Contemporary, Limited Edition and Mod...

New York, Park Lane Hotel, Dec 15, 1998

LOT 350

Mido, No 261492, made for Bugatti in the 1930's. Very fine and historical, 18K yellow gold gentleman's wristwatch in shape of a Bugatti radiator grill, produced in circa 10 examples, with 18K yellow and white gold bracelet a nrailles. Private watch of Ettore Bugatti, with a letter of authentification of Michel Bugatti, son of Ettore.

USD 40,000 - 45,000

C. shaped, massive, polished, hinged back, wire lugs top winder, at 12 o ' clock, red enamel medallion bearing the initials E. B. D. grey with the grill design with painted Arabic numerals. "Baton " gold hands. M. 7"' rhodium plated, 15 jewels, lever escapement, cut bimetallic balance, flat balance-spring. Dial, case and movement signed. Dim. 23 x 35 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 4

Fair
Movement: 4-5

Fair

Poor
Dial: 4-5-02

Fair

Poor

HANDS Service hands

Notes

Current research indicates that the original Bugatti radiator model wristwatch was produced in three small series during the 1920's. The watch now offered for sale was the example owned by Ettore Bugatti himself, and was aquired by the current owner from the Bugatti family. It is from the smallest group of only 12 watches, numbered 261484- 261495, and the subsequent number was owned by Ernst Friedrich, racing mechanic, associate and friend of Ettore. A dozen or so watches are currently known to have survived in total from all the series, with most of these having belonged to people closely associated with Bugatti. Eight of the known surviving examples belonged to the following : - Ettore Bugatti - Jean Bugatti, son of Ettore -Rene Dreyfus, team racing driver - Ernst Friedrich, racing, mechanic and close friend of Ettore Bugatti - Mr. Le Prandieres, coach builder for Bugatti in Pails - Col. W. Sorel, British representative for Bugatti - Unknown, possibly Ruddy Caracciola -Louis Chiron, team racing driver.