Clars is pleased to announce the upcoming two-day July auction series, featuring the Gallery Auction on Friday, July 17th, followed by the Warehouse Auction on Saturday, July 18th. Collectors, designers, dealers, and art enthusiasts will discover a thoughtfully curated selection of fine art, Asian art, furniture, decorative arts, jewelry, and estate property, offering opportunities across a wide range of collecting categories.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

Furniture & Decorative Arts highlights are led by a Herter Brothers armchair, one of only three commissioned for Thurlow Lodge, with an estimate of $8,000–$12,000. Renowned for furnishing many of America’s most prestigious Gilded Age interiors, Herter Brothers pieces remain among the most coveted examples of 19th-century American furniture.

The sale also features an impressive selection of decorative arts, including two Carlton Ware luster articles in the celebrated ‘Chinatown’ pattern, estimated at $400–$600, and two Carlton Ware pottery luster vases decorated with the ‘Magical Tree and Heron’ and ‘Tree and Cloud’ motifs, estimated at $800–$1,200.

Additional highlights include an English Rococo-style gold-mounted agate patch or pill box, estimated at $800–$1,200, and a large signed Baccarat opaline glass vase, estimated at $2,500–$3,500. Together, these pieces offer collectors exceptional examples of European decorative arts, fine craftsmanship, and timeless design.

Fine Art

Leading the Fine Art category is an exceptional carved wood relief by Mario Sanchez. Old Key West – Everything in Profusion is a vibrant oil on carved and painted wood relief that captures the colorful character and architectural charm of historic Key West. Signed and titled by the artist, the work is expected to realize $20,000–$40,000.

Additional Fine Art highlights include Henrietta Berk’s Green Valley Road, a richly colored oil on canvas signed and titled by the artist, estimated at $7,000–$10,000. Also featured is Charles Reiffel’s Untitled (Trees Along Water’s Edge with Buttes in the Distance), an atmospheric oil on canvas estimated at $6,000–$9,000.

Completing the category highlights is Ira Yeager’s Untitled (Snow Leopard), an expressive oil on canvas estimated at $3,000–$5,000. Together, these works represent a compelling selection of American art spanning Impressionist landscapes, California scenes, folk art, and contemporary wildlife painting.

Fine Jewelry & Watches

The Fine Jewelry & Watches department offers an elegant selection of jewelry and luxury watches, led by a Rolex 14k gold hidden watch bracelet, estimated at $4,000–$6,000. Combining the prestige of the Rolex name with the sophistication of a concealed bracelet watch design, this piece is expected to attract significant interest from both watch collectors and jewelry enthusiasts.

Additional highlights include a striking diamond and platinum ring, estimated at $2,000–$3,000, showcasing the enduring appeal of classic platinum-set diamonds. Also featured is an antique turquoise, blue diamond, 14k, and 18k gold pendant necklace, estimated at $700–$1,000, offering collectors a distinctive example of antique craftsmanship with vibrant gemstone accents. Together, these pieces present a refined cross-section of fine jewelry and luxury accessories, ranging from collectible watches to elegant diamond and gemstone designs.

Asian Art

The Asian Art department presents a refined collection of Japanese cloisonné enamels and Chinese textiles, highlighting the extraordinary craftsmanship of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Among the featured offerings is a Japanese cloisonné enamel carp vase by Ando Jubei, estimated at $3,000–$5,000, alongside a Japanese cloisonné enamel vase by Gonda Hirosuke, also estimated at $3,000–$5,000.

Additional highlights include a Japanese cloisonné enamel wisteria vase attributed to Hayashi Kodenji, estimated at $1,500–$2,500, a Japanese cloisonné vase estimated at $1,500–$2,500, and a Japanese cloisonné enamel sake pot in the style of Namikawa Yasuyuki, estimated at $2,000–$4,000.

Complementing these exceptional enamels is a Chinese blue-ground silk brocade dragon robe, estimated at $2,000–$4,000. This carefully selected group reflects the remarkable artistry and technical mastery that continue to make Japanese cloisonné and Chinese court textiles highly sought after by collectors worldwide.

The Warehouse Auction: July 18th

Following the Gallery Auction, the July 18th Warehouse Auction features hundreds of additional lots from estates and private collections.The sale includes furniture, decorative arts, fine art, collectibles, home furnishings, and unique discoveries across a wide range of price points, making it an ideal opportunity for both seasoned collectors and first-time buyers. Whether searching for antiques, interior furnishings, or one-of-a-kind estate finds, bidders will find an exciting array of opportunities throughout the sale.

Clars is thrilled to present our upcoming special Spring Fine Jewelry & Watches Auction on Friday, April 18th. This auction, being the department’s largest quarterly sale, features a remarkable collection of high-end jewelry, showcasing a diverse range of stunning pieces that capture the artistry and sophistication of the world’s most sought-after gemstones and precious metals.

Clars’ spring sale is sure to present an impressive assortment of jewelry and watches to cater to every collector’s preference. The auction will showcase a stunning assortment of rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, each crafted to dazzle with its radiant elegance and charm. Highlights include an antique diamond and silver-topped 14k gold brooch, featuring extraordinary rose-cut diamonds, estimated at $10,000–$20,000, a Columbian emerald, seed pearl, diamond and 18k gold necklace, estimated at $3,000–$5,000, and an exceptional color-changing alexandrite ring, estimated at $3,000–$6,000. We will also be showcasing a variety of fine jade pieces and an array of fine, rare, and limited-edition Rolexes.

