among the most coveted and elusive sports watches ever produced. This renowned “Big Crown” model, famously worn by Sean Connery in early James Bond films, has achieved an almost mythical status.
Characterized by its oversized crown sans guards, this vintage piece displays a highly desirable gilt dial with a captivating tropical patina. Its exceptional original condition is further enhanced by its correct bezel insert and the exceedingly rare “Big Logo” bracelet, making it a compelling intersection of cinematic legacy and technical significance—truly a trophy for discerning collectors.
Pre-auction bidding is currently open online via Apollo Art Auctions, The Saleroom, Invaluable, or LiveAuctioneers.
For inquiries, you can reach out via email at enquiries@apolloauctions.com or call (+44) 7424 994167.
To discover more about Apollo Art Auctions and their upcoming sales, visit: www.apolloauctions.com.