THE KNIGHT

In the world of auction houses, Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo has “changed the game”, and cemented its status as the leader in the field, focused solely on providing quality of the highest level with each and every piece it offers. Accordingly, it is our utmost pleasure to join hands with this visionary team to change the game -- once again.

Noble & Graff has always embraced a discreet presence in order to preserve our exclusivity. As a luxury trunk maker trained by traditional royal- warranted English ateliers, we cling to the triple doctrines of perfection, perfection, and perfection. 

Our brand is an ode to artisans, a celebration of leather, woodworking and metal techniques with a historic resonance. Our connoisseur clientele is pleased only by products defined as prestigious, private, and personal.​

A zealous watch aficionado myself, I believe these engineering marvels deserve “objet d’arts” for their preservation. In celebration of this thematic auction, we have crafted a sculpture which is a futuristic rendition of the Knight in the game of chess. Like a sentinel in a shining, noble armour, this capsule (‘The Knight’) safeguards the cherished keepsakes with nimble ease. Often the defining piece in the set with the finest detail, the Knight has the ability to move over pieces in its own unique way. It is the perfect embodiment of everything Noble & Graf stands for – intelligence, adventure, and whimsicality. 

What makes our hearts further flutter are the two special editions we have fashioned as tributes to iconic game-changing timepieces of particular uniqueness and importance. In this year which marks the 40th anniversary of Francis Ford Coppola’s expressionistic wonder ‘Apocalypse Now’, the long thought to be lost Rolex GMT-Master ref. 1675 worn by Marlon Brando as Colonel Kurtz in the film will be auctioned by Phillips. To honour this storied piece, ‘The Knight’ has been conferred with the Colonel’s signature military dog tags, an homage we pay to the mystical character played by the greatest actor of all time. 

In addition, legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus has also parted with his much beloved Rolex Day-Date reference 1803 in charitable support for his foundation for children. For this sentimental timepiece which has accompanied this iconic athlete for 50 years throughout his historic career, we have sculpted a watch case synonymous with his excellence — ‘The Golden Bear’, coined after the endearing nickname he acquired from his alma mater. It takes the contour of a majestic bear, a fitting metaphor for the undisputed “King of Golf” himself. 

The soul of Noble & Graf is in the craft, and together with Phillips we have made poetry. I would like to give a heartfelt word of gratitude to Mr. Paul Boutros and dear friend Mr. Geoffrey Hess for bringing us on board to celebrate this journey of “game changing” luxury.