Whether you seek the timeless elegance of a diamond, or the striking appeal of a gemstone, there is something for every jewelry enthusiast in this sale. This auction is a must-attend for both fine jewelry and timepiece collectors. In search of a standout addition to your collection or a one-of-a-kind gift? This sale offers a stunning selection of exquisite and timeless treasures. Be sure to save the date and join us for an unforgettable event filled with elegance, style, and unmatched beauty.

The Genesis of Rolex

In 1905, Hans Wilsdorf, a young German entrepreneur, founded a watch distribution company in London with his brother-in-law Alfred Davis. Initially named Wilsdorf & Davis, the company imported Swiss watch movements and placed them in high-quality cases. Wilsdorf’s vision extended beyond mere functionality; he aimed to create a brand synonymous with precision and reliability. In 1908, he registered the trademark “Rolex,” a name he chose for its simplicity and universal appeal.

The Classic Oyster Perpetual

The Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch continues to be a symbol of Rolex’s commitment to quality and innovation. The Oyster Perpetual, introduced in the 1920s, was the world’s first waterproof wristwatch. The Oyster name comes from an oyster, sealed keeping the bivalves closed keeping ocean water in. Of course, for a Rolex Oyster, the opposite is the goal, sealing the movement keeping water and dust out. Its stainless steel variant represents a balance between durability and elegance, making it a staple in Rolex’s lineup and a favorite among watch enthusiasts.

Early Innovations

The Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Bubble Back Wristwatch was introduced in the 1930s and represented a significant advancement in watchmaking. The “Bubble Back” referred to the distinctive, protruding case back that housed the automatic movement, which was a notable innovation of the time. The Oyster Perpetual was celebrated for its robustness and water-resistant design, a leap forward in both functionality and durability.

The Datejust Era

The 18k Gold and Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust Wristwatch represents a hallmark of Rolex’s innovation. Launched in 1945, the Datejust was the first self-winding waterproof chronometer wristwatch to feature an automatic date function displayed through a window at 3 o’clock. Its classic design, combining gold and stainless steel, made it a versatile choice for both formal and casual wear, solidifying its status as a timeless icon.

Speed & Precision

The Stainless Steel Speedking Wristwatch, introduced in the 1930s, was engineered for those who lived life in the fast lane. It was named after Sir Malcolm Campbell (British racing motorist), a Rolex enthusiast and nine-time world land speed record holder who set the record for fastest on land speed at 300 mph in 1935. Its sporty design and reliable performance made it a favorite among professionals and enthusiasts who demanded both functionality and style. The Speedking is also known as the “PoW watch.” During World War II, Rolex offered all British prisoners of war in Germany the ability to purchase a Rolex which would be delivered to their POW camp but could be paid for after the war was done. This was intended as a morale boost, and the affordable Speedking was without a doubt the most popular option.

The Submariner’s Depths

The Stainless Steel Submariner Wristwatch is perhaps one of Rolex’s most iconic models. Introduced in 1953, the Submariner was designed for professional divers and became renowned for its water resistance and robustness. Its features, including a rotating bezel for tracking dive times and a luminous dial, have made it a symbol of adventure and exploration. The Submariner is highly coveted by collectors and adventurers alike.

The Elegance of Gold

The Rolex Diamond and 18k Gold Dress Watch reflects Rolex’s foray into luxury and elegance. In the 1950s and 1960s, Rolex expanded its range to include more opulent designs. This particular model showcases Rolex’s ability to blend precision with aesthetic grandeur, using diamonds and 18k gold to create a timepiece suitable for formal occasions and high society.

Epilogue: A Legacy of Excellence

Rolex’s story is one of continuous innovation and timeless design. From its early beginnings in London to its status as a global icon, Rolex has remained at the forefront of watchmaking. Each model — whether the sturdy Bubble Back, the elegant diamond and gold dress watch, the sporty Speedking, the classic Datejust, the versatile Oyster Perpetual, or the adventurous Submariner — represents a chapter in Rolex’s legacy of precision, luxury, and craftsmanship.

As you explore these timepieces and their historical significance, you are not just witnessing the evolution of a brand but also the story of a visionary commitment to excellence that has transcended time.

Clars is thrilled to host our Exquisite Diamonds & Watches Auction on Thursday, September 19th, starting at 9:30 AM PDT. This exceptional sale will feature a stunning array of large, high-quality diamonds, signed jewelry, and rare watches.

Highlighting the diamond jewelry segment are several standout pieces, including a diamond and platinum brooch, estimated at $50,000–$70,000; a 3.36 carat diamond and fourteen-karat gold ring, estimated at $6,000–$8,000; and a diamond and 14k gold bracelet weighing a total of 15 carats, estimated at $3,500–$4,500.

Among the notable jewelry makers represented are David Webb and Cartier. Featured are a pair of David Webb diamond, black enamel, and 18k gold ear clips, estimated at $6,000–$8,000 and a pair of David Webb enamel and 18k gold Zebra ear clips, estimated at $5,000–$7,000.

In addition, the auction showcases a remarkable selection of timepieces. Leading this segment is a stainless steel Rolex ‘Submariner’ wristwatch, estimated at $7,500–$8,500; a diamond and 18k white gold Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso wristwatch, also estimated at $8,000–$12,000; a stainless steel Rolex Speedking wristwatch, estimated at $3,000–$5,000; a stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual wristwatch, estimated at $3,000–$5,000; and an 18k gold Cartier Monaco wristwatch, estimated at $5,000–$7,000. The sale also includes a diverse range of additional timepieces spanning various decades, featuring rare and exotic models.