2 Answers

The auction is taking place, Bonhams says, because Caine – who turns 89 this year – and his wife link are interested in downsizing and "taking life at link a more leisurely pace." A few other notable lots in the sale include a painting by Marc Chagall, a pair of the actor's easily recognizable hexagonal eyeglasses, and a portrait of Sir Michael Caine by Lincoln Townley, with the proceeds from the link latter all going to Britain's National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.

In this case that means a 44mm Laureato Absolute made link from a carbon-titanium composite material that is the result of a manufacturing technique called "Tech8." The process is similar to that of prepreg link carbon fiber but includes the introduction of titanium powder. This link forms very thin sheets which are layered together to build up the material to the extent that the watch's components like the case and bezel can then be milled into shape.