A brace of fine and exceedingly rare 'one family owner' timepieces- a circa 1940 Audemars Piguet Lunette Monnaie and a Patek Phiippe 'Birks Ellis' ref.96 sold in 1935 – both kept for more than seven decades, are just two highlights of Bonhams New York Fine Watches Sale on Wednesday October 13, at the auction house's Madison Avenue saleroom.

The Audemars Piguet, estimate $40,000 – 60,000, is one of only five Lunette Monnaie examples made in steel between 1939 and 1942, purchased new by the vendor's grandfather circa 1940, which has remained in the family ever since.

circa 1940 Audemars Piguet Lunette Monnaie, estimate $40,000 - 60,000
The workmanship of the dial is exemplary of the magnificent craftsmanship of 1940s dial-makers and, eighty years on, the finely polished steel hands still catch the light beautifully.

Launched in 1932, the Patek Philippe ref. 36 featured timeless proportions paying homage to the era's Bauhaus, Art Deco and Modernism styles. This example features an attractive two-tone aviator dial. It is also double-signed by Birks-Ellis, the eponymous Canadian jewellery store, known as the 'Tiffany's of the North' which makes it rare beyond measure.

Purchased in 1935, the watch has remained in the same family until today and is offered with an estimate of $40,000 – 80,000. It shows only very light signs of wear and is in impeccable condition considering its age.

Max Traber, Specialist, Bonhams Watches US, said: "These watches are for the true connoisseur, the collector who wants what no one else has. To offer one example is special, to have two in the same sale is extraordinary."

The prestigious Bonhams New York Fine Watches Sale will present a boutique and powerful selection of fine pocket watches and wristwatches, with other highlights including:

Patek Philippe Ref. Ref: 3448, estimate $80,000 – 100,000

Patek Philippe Ref. Ref: 3448, c.1960s, an exceptional and rare 18k gold Perpetual Calendar bracelet watch with moon phase, estimate $80,000 – 100,000. Leading the Fine Watches Sale is one of the most elegant and wearable Patek Philippe Timepieces, combining the simplicity of a Calatrava and the complications of a perpetual calendar. Released in 1962, only 589 examples were made of the automatic Perpetual Calendar wristwatch, of which 450 pieces in yellow gold.

This desirable yellow gold wristwatch is fitted with a patented Patek Philippe 27-460Q calibre. The perpetual calendar is elegantly presented in a 37mm Antoine Gerlach-designed case with angular and sharp lugs, unlike anything designed at that period, and sharp, giving a crisp, clean vibe that helped make the watch an instant classic.

Patek Philippe Ref. 5712 Nautilus, estimate $55,000 – 70,000

Patek Philippe Ref. 5712 Nautilus, estimate $55,000 – 70,000. Another Patek Philippe offered with a moon phase is this 18k white gold Nautilus ref. 5712. Debuted in October 2006, the 5712 commemorated the 30thanniversary of the Nautilus and is now considered by many as one of the most sought-after and beloved references of the Nautilus family.

Rolex Submariner Comex No. 6084, Ref. 16800, c. 1982, estimate $40,000 – 60,000

Rolex Submariner Comex No. 6084, Ref. 16800, c. 1982, estimate $40,000 – 60,000. One for the adventurer, this example of the ultimate tool watch was produced as part of the collaboration between Rolex and the world-famous French engineering and deep-sea diving company Comex, which began in 1971.Submariner Comex watches issued to the company's divers weremarked Comex on the dial and numbered on the back.

The ref.16800 was the first Submariner fitted with a sapphire crystal, which increased the watch's depth rating from 200 to 300 meters. The earliest versions of this transitional model (including the current lot) were fitted with matte dials and luminous markers directly applied to the dial.

The Fine Watches Sale will take place at 11am on Wednesday, October 13 at Bonhams Madison Avenue Saleroom. The live auction will also be streamed to a worldwide audience of bidders, via the Bonhams website and the Bonhams app, with bids accepted via telephone, online and by absentee bids.

All lots can be viewed in the saleroom on the following dates:

October 9-10, 12 Noon to 5pm
October 11-12, 10am to 5pm

Contact [email protected] to register or [email protected] for further details.