Weekly Wind Down | Sales Highlights including watches from Patek Philippe and Jaeger-LeCoultre

Launched in 2019, this quirky reference combines a number of unusual design cues to create something truly special. Rather than the precious metal case we’re used to seeing on Calatravas, the 5212A is crafted in stainless steel. Also unorthodox is the dial which, in addition to showing the day of the week and the date, also displays the number of the week in the year. There’s not a lot of practical application here but it's a unique and novel way to display a calendar complication.

What also becomes apparent as you analyse the dial closely is the typography. According to Patek, it’s unique to this watch and is based on the handwriting of one of its watch designers. A perfect option for collectors seeking something a little bit out of the ordinary from the ‘Holy Trinity’ watchmaker. Recently sold on Watch Collecting for £28,620. 

This is the highly anticipated successor to Patek Philippe’s wildly popular 5711. The 5811 launched last year and, let’s be honest, it looks pretty much exactly the same. However, we were hardly expecting wholesale updates to the world’s most desirable luxury sports watch. So, what has changed exactly? 

Patek did take a look over its shoulder when it made some small tweaks to the design. The watch now features a two-part case, which is a historical nod to the "monobloc" construction of the original ref. 3700 from 1976. It’s also grown a little, increasing in diameter by 1mm (not that anyone is going to notice). Aside from the case, the bracelet’s clasp has been given a makeover, which didn’t quite feel up to scratch on previous references, considering its price point. 

It’s also worth mentioning that the 5811 is currently only available in white gold, but there’s little doubt we’ll see a steel version sometime in the future. Recently sold on Watch Collecting for £98,000

Jaeger-LeCoultre is an often overlooked brand among Switzerland’s Haute Horlogerie watchmakers. However, this historically-rich company earned its nickname, ‘the watchmaker’s watchmaker’ crafting movements for brands like Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet. 

On this Duometre Chronographe, JLC flexes its muscles, with a movement that employs a ‘Dual-Wing’ concept. In real terms, this system keeps things running smoothly, with one gear train dedicated to timekeeping and another to the chronograph function. It's like having two engines under the bonnet!  It’s no easy feat crafting a multi-tasking mechanical machine, and this is definitely a mic-drop release from JLC. Recently sold on Watch Collecting for £19,250.