Artcurial and Monaco is a story made to last. After last year's success, the French auction house is resuming its winter sales in the spaces of the prestigious Hôtel Hermitage in Monte-Carlo for a series of luxury sales. From 15 to 19 January, collectors will see “an abundance of lots handpicked by experts,” the house announced in a press release. Fine jewellery, collector's watches and luxury leather goods will be brought together in a programme that promises to dazzle.
Fine jewellery, 17 & 18 January
An unmissable event for connoisseurs and enthusiasts, the session devoted to jewellery will include a total of 674 lots. The selection, put together under the watchful eye of specialist Julie Valade, will include a fine range of contemporary and antique jewellery, numerous diamonds as well as a set of artist's jewellery. Iconic names such as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Boucheron, Wiese, Verdura and even David Webb will feature in the sale.
Among the flagship lots is a piece by Christian Dior, a rigid opening bracelet and its bodice clip in 18k yellow gold. The two pieces of this superb set represent crocodiles whose eyes are set with emeralds or chrysoprase and surrounded by diamonds.
The signature of the “prince of goldsmiths”, Buccellati, will be in the spotlight with a yellow gold and 18k white gold ring centred with a rectangular emerald in a paving of brilliant-cut diamonds. The height of originality specific to the Italian brand, the precious stone is itself engraved with a crowned eagle holding a sceptre.
We must give special mention of a remarkable ‘Large Head’ pendant sculpture made by Pierre Hugo for Max Ernst, in 23k yellow gold, signed and numbered.
Collector's watches, 17 January
"Always favourites, known or rarely seen models, wooden bracelets or bracelets entirely set with diamonds, there is a watch for each wrist," promises Director of the watchmaking department Marie Sanna-Legrand, with regards to the session dedicated to collector's watches. With 71 lots on the counter, the catalogue brings together the biggest watchmaking houses, like Rolex, Omega, Breguet, Patek Philippe and Jaeger-LeCoultre, to name a few.
We note in particular a Rolex Comex reference 16610, one of the most coveted models and the example known as ‘The Last One’. Indeed, this watch belonged to the last diver of Comex, when the branch of the company was sold in 2020, and represents a golden opportunity for fans of the brand.
Special mention is made with regards to a unique Vacheron Constantin piece, a skeleton pocket watch in platinum (950), diamonds and rubies with tourbillon regulator dated around 1994.
Le Temps est féminin, 18 January
Still in the world of timepieces, the ‘Le Temps est Féminin’ sale will open on 18 January and offers, as with each iteration, the pinnacle of watchmaking for women. The French house Cartier will be particularly well represented, with a rare model in gold and enamel from around 1910 and in excellent condition.
Rolex is also available for women, as evidenced by one of the flagship lots of the session, a yellow gold, diamond and coral wristwatch from around 1960. This model, which experts believe to be a unique piece, is endowed with an octagonal case, a bezel set with diamonds and coral and a signed golden dial.
Special mention is made about a Piaget Tanagra watch from the early 1990s, a yellow gold model entirely covered with diamonds and rubies.
Hermès & Luxury Bags, 19 January
The series of Monaco sales will end with a dive into the world of vintage and leather goods, with a selection of 73 lots certified by specialist Alice Léger. Collectors will expect variety and quality, both in terms of brands, colours and materials.
At Hermès, which figures prominently in the sale, we note a Kelly Picnic 35 bag, a remarkable limited edition in woven wicker and natural Barénia calfskin produced in 2021.
A Micro Constance III bag produced in 2021 as part of a special order is also one of the must-haves in the catalogue.
Special mention goes to a bird cage minaudière by Chanel, an extremely original model in gold metal, rhinestones and blue cabochons with a removable inner purse. See you from 15 to 19 January at the Hôtel Hermitage for this suite of luxury auctions. The viewings will be open from 15 January.
