01. An Exquisite Tribute: Drawing inspirations from the Patek Philippe Calatrava 96 Quantieme Lune of the Last Emperor, Puyi.
This timepiece draws its inspiration from the Patek Philippe Calatrava 96 Quantieme Lune owned by the last emperor, Puyi. The original piece achieved a final hammer price of 48.85 million Hong Kong dollars, setting three historical records; the most expensive Patek Philippe 96 ever sold, the highest-priced emperor’s watch, and the highest price achieved in an Asian watch auction by Philips.
The original timepiece possesses a profound significance, not only because it is one of the eight existing examples of this model, but also due to the legendary story behind it. Puyi brought this timepiece with him to the Soviet Union’s Camp Number 45 and eventually bestowed this cherished timepiece upon his Russian interpreter.
WMT pays homage to the historical legacy through its thoughtful reimagining of the original piece. This timepiece inherits the layout and design elements of the original, with the moon phase, date, day of the week, and small seconds hand meticulously handpainted, maintaining the same positions as in the original. The iconic feuille or leaf hands are faithfully reproduced, capturing their elegant lines.
Notably, the dial of the original watch is highly distinctive, featuring a stark contract in colours. Puyi, curious about whether the dial was made of platinum, ordered his servant to scrape off the lower half. WMT skilfully recreates the dial, employing a manual ageing process to faithfully capture the interplay of white and antique bronze hues.
This timepiece not only captures the essence of the original watch, but also showcases WMT’s interpretation of pop art, exhibiting a unique contemporary style.
02. The Enduring Influence of Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona ref. 6239.
Paul Newman, the renowned actor and race car driver of the last century, has become synonymous with the Rolex Daytona, creating a fervour for vintage watch collecting that continues to this day.
In 2017, Paul Newman's own Rolex Daytona ref. 6239, which he had personally worn, fetched a staggering $17.75 million at a Phillips auction, setting a record as the most expensive wristwatch ever sold. This timepiece was a gift from his wife, Joanne Woodward, with the inscription "Drive Careful Me" engraved on the case back. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Paul Newman sported this watch, leaving behind numerous memorable moments on the racetrack.
During the process of reimagining, WMT preserved the rare Exotic dial configuration, known for its remarkable distinctiveness.
Additionally, keen attention was paid to the intricate details, such as enlarging the small square markers at the ends of the sub-dial, highlighting its unique characteristics.
WMT breathes new life into the iconic timepiece, honouring the legacy of Paul Newman’s Daytona while infusing it with modern flair that reflects the personality and attitude of today’s youth.
03. Reviving History: WMT’s Homage to the Rare Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref. 6062 Inspired by the Last Emperor of Vietnam, Bảo Đại.
In the spring of 1954, Bảo Đại, the last emperor of the Nguyễn Dynasty in Vietnam, arrived in Geneva, Switzerland for peace negotiations. Amidst his stay, he ventured into Chronomètrie Philippe Beguin with the intention of acquiring the most exceptional and expensive Rolex ever crafted. The brand immediately sent forth a representative to present the esteemed ref. 6062 to the emperor.
As a precious artifact that bears witness to history, Bảo Đại's ref. 6062 achieved a groundbreaking auction price of 5 million Swiss francs at Christie’s, only to be surpassed later by Paul Newman’s Daytona.
WMT faithfully recreates the original dial layout, featuring a captivating black and gold colour scheme complemented by five diamond markers. The timepiece showcases meticulouslyhandcrafted full calendar and moon phase displays, while creatively incorporating whimsical hand-painted Pop Art inspired details.
WMT breaks free from the conventional form of vintage timepieces. With a youthful perspective, we offer a vibrant and contemporary reinterpretation of the original piece's cultural allure.