Timepieces with extraordinary provenance are continuing to achieve record prices at auction. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for collectors to acquire the watch that belonged to the founder of one of the most famous car manufacturers.
Ettore Bugatti ordered various series of this ‘calendar radiator watch’ from the manufacturer Mido, between 1926 and 1932. Bugatti originally commissioned his personal watch in 1929. It is in yellow gold, on yellow gold bracelet with serial no. 261.492.
He offered these extremely rare watches to his best drivers and mechanics of the time, as well as to his family. All the watches were on leather straps, only this one belonging to Bugatti himself, has a yellow gold strap. It is the only watch ‘calendar radiator’ designed with a strap integrated in the case in yellow gold.
• Case in 18ct yellow gold in the shape of radiator grille, typical of Bugatti cars, brand logo red-enamelled and winding crown stylised in the shape of a radiator cap at 12 o’clock, with hinge to back watch, inside of the case capped like the competition car dashboards of the brand.
• Silvered and quadrilled original dial, painted Arabic numbers, Breguet style ‘moon hands’ in blue steel.
• Integrated unique strap in 18ct yellow gold with adjustable jewel clasp
Technical Specifications:
Movement: mechanical caliber, manual winding in round shape, signed and numbered.
Dimensions: 22.5 x 34 (with crown) mm.
Bracelet Length: 19,5 cm
Condition: Good (with case) (Gross weight : 27.20 g)
Auction Estimate: €80,000 to €150,000
This is part of the STANISLAS MACHOÏR Vintage Cars/Vintage Watches auction taking place on the 17th April 2021
For more information please visit http://www.stanislasmachoir.com