URBAN GUIDE

Whether for fine jewellery or precious timewear, the July auctions are now unmissable dates for collectors.

Following the success of last January's world-first auction of women's timewear only, Artcurial* now invites connoisseurs to its second "Time is Feminine" sale. Swiss watchmaker Piaget, a master of the art of creating outstanding jewellery watches, will again monopolise attention through the dispersal of the personal collection of Gail and Robert Schwartz, who retailed the brand in South Africa from the 1960s. Note too the inclusion of ladies' models by great names such as Cartier, Jaeger LeCoultre, Chopard, Patek Philippe and Rolex. But as prestigious as this sale may be, it's unlikely to steal all the limelight from Artcurial's other big auctions, of jewellery, timewear and vintage Hermès, for which the catalogues' editorial selection was this year entrusted to Colette's artistic director and cofounder, Sarah Andelman. As for the Hôtel des Ventes de Monte-Carlo**, over the same period it has sales of jewellery, watches and modern art. An opportunity to snap up some rare pieces, such as a Rolex Daytona (lot 1071), a Patek Philippe clock decorated with boats and a seagull (around lot 1097), a three-string fine-pearl Cartier necklace, or perhaps a painting by Raoul Dufy or Bernard Buffet or one of the sculptures including a superb bronze by Folon, depicting his famed figure as a centaur.

Par Alexandre Benoist

*ARTCURIAL
Joaillerie, Horlogerie, Hermès Vintage : du 19 au 21 juilletLe Temps est Féminin II : le 18 juilletHôtel Hermitage, Square Beaumarchais

** HÔTEL des VENTES DE MONTE-CARLO
Montre & Bijoux : 19 au 20 juilletArt moderne : 22 juillet- 10-12 quai Antoine 1er Tél. (+377) 93 25 88 89