Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Hong Kong, Jun 25, 2010

LOT 218

IWC & Louis Vuitton Ceramic Alarm Louis Vuitton, Paris, "Ceramic Alarm", Ref. 3100, case No. 2415540. Made in 1998. Fine, ceramic quartz wristwatch with alarm, date and a gold-plated Louis Vuitton buckle. Accompanied by a fitted box and certificate.

HKD 10,000 - 15,000

USD 1,300 - 2,000 / EUR 1,100 - 1,600

Sold: HKD 5,520

C. Two-body, polished, rounded ceramic bezel, setting crown at 12, gold-plated case back with 4 screws, hooded lugs, sapphire crystal. D. White with printed Arabic numerals, outer minute graduation, most outer graduation for the date in red Arabic numerals. Red skeleton hands, gold hand for the alarm, red half-moon for the date. M. With quartz standardization. Dial, case and movement signed. Diam. 37 mm. Thickness 13 mm.

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Image

Grading System
Grade: A

Good

Case: 2

Very good

Movement: 2*

Very good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense

Dial: 1-01

As new

HANDS Original

Notes

Launched in 1998 as a joint project of IWC and Louis Vuitton and designed by Italian designer Gae Aulenti, two models were presented to the public. The Ceramic Alarm (present lot) was available in two ceramic finishes, one black and one dark green. The case was made of zirconium oxide, chosen due to its great resistance. The second model was a highly complicated quartz model with 10 functions, called the Universal Time watch. Both watches were rapidly discontinued due to limited interest and are therefore fairly rare; they bear witness to a brief collaboration between the two manufacturers.