ROLEX, OMEGA AND AUDEMARS PIGUET – EXPERT PICKS BY MARCEL SCHAARSCHMIDT
Certified Pre-Owned Watches: "Hour Favourites" from Bucherer Munich
The most memorable watches are more than finely crafted objects. They represent innovation, heritage, and the stories that make collecting so captivating. Recognizing those qualities requires a trained eye and a genuine passion for horology. As a Client Advisor for Certified Pre-Owned Watches at Bucherer Munich, Marcel Schaarschmidt combines deep product knowledge with a collector’s perspective, helping clients discover timepieces distinguished by their history, design, and technical significance.
4 Minutes
A Curated Selection from Bucherer Munich
For this edition of Hour Favourites, Marcel presents four watches that have earned a special place on his shortlist. From the spacefaring legacy of Omega and the groundbreaking design language of Audemars Piguet, to the motorsport-inspired character of TAG Heuer and a rare chapter in Rolex history, each piece reflects a distinct chapter in watchmaking history. Carefully selected for its significance, individuality, and appeal to today’s collectors, every watch has been thoroughly authenticated and serviced in accordance with the exacting standards of the Bucherer Certified Pre-Owned programme.
TAG Heuer Monaco
“The TAG Heuer Monaco is one of the most recognisable chronographs ever produced, combining a distinctive design with strong motorsport heritage,” Marcel notes. “Its 39 mm stainless-steel case is paired with a perforated calfskin leather strap and powered by the in-house Calibre 11 with a 40-hour power reserve. One of its most charming features is the crown positioned at 9 o’clock, a direct nod to the iconic 1969 original. At the time, this unusual layout highlighted the fact that the watch did not require manual winding, underlining its status as one of the earliest automatic chronographs. With its unmistakable design and rich heritage, the Monaco remains an enduring favourite among collectors.”
Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Apollo 13 Silver Snoopy Award
“The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch is a tribute to one of the most celebrated chapters in space history,” explains Marcel. “Its 42 mm stainless-steel case houses the legendary hand-wound Omega Calibre 1861, the renowned successor to the 861 and 321, with a 40-hour power reserve. Limited to just 1,970 pieces to mark the 45th anniversary of the Apollo 13 mission, it remains highly sought after by collectors. The dial is particularly captivating, featuring the inscriptions ‘Failure is not an option’ and ‘What could you do in 14 seconds’, while the caseback is adorned with a Snoopy medallion crafted from 925 sterling silver. It’s a watch that perfectly combines Omega’s connection to space exploration and the appeal of a highly regarded commemorative reference.”
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Jumbo”
“The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ‘Jumbo’ embodies both luxury and historical significance. Crafted in 18k yellow gold, its 39 mm case flows seamlessly into the integrated bracelet, creating the unmistakable Royal Oak silhouette that changed the industry,” he explains. “Powering the watch is the Manufacture Calibre 2121, based on the legendary Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 920 and celebrated for its remarkably slim construction. According to the Audemars Piguet Chronicles, only 736 examples were produced, making it a particularly rare find today. Most importantly, it was the first Royal Oak reference offered in yellow gold, securing its place as a true milestone in the evolution of modern luxury watchmaking.”
Rolex Oysterquartz Ref. 17013
“Few Rolex models are as distinctive as the Oysterquartz. Its 36mm angular tonneau-shaped case and integrated steel-and-yellow-gold bracelet give it a look unlike anything else in the brand’s history,” says Marcel. “At its heart lies the in-house Quartz Calibre 5035, which incorporates mechanical components derived from the automatic Calibre 3035. First delivered in 1977 and later awarded chronometer certification, the Oysterquartz represents a unique chapter in Rolex’s history. Its appeal is further enhanced by its rarity, with production numbers believed to total only around 25,000 Oysterquartz watches across all references. For collectors seeking something genuinely different, it is an exceptionally compelling choice.”
