DALLAS, TX – Name is everything when it comes to collecting high-end watches, which means that collectors will find plenty to pique their interests at Heritage Auction Galleries May 4-5 Signature® Fine Timepieces Auction, live at the company’s Dallas Design District Location, 1518 Slocum Street, and online, via Heritage LIVE!, at HA.com.

“Among the great names we’ve assembled in this auction standouts include Rolex, Patek Philippe, Martin Braun and Nashua, among the many,” said Jim Wolf, Director of Fine Timepieces at Heritage. “Smart collectors will also see that, with strategic bidding, they’ll be able to acquire some great examples at some very good prices.”

The anchor lot of the auction is a gorgeous Patek Philippe Very Fine Ref. 3970E Perpetual Calendar With Chronograph, Moon Phase, Leap Year & 24 Hour Indication, circa 2004, Case: No. 4010718, estimated at $95,000-$110,000, one of the more desirable models of more recent vintage from one of the world’s greatest names in horology.

“All the intricacy and craftsmanship that collectors have come to associate with the Patek Philippe name is on prominent display in this beautiful watch,” said Wolf. “The detail in the construction of this piece is truly amazing.”

A rare and important Nashua Watch Co. Gold American Pocket Watch, No. 1230, circa 1860, is estimated at $40,000-$50,000, and is expected to create a buzz among erudite collectors. This superb pocket watch is one of only four known 20-size key-wind pieces from this vital watchmaker.

“Since almost all of the production material made by Nashua from 1859 until its incorporation into the American Watch Co. in 1862 was left unfinished,” said Wolf, “a piece of this vintage is an incredible find, and would be an important part in any top collection.”

Collectors of pocket watches will have several more chances at superb examples if the Nashua watch escapes them when an extremely fine and massive Swiss 18K Rose Gold Minute Repeating Watch With Chronograph, Perpetual Calendar And Moon Phases Made For Beyer, Zurich, circa 1896, estimated at $35,000-$40,000, comes up for auction, with still more pocket watch glory available with a rare and very fine Patek Philippe & Cie Gold Trip Minute Repeater, Two Train Tandem Wind Pocket Watch, circa 1904, Case: No. 238126. The general consensus on this prime piece is that fewer than 30 examples are known. It is estimated at $35,000 – $45,000.

An important Henri Berthoud Gold United States Heroism Presentation Watch, Two Train With Diablotine & Split Seconds Chronograph, circa 1880, is estimated to at $25,000-$35,000.
“The exceptional condition and quality of this rare timepiece is evidence that it was a unique piece created for presentation by the United States Congress in recognition for a heroic act which required split second decision making,” said Wolf. “For reasons unknown, however, it has remained undedicated and was never inscribed to the intended recipient. If only we could find out who it was originally intended for the value would surely skyrocket.”

The top Rolex in the auction is rare Ref. 5512 Submariner, Underlined Four Line Gilt Dial, Pointed Crown Guard, Box & Papers, circa 1960s, estimated at $20,000-$30,000. This scarce early Submariner has the highly sought after pointed crown guard case and an exceptionally rare gilt lettered four line dial, underlined in silver below the Oyster Perpetual text.
Further highlights include, but are not limited to:

Patek Philippe Rare Keyless Lever Deck Watch With Power Reserve, Extra Quality Movement, circa 1911 Case: No. 273599: Estimate: $20,000 – $25,000.

Rolex Very Fine Ref. 1019 Milgauss Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch, circa 1980: Estimate: $18,000 – $24,000.

Martin Braun Unique Orion Chrono Royal Chronograph With Diamonds: Estimate: $25,000-$30,000.

Heritage Auctions, headed by Steve Ivy, Jim Halperin and Greg Rohan, is the world’s third largest auction house, with annual sales more than $600 million, and 500,000+ registered online bidder members. For more information about Heritage Auctions, and to join and gain access to a complete record of prices realized, along with full-color, enlargeable photos of each lot, please visit HA.com.