DALLAS, TX.- One of the 20th century’s coveted and most collectible timepieces, a Patek Philippe Very Fine & Important Platinum Ref. 3970EP Chronograph, brought $108,000 in Heritage Auctions’ spring Watches & Fine Timepieces Auction May 21 in New York. The $1.4 million was 91 percent sold by volume as multiple bidders contended to own special edition Patek, Rolex, and A. Lange & Söhne masterpieces.

“Fine timepieces are always in style and collectors don’t hesitate to zero in on rare models when they come up for auction,” said Jim Wolf, director of fine timepieces at Heritage Auctions. “I was particularly pleased to see bids spread across diverse makers - clearly, now is a prime time to send high-end watches to auction.”

A Rolex Ref. 116589 Very Fine Gold, Diamond & Ruby Daytona, circa 2005, sold for $52,500 following interest from seven bidders. An A. Lange & Söhne Ref. 403.035 Exceptional Platinum "Datograph, Flyback" Chronograph sold for $42,500, against a $30,000 estimate.

Two fine Patek Philippe models beat expectations as a Ref. 5396R-011 Very Fine Rose Gold Center Seconds Wristwatch and a Ref. 3940P Very Fine Platinum Perpetual Calendar, circa 1991, both sold for $40,000 each.

Among the auction’s unique finds, a Universal Geneve Fine & Very Rare Cloisonne Dial Ref. 112167 Yellow Gold Wristwatch, sold for $32,500, more than double its pre-auction expectations. A future-forward Roger Dubuis Too Much Lady's Very Fine White Gold, Diamond & Mother-Of-Pearl Bracelet Watch, sold for $25,000.

Additional highlights include, but are not limited to:

• A Rolex Ref. 19038 Rare "Pyramid" Gold & Diamond Oysterquartz: Realized: $18,750.

• Vacheron & Constantin Very Fine Gold Minute Repeater With Chronograph & Register, circa 1905: Realized: $18,750.

• Audemars Piguet Ref. 26170ST "Navy" Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph: Realized: $17,500.

• Panerai Pink Gold Radiomir - PAM 231, Officine Panerai Firenze 1860, Ref. OP 6658: Realized; $12,500.

• Golay Fils & Stahl Rare Miniature Minute Repeater, Gold, Diamond & Enamel Case, circa 1905: Realized: $12,500.