Rolex and A. Lange & Sohne lead the charge as live watch auctions return

Specialist watch auctioneers were quick to embrace the online format when Covid-19 put paid to the type of "Mass gatherings" that are an intrinsic aspect of any live sale rich in excitement, suspense and competition Now there's good news for anyone missing the buzz of the saleroom, because live watch auctions are back, albeit tentatively Phillips kicks off proceedings on 27 June with a two-day, 214-lot sale, replete with Rolex and Patek Philippe pieces - including several examples of the latter's Aquanaut sports watch that has benefited from the slipstream of soaring Nautilus values.

A 1969 Rolex Submariner with "Tropical" faded dial and "Meters first" markings will be sold complete with its original box, papers and accessories alongside a 1968 Heuer Skipper sailing watch - again with its box - and a 1961 Vulcain Cricket Nautical that's still teamed with its factory-supplied diving booklet Among the most historically interesting watches is a Vacheron Constantin Reference 4195 that was given by Argentine heroine Eva Perón to daredevil Spanish pilot Fernando Rein Loring, who, in 1933, became the first person to make the 16,000km flight from Madrid to Manila Now readBreitling, Bremont and Ball Watch are among brands helping fight Covid-19Four French watch brands worthy of a stylish man's attention.

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