Baer & Bosch Anniversary Auction: Rare and Exquisite Finds To Tempt Your Inner Magpie
As curators of all things collectible, Baer & Bosch have always been a dependable source for those on the hunt for the refined and the divine. The auction house is gearing up for its anniversary next month, and would not let the date slip by without ceremony. In order to mark the event, a veritable treasure trove of some of their most exceptional finds has been released into the wild en-masse, making the celebration all the richer.
While many collectors will no doubt gravitate towards the spectra of art prints and elegant vintage watches taking their turn in the spotlight, this keen eye was delighted to discover some truly unusual items that do not often pop up at auction entering the field. Within circles drawn to such scarce and singular items, it feels certain that a flurry is likely to unfold. The question is which gem will garner your unique affection?
An Exquisite Tavannes Golf Belt Watch
Edward VIII did not spend long on the English throne, choosing to abdicate after less than a year in 1938. While his reign may have been short-lived, his love of golf certainly was not, and a little before he made his ascension to the throne and into controversy, the then-Prince of Wales asked Tavannes Watch Co. to equip him with the perfect golf watch.
The commission dictated that the fluidity of the Prince's swing must not be disturbed, making a wrist or pocket watch entirely out of the question. The resulting timepiece was Tavannes' iconic Golf Belt Watch, which saw the watch creatively placed within the belt buckle. Tavannes went on to partner with Hernes and Dunhill in their distribution of this innovative example from the annals of horological history. For those with a taste for fascinating origin stories and rarefied oddities, Baer & Bosch are ready to deliver. Their excellent example of the Tavannes Golf Belt Watch is already welcoming auction bids.
A Splendid and Rarefied Jaeger LeCoultre Mappemonde
While some timepieces are meant to be worn on the wrist, others are destined to take pride of place within the home or office—providing the opportunity for hours of delicate admiration. A marvelous example of the latter can be found in Baer & Bosch's listing of a 1930s Jaeger LeCoultre globe table clock Mappemonde. This seldom seen illuminated terrestrial globe is a high prize among collectors indeed.
A glass globe serves as the surface upon which intricate paper gores by J. Forest are mounted. Charmingly, an address for the creator is listed on the globe at 17-19, Rue de Buci, Paris. The Art Deco era globe sits nobly atop a black marble and chrome base, which also houses a Jaeger clock of caliber 201. More enticing yet, the globe can be loosened and aligned to allow its rotation to reflect time zones in motion. Interested parties can visit the Jaeger LeCoultre Mappemonde virtually if they wish to claim this prize.
A WWII Pilot's Geismar Chronographe a Retour
For those with an enthusiasm for the history and horology of the Second World War, Baer & Bosch have selected a particularly unusual piece to parade in their anniversary auction. A rare oversized Geismar Chronographe a Retour (Chronograph Return) offers poignant insight into the practicalities of battle.
As worn by members of the French Airforce, or the "Armée de l'air", watches of this nature would have been worn strapped to the pilot's leg or arm. The chronograph, timer, and bi-directional rotating bezel were all created to allow bombers to dispense their weapons with razor-sharp precision. Baer & Bosch's fine example of these coveted collectibles awaits its next deserving owner.
An Ever-Iconic Romain Jerome MoonFighter Pen
Within horological circles—and indeed any where design and detail rule supreme—an element of eccentricity always serves to keep things interesting. Romain Jerome's legendary and limited pen collections play this particular part with finesse. As a luxury watch manufacturer well known for balancing idiosyncrasy with bold design, Romain Jerome decided to turn their hand to other objects adjacent. This was the moment when a truly creative and joyous line of pens were brought to life, ready to elevate the landscape of any otherwise-orderly desk.
When we imagine lifting the daily experience towards the divine, what better metaphor could serve than that of flight into outer space. As such, the MoonFighter was created with its very own docking station, and real Moon Dust housed within its tiny plexiglass cockpit. As one of a limited edition of 888 pieces, this elegant and entertaining stainless steel pen flys far beyond the anticipated bounds of its function. Those inspired to lift-off can venture over to the Baer & Bosch listing for this exciting object. The stars wait for no man, and bidding has begun!
These pieces and many others will be available at Baer & Bosch Auctioneers' Cultured Space on August 14, 2021. Register for live online bidding at Liveauctioneers.
Baer & Bosch Anniversary Auction: Rare and Exquisite Finds To Tempt Your Inner Magpie by Micha Aliprandi.