Artists, makers and objects named here illustrate the market we follow and what meets our criteria. They are not a list of Caldrion’s holdings or acquisitions. Price bands are rough, based on public auction results through mid-2026; private-treaty prices and today’s market can differ, so treat them as orientation, not valuations.
Our $250K floor eliminates most modern references, so for us this category is mostly rare vintage pieces, plus the occasional modern reference made in tiny numbers.
Where diligence centers
- original dials, since redials and refinished dials are common
- unpolished cases
- whether service-replacement hands and parts have been fitted
- archive confirmation: Patek Philippe issues archive extracts, Rolex does not, so Rolex pieces depend on specialist opinion
Patek Philippe
- Ref. 1518 (1941–54; 281 made): the first serially produced perpetual-calendar chronograph. Gold examples sell for roughly $500K–$1.5M. One of four known steel examples sold for about $11M in 2016.
- Ref. 2499 (1950–85; about 349 made across four series): its successor, typically $1–3M.
- Ref. 3448 (586 made): the first serially produced automatic perpetual-calendar wristwatch, roughly $500K–$1.5M.
- Ref. 2523 world time (two-crown, very small production): seven figures.
- Ref. 5711/1A-018 “Tiffany” Nautilus (170 made in 2021): sold for $6.5M at auction that December, proof that a modern reference can clear the floor when production is tiny.
Rolex
- “Paul Newman” Daytona (refs. 6239, 6241, 6262–6265 with “exotic” dials): roughly $250K–$1M+. Newman’s own watch sold for $17.8M in 2017. Fake dials are a known problem.
- Ref. 6062 triple-calendar moonphase (1950–53): roughly $400K–$1M. The “Bao Dai” example brought about $5M in 2017.
- Ref. 4113 split-seconds chronograph (12 made in 1942): roughly $2–3M.
- Ref. 6538 “big crown” Submariner (1955–59): around the floor, depending on dial and condition.
Independents
- F.P. Journe early pieces: the original subscription-series Tourbillon Souverain watches with brass movements, and early brass-movement Chronomètre à Résonance watches. These have reached well into six figures and sometimes seven.
- **Philippe Dufour *Simplicity*** (about 200 made): these have approached or passed seven figures at peak.
Stewardship
Watches are serviced by qualified specialists who preserve original components and record every intervention. Authenticity is confirmed through the maker’s archive or a recognized expert before we commit.
If you own or represent a work or object of this kind, see our criteria and what to send. We read every submission and aim to reply within a few business days of receiving a complete package, whether or not we proceed.
The field guide
- What “A-grade” means, and where our criteria bite
- Post-war and contemporary masters
- Established mid-career artists
- Collector automobiles
- Watches
- Fine wine and spirits
- Emerging patronage
This guide reflects Caldrion’s views as of November 2026. It is not an offer of securities, investment advice or a valuation.