Auction Report
Wright Auctions: The Chicago Edit
by Charlie Dunne
The Windy City not only has an incredible design, architecture, and history, but it also is home to a vibrant watch community. Companies, collectors, entrepreneurs, and media platforms each thrive in Chicago’s watch scene. The same can now be said about the watch-auction world due to the recent revival of Wright’s Watch Department. Leading up to The Chicago Edit, Wright invited us to spend time with their watches before the Friday, April 1st sale.
Wright Auction House is unique in its reputation as a leader specializing in 20th-century art and design. Additionally, their physical catalogs and online platform are unparalleled. Admiring the timepieces was certainly a great experience and one expects a bright future for the watch department in 2022.
Oversized Vacheron & Constantin
One of my favorite offerings from The Chicago Edit was the vintage Vacheron & Constantin oversized models which featured an intricate guilloche motif. At 38mm, the watch is quite a remarkable size for the brand which often was on the smaller size in this period. The applied-gold Maltese Cross and numerals 3, 6, 9, and 12 are a very cool touch. Additionally, the cartouche Vacheron & Constantin branding was a favorable element of the dial. The numerals remained aligned and there was no sign of restoration.
Speaking with Senior Watch Specialist Josh Hendizadeh, it was clear we shared an appreciation for the VC.
“My favorite watch in the auction is a time only Vacheron in huge 38mm size with modern 20mm lug width, I dare you to find another in this size and condition.”
Learn more about the timepiece here.
Patek Philippe Reference 3940J
The reference 3940 is one of the easiest watches to love. Despite being highly complicated it remains very simple to read, The dimensions are quite perfect and are appreciated by almost everyone. This particular example is a 3940J, the J indicating yellow gold. Additionally, the dial is in German which is the most frequent. This particular example dates to 1997 with an inviting-low estimate of $30,000 and a high of $50,000.
Hendizadeh would go on to mention "I believe that for modern Patek Philippe the venerable 3940 has the highest upside"
Learn more about the timepiece here.
Patek Philippe Reference 5010J
Crossing paths with Nick Federowicz of Ad Patina at the viewing, he stated he was becoming interested in broadening out beyond Rolex. This reference 5010J was particularly well suited for his wrist, and we both shared an interest in the slightly cambered case. The dial was a very conservative look, which luckily was livened up with a burgundy-leather strap.
Learn more about the timepiece here.
Heuer Autavia Olive PVD Reference 111.603
Speaking with Richard Wright, he emphasized his appreciation for lot 100, the Habring Erwin Star for SJX.
“I love the quirkiness of this piece, the backside shows serious horological advancements, but at first glance it looks like a cool piece of art on your wrist.”
“Sometimes a classic is all you need, the beautiful simplicity of this Daytona reminds us that design need not get complicated”
“ I love the design of this piece, it has a mesmerizing blend of classical watchmaking with modern design”
