Our 10 favorites from The Fine Watches Sale at Stockholms Auktionsverk

From a nearly century-old Rolex to a Daytona with a meteorite dial, a spectacular Piaget and a diamond-set Chopard with a connection to Elton John. We have gone through the catalogue for Stockholms Auktionsverk's The Fine Watches Sale on November 19 and selected ten watches that we think deserve a little extra attention.

On November 19, it is once again time for The Fine Watches Sale at Stockholms Auktionsverk. The autumn edition includes nearly 130 watches from some of the world's most renowned manufacturers. Here, modern collector's items from Rolex and Patek Philippe rub shoulders with historically interesting models from Heuer, Zenith, Breguet and Piaget, among others.

What makes this year's catalogue particularly interesting is perhaps above all else the variety. Of course, the obvious collector's favourites are here, but also a number of more unusual and personal watches that show how versatile the world of watches actually is. From elegant gold watches from the 1970s to advanced complications and experimental dials, there are plenty of pieces to delve into.

We at Eqotime have selected ten personal favourites from the catalogue. They are not necessarily the most expensive or sought-after pieces, but rather watches that have captured our interest for various reasons. Here is a mix of history, design, watchmaking and pure collecting joy.

1. Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubble Back – ca 1932

We begin with something truly historic. This Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubble Back in 18-carat gold dates back to around 1932 and represents a fascinating period in Rolex's development. In the early 1930s, the manufacturer had begun combining its waterproof Oyster case with automatic winding, two innovations that would come to play a crucial role in the brand's future.

The nickname Bubble Back comes from the characteristically domed case back that was needed to accommodate the automatic mechanism. At 31 millimeters, the watch is small by today's standards, but at the same time, the proportions and the typical design of the era are a large part of its charm. The piece also has a small seconds hand and an automatic movement.

This may not be a watch that will attract the average buyer of a modern Rolex, but for those who appreciate the brand's history, it is an interesting piece of early Rolex watchmaking. The valuation is 30,000–35,000 SEK.

View the piece at Stockholms Auktionsverk

2. Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116509 – Meteorite Dial

There are plenty of Rolex Daytonas on the market, but some executions stand out a little more. This Daytona, reference 116509, made in 18-carat white gold and with a meteorite dial, is definitely one such example.

Meteorite dials have a very special appeal. The material originates from space, and the natural crystal structures create patterns that make each dial unique. Together with the white gold case, it gives the watch an expression that is both exclusive and relatively understated for a Daytona in precious metal.

The piece dates to 2008 and is powered by Rolex's own Calibre 4130, the automatic chronograph movement introduced in 2000. The combination of a classic Daytona execution, white gold and meteorite makes this one of the auction's most interesting modern collector's items. The watch comes with a certificate and box and is valued at 450,000–550,000 SEK.

View the piece at Stockholms Auktionsverk

3. Piaget in Gold with Lapis Lazuli – ca 1970

If there is one thing we would like to see more of on today's watch market, it is the kind of uncompromising design that Piaget stood for during the 1960s and 1970s. This rectangular model in 18-carat gold is an excellent example of exactly this.

With a dial made of lapis lazuli, a deep blue natural stone, and an integrated gold link, this is as much a piece of jewellery as it is a watch. During this period, Piaget experimented extensively with colours, shapes and exclusive materials, which resulted in several of the brand's most distinctive models. The combination of blue stone and yellow gold is particularly hard to resist.

Inside we find the manual Calibre 9P, an ultra-thin movement that played an important role in Piaget's development and made it possible to create very elegant cases. The piece measures 35 × 24 millimeters and weighs around 152 grams. With a valuation of 180,000–200,000 SEK, it is probably not a cheap option, but for those who appreciate vintage Piaget, this is a very appealing piece.

