WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - A rare Swiss platinum and diamond open face watch made circa 1933-1950 by Patek Philippe, an important Cartier bracelet boasting a fine old mine diamond weighing about 2.51 carats, and a 25-carat diamond necklace set with a staggering 89 round cut diamonds are just a few of the top lots at A. B. Levy's next auction, on Thursday, January 22nd.

What is being billed as a Superb Palm Beach Estate Auction will feature nearly 300 lots of fine timepieces, estate jewelry, antiques and Asian art, all starting at 6 p.m. Eastern time, at A. B. Levy's showroom in the Flamingo Building, located at 1921 South Dixie Highway in West Palm Beach. Internet bidding will be via LiveAuctioneers.com, Invaluable.com and Saleroom.com.

The action will get underway with around 50 vintage and modern timepieces, featuring watches by Patek Philippe, Cartier, Rolex and Gerard-Perregaux, among others. Later, bidders will be treated to a fine collection of Chinese snuff bottles, including desirable examples in coral and ivory. Original works of art and dazzling estate jewelry items will round out the day's offerings.

European works of art will include micromosaics, plus there will be original paintings by noted American and British artists, as well as French bronzes and Continental porcelains from various owners. Fine and decorative arts will also be sold. “I can't think of a better way to begin the new year than with an auction packed with so many quality items,” said Albert Levy of A. B. Levy's.

The Patek Phillipe men's open face watch is set with diamonds. It is estimated to bring $2,000-$4,000. The watch (No. 00600) has an annular movement. As handsome as it is rare and desirable to collectors, the watch should attract much bidder attention.

The Cartier bracelet centered by a 2.51-carat diamond framed in mine cut diamonds also features an articulated strap and clasp set throughout, with 268 diamonds totaling 26 carats. It should sail past its $8,000-$12,000 estimate. Also by Cartier is a rare 18kt gold wristwatch made circa 1925, with mechanical movement, rare openwork bezel and black Cartier strap (est. $7,000-$10,000).

The 15-inch-long necklace set with 89 round cut diamonds graduating in size and weighing 25 carats is mounted in platinum and is an expected top lot, with a pre-sale estimate of $30,000-$50,000. Also, an 18kt two-color gold and diamond necklace centering a white gold heart and accented by round diamonds, pave-set and weighing 0.81 carats, should garner $4,000-$6,000.

Asian objects will feature a Chinese rock crystal snuff bottle made circa 1740-1840 with a flawless and well-hollowed body, a Chinese carved coral vase and cover with animal handles at the side and a lion finial on the lid, and a Chinese carved ivory snuff bottle of cylindrical oval shape, decorated all over with figures, with a stopper. These lots should bring $600-$900 each.

A late 19th century Chinese Export porcelain well-and-tree platter with an oval plate, each one showing vignettes of flora and fauna, is estimated at $200-$400. From France, a pair of circa 1870 flora-form Old Paris porcelain footed vases with gilt highlights should reach $300-$500, while a set of 14 stamped Saint Louis emerald green wine glasses is expected to hit $100-$300.

In the fine art category, a figural oil on canvas by the German painter Emil Rau (1858-1937), titled Tyrolean Couple with Chalet and Mountainous Landscape, 38 inches by 30 inches, carries an estimate of $3,000-$5,000; while a pair of fine Italian mosaic works, one of a cavalier and a farm girl and the other of huddled wild horses, both 20th century, should each hit $2,000-$5,000.

Returning to timepieces, a steel Zenith “El Primero” self-winding mechanical wristwatch with bracelet featuring a sapphire, 50-hour power reserve and a black leather strap, should slip onto a new wrist for $4,000-$6,000; and a Rolex Milgauss men's wristwatch with green crystal and Rolex-certified chronometer self-winding movement and black dial should reach $5,000-$8,000.

A fine DeLaneau ladies' diamond and gold wristwatch with strands of gold and diamonds, made out of 18kt yellow gold, with diamonds weighing about 1.50 carats and mother of pearl, should hammer for $3,000-$5,000. DeLaneau was founded in 1949 by the couple Rolf and Yolanda Tschudin. Their creations were as visionary as their founders and are highly prized by collectors.

A lovely pair of white gold and diamond ear studs set with two round brilliant-cut diamonds, each one weighing 1.51 carats and set in 14kt white gold, with 14kt yellow gold backs (graded I color, VS1 clarity) should rise to $10,000-$20,000; and a pair of 18kt emerald and diamond ear clips featuring four rows of cabochon emeralds and round brilliant-cut diamonds weighing about 3.60 carats and mounted in 18kt yellow gold, is expected to find a new owner for $4,000-$7,000.

Rounding out just some of the day's expected top performers, a platinum ring set with three diamonds weighing approximately 4.50 carats (size 9 ¼) is expected to slip onto a new finger for $8,000-$12,000; while a star sapphire and diamond ring, centered by a star sapphire with two side diamonds mounted in 14kt white gold (size 7), has a modest pre-sale estimate of $500-$800.

A buyer’s premium of 20 percent will be applied to all purchases up to $100,000 (15 percent after that). Phone and absentee bids will be accepted, in addition to live and internet bidding. Previews will be held daily, from Jan. 16-21. A.B. Levy’s next auctions after this are planned for Feb. 19, March 19-20 and May 7. Watch the website for further details, at www.ablevys.com.

A. B. Levy’s is based in Palm Beach, Fla., at 211 Worth Avenue. The firm is actively accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign a single piece, an estate or an entire collection, you may call them at (561) 835-9139, or you can e-mail them at info@ablevys.com. To learn more about A.B. Levy’s and the Jan. 22 auction, log on to www.ablevys.com. Updates are posted often.

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