This Unique Grand Complication (Ref. 935), made in 1984, is estimated between USD $590,000 to $710,000. Photo courtesy Sotheby’s.

BY LESLIE JORDAN CLARY

Between the early 1980s to late 1990s world-renowned enamellist G. Menni decorated approximately 50 Grand Complication pocket watches for Patek Phillipe. Using an ancient form of enameling, many of the detailed miniatures include landscapes and portraits of celebrities or family members. Sotheby’s Hong Kong Important Watches Autumn Sale will be auctioning off a limited number of these watches on October 8.  Among the highlights of the collection is a Patek Philippe hunting-cased watch listed as “Exceptionally Rare, Monumental and Unique” that was custom made by G. Menni in 1984. It includes the phases of the moon and painted enamel on both covers, and is believed to be the only example of its kind to ever appear on the public market.

—Sept. 25, 2014