View the piece at Stockholms Auktionsverk

4. Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Chronograph Lady – ca 2013

Jaeger-LeCoultre is perhaps primarily associated with Reverso and Master Control, but during the 2000s, the manufacturer also produced a number of sportier models within the Master Compressor family. This Master Compressor Chronograph Lady from around 2013 is an example of a model that combines sporty design with a more jewellery-focused appearance.

The case measures 37 millimeters and is made of steel, while the diamond-set glass ring with its 56 brilliant-cut diamonds gives the watch a completely different look from the more traditional Master Compressor models. The combination of a relatively substantial case design, leather strap and diamonds is typical of a period when many manufacturers experimented with the boundary between sports watches and exclusive jewellery watches.

An interesting detail is that according to the catalogue, the piece is quartz-powered, which makes it a different addition among the auction's many mechanical watches. With a valuation of 40,000–50,000 SEK, it is also one of the more accessible pieces in our selection.

View the piece at Stockholms Auktionsverk

5. Breguet Classique Perpetual Calendar 3310 – ca 1988

Breguet is one of the names most strongly associated with traditional Swiss watchmaking and advanced complications. This Classique Perpetual Calendar, reference 3310, from around 1988 shows why.

The case measures a modest 36 millimeters and is made of 18-carat gold. Inside is the automatic Calibre 502 DRP with perpetual calendar, moon phase and power reserve indicator. A perpetual calendar is one of the most appreciated classic complications and is designed to account for the varying lengths of months and leap years.

What makes this Breguet particularly attractive, however, is not only its technical complexity, but also how well the advanced mechanics complement the traditional design. Here is a design language that is close to the brand's historical identity and feels just as relevant today as when the watch was made.

Finding a complicated Breguet from this period is always interesting, not least because the models often receive less attention than equivalent watches from, for example, Patek Philippe. The piece is valued at 200,000–220,000 SEK.

View the piece at Stockholms Auktionsverk

6. Heuer Autavia ”Jochen Rindt” – ca 1968

For those of us who appreciate historic chronographs, it is difficult not to be drawn to a really fine Heuer Autavia. This reference 2446 from around 1968 belongs to the generation that is usually associated with the Austrian Formula 1 driver Jochen Rindt, world champion in 1970.

During the 1960s, Heuer had a very strong connection to motorsport, and several of the era's top drivers wore the brand's chronographs. The Autavia became a natural part of this world, with its clear dials, functional bezels and reliable mechanical movements.

The piece in question has a 38.8-millimeter case, a bezel with a twelve-hour scale and the manual Valjoux 72 chronograph movement. The combination of the classic black-and-white look, the well-balanced proportions and the clear motorsport connection makes the Autavia one of the most appreciated vintage chronographs from the period.

It should be noted that according to the catalogue, the metal bracelet is not original. For those who collect vintage Heuer, such details are naturally important, but it does not change the fact that this is a very distinctive chronograph. The valuation is 40,000–50,000 SEK.

View the piece at Stockholms Auktionsverk

7. Zenith S.65 De Luxe ”Keyhole” – ca 1965

Among the auction's more unusual pieces, we find this Zenith S.65 De Luxe from around 1965. The model has received the nickname ”Keyhole” due to the special design of the dial and date window, which together create a shape reminiscent of a keyhole.

The S.65 was introduced around the time of Zenith's centenary and is a fascinating example of how manufacturers experimented with design during the 1960s. The unusually wide glass ring and the relatively small dial create an expression that differs markedly from most other watches from the same era.

The piece in question is made of 18-carat gold and measures 35.5 millimeters. Inside is Zenith's automatic Calibre 2542 PC, and the watch is fitted with a gold link that, according to the catalogue, is not original.

For us, this is one of the most personal pieces in the entire auction. It is a watch that will probably raise considerably more questions than the average gold watch from the 1960s, and that is precisely why it is so interesting. The valuation is 80,000–100,000 SEK.

View the piece at Stockholms Auktionsverk

8. Chopard Elton John Mark II – rose gold and diamonds

One of the auction's most spectacular watches is undoubtedly the Chopard Elton John Mark II. Here we leave discreet elegance behind and step straight into a world of rose gold, diamonds and popular culture.

