One of the star lots in a Birmingham, UK Vintage & Modern Wrist Watch auction on Monday, January 23, is the highly desirable Patek Philippe Nautilus Chronograph 5980/1.

This is the original Nautilus conceived in 1976 by the legendary watch designer Gerald Genta, who died last year. This classic wristwatch has an estimate of $30,800-$38,600.

Internet live bidding will be offered for the auction, which will present nearly 300 lots of mostly antique and modern watches.

Collectors of vintage Rolex will have a wide range of models to compete for including a Rolex Prince, Submariner, Turn-O-Graph and an early chronograph.

Patek Philippe Nautilus chronograph

Continuing the timing theme is a rare 1940s Breitling split-seconds chronograph will be offered. It is a man's 18-karat gold Duograph, which has the capability of recording the duration of two separate events that start simultaneously.

This complication is a rare feat of horological engineering, and until the late 20th century could only be made by the most technically skilled of the watch manufacturers. It carries a $18,500-$27,800 estimate.

The auction is also the one offering items from the estate of Carl Spencer, the world-renowned diver who perished while exploring the wreck of the Carpathia off the coast of Ireland in 2009. These include his Rolex Sea-Dweller and two limited edition Doxas alongside items associated with the Titanic, the Carpathia and world water-speed record holder Donald Campbell's Bluebird.

Other luxury watches currently for sale include this piece by the Swiss luxury watchmakers, Longines from our stock.