The model originated from the collaboration between Chopard and Elton John, where the music icon's friendship with Caroline Scheufele, one of the leading figures behind the family-owned company, resulted in several highly acclaimed watches. The collaboration also had a charitable dimension through the connection to the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

The piece in question is number 10 of a limited edition of 250 watches and measures 42 millimeters. The case is made of 18-carat rose gold and decorated with hundreds of diamonds, while the dial is made of mother-of-pearl. The glass ring and clasp are also diamond-set. The result is a watch that will hardly go unnoticed.

As an extra detail, it also comes with a signed CD featuring Elton John's album Rocket Man – The Definitive Hits, something that further strengthens the connection between the watch and the artist.

This is a piece that exists somewhere on the border between exclusive watchmaking, jewellery art and music memorabilia. Perhaps it is not a watch for everyone, but it is definitely one of the auction's big personalities. The valuation is 400,000–450,000 SEK.

View the piece at Stockholms Auktionsverk

9. Patek Philippe 5170G ”Gradué Pour 15 Pulsations”

For those who appreciate traditional mechanical chronographs, the Patek Philippe reference 5170G is an obvious piece to take a closer look at. The model represents an important period in the manufacturer's history, when Patek Philippe seriously established its in-house developed manual chronograph movements.

The piece in question is made of 18-carat white gold and measures 39.4 millimeters. Inside is Calibre CH 29-535 PS, a manual chronograph movement with a column wheel that showcases Patek Philippe's advanced watchmaking through the case's glass back.

What makes this particular piece extra interesting is the dial's pulse scale, graduated for 15 beats per minute. This type of scale has historically been used in medicine to measure a patient's pulse with the help of a chronograph. The combination of medical history, the classic proportions and a relatively clean dial gives the watch a special character.

It is also a reminder that a chronograph has historically been a precision instrument with considerably more uses than just measuring lap times on a racing track. With a valuation of 360,000–380,000 SEK, this is one of the more significant pieces in our selection.

View the piece at Stockholms Auktionsverk

10. Rolex Datejust 16013 ”Burl Wood Dial” – ca 1985

We conclude with a Rolex that shows a slightly different side of the manufacturer. This Datejust, reference 16013 from around 1985, is equipped with a so-called Burl Wood Dial, a dial made of wood with a natural and very distinctive grain pattern.

Rolex has experimented over the years with a number of unusual dial materials, including various natural stones and woods. These more exotic dials have received increasing interest among collectors seeking something other than the traditional executions.

The combination of steel and gold, the classic Jubilee bracelet and the warm tone of the wood dial gives the watch a very typical expression of the era. At 36 millimeters, it also has the proportions that for many are synonymous with a classic Datejust. Inside is the automatic Calibre 3035 movement.

This is a watch that in many ways summarizes what we think is fun about vintage Rolex. Small variations in material and execution can completely change a familiar model and make it something quite special. The piece comes with a certificate and box and has a valuation of 80,000–100,000 SEK.

View the piece at Stockholms Auktionsverk

An auction with something for most collectors

It is precisely the breadth that makes The Fine Watches Sale interesting. Here is everything from historically significant wristwatches and classic chronographs to advanced complications and watches where design is at least as much in focus as the movement.

Our selection also shows that it is not always the most obvious models that are the most exciting. An unusual Zenith from the 1960s, a bold Piaget with lapis lazuli or a Datejust with a wood dial can be at least as interesting to discover as a modern Daytona.

The Fine Watches Sale takes place on November 19, 2026, starting at 13.00 at Stockholms Auktionsverk on Nybrogatan 32 in Stockholm. The viewing continues until November 16 and the auction can also be followed online.

The entire catalogue is available to explore at Stockholms Auktionsverk.

All valuations are the auction house's estimates and are not guaranteed final prices. Buyer's commission is extra.