The recently concluded Christie’s Hong Kong Top Of The Time Watches Online Auction achieved a total sale of HK$65,811,600 (approximately US$8,420,555). The top achiever of this sale was the Patek Philippe ‘SkyMoon Tourbillon’ Grand Complication watch that was sold for US$ 5.8 million / HK $45.4 million, setting the world record for the most expensive watch auctioned online.

Alexandre Bigler, Vice-President, Head of Watches, Christie’s Asia Pacific, commented: “The outstanding results established for Watches Online: Top of the Time demonstrate the power of Christie’s online sale platform to present exceptional lots and achieve top prices, on par with our live sales. There continues to be an extremely vibrant market for watches across the world, evidenced through the avid global bidding this sale witnessed, which further cements Hong Kong’s status as an international epicenter for watch collecting. This sale lays a very strong foundation for our Spring Auctions in May at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, where we look forward to presenting more exceptional timepieces for our esteemed clients and watch enthusiasts.”

Other Top Achievers

Lot 110: PATEK PHILIPPE, Grand Complications, with minute repeating, instantaneous perpetual calendar, single button chronograph, moon phases, leap year and day/night indication, ref. 5208P-001, circa 2015. Price realised: HK$7,812,000 /US$999,541.

Lot 60: GERALD GENTA, Platinum skeletonised minute repeating perpetual calendar wristwatch, with leap year indicator and moon phases. Price realised: HK$819,000 /US$104,791. Over 5 times over low estimate.

Lot 4: Rolex, Daytona, Ref. 116520 “Mustard” Dial, P series. Price Realised: HKD 693,000.

Lot 2: Rolex White Gold Daytona with Grossular Garnet Rubellite Dial, Ref. 116519. Price Realised: HKD 604,800.

Lot 27: ANDERSEN GENÈVE: Unique 18k white and pink gold wristwatch, case made by Jean-Pierre Hagman, with 21k blue gold dial, tapisserie decorated, art deco hands, historic LeCoultre minute repeater movement from the 1920s, perpetual calendar and leap year indicator inside 6 o’clock hour index, circa 2015. Price realised: HK$352,800 /US$45,141. Over 7 times over low estimate

Lot 72: JAEGER LE-COULTRE, 18k pink gold wristwatch, with reverso tourbillon and power reserve, limited to 500 Pieces. Price realised: HK$352,800 /US$45,141. Over 2 times over low estimate.

Lot 3: Rolex White Gold Daytona with Dark Grey Dial, Ref. 116509.Price Realised: HKD 302,400.

Lot 5: Rolex Yellow Gold Daytona with Golden dial and diamond-set hour-markers, Ref. 16528. Price Realised: HKD 302,400.

Lot 56: Dewitt Academia Tourbillon Force Constante, Ref. AC.8003.20.M118 (limited to 25 pieces). Price Realised: HKD 302,400.

Christie’s is presenting a live auction of 40 F.P. Journe timepieces at Four Seasons Hotel Des Bergues, Geneva, on 12th May 2023.

It is the largest thematic auction of F.P. Journe watches to date. Amongst the emblematic references offered at this stand alone live auction are a platinum Tourbillon Souverain with superb jade dial; a superb example of the ‘Pré-Souscription’ platinum Chronomètre à Résonance; the iconic Centigraphe Souverain with “Ferrari red dial”; a platinum Octa Calendrier with mother-of-pearl dial; a Chronomètre Souverain Dubai edition; as well as an ultra-light titanium Octa ‘LineSport’ with stunning deep blue dial.

The Art of F.P. Journe Live auction, on 12 May, in Geneva, presents a unique opportunity to acquire a timepiece by one of the most important independent watchmakers of today.

This collection will be on tour to selected international Christie’s locations before being exhibited at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues in Geneva in the lead up to the auction.

The Art of F.P. Journe Live Auction: Highlights

F.P. Journe Platinum Tourbillon Wristwatch with Jade Dial, Power Reserve, Constant Force Remontoire, Dead Beat Seconds and Platinum Bracelet, Tourbillon Souverain Model, No. 754-TN, Circa 2018

This platinum F.P. Journe Tourbillon Souverain with a solid platinum bracelet boasts a superb jade dial. Only a few examples exist of this reference. Estimate: CHF500, 000-1,000,000

F.P. Journe Platinum Dual Time Chronometer Wristwatch with Resonance-Controlled Twin Independent Gear-Train Brass Movement, Pink Gold Dial and Power Reserve, Chronometre A Resonance ‘Pre- Souscription’ Model, Case No. 040/00R, Circa 2000

When launching his brand, F.P. Journe introduced a ‘subscription’ model, with 20 of his closest friends and clients committing to purchase timepieces made under his name with the resulting Souscription Tourbillon numbered 1 to 20.

Shortly after, the Chronomètre à Résonance was produced, and F.P. Journe reserved the initial 20 numbers for those clients who had previously subscribed, offering them the opportunity to acquire a Souscription Résonance with matching engraved numbers. The auction will offer an early example of the ‘Pré-Souscription’ platinum Chronomètre à Résonance.

Estimate: CHF500,000-1,000,000

F.P. Journe Platinum Ergonomic Chronograph Wristwatch with 100th of a Second, 20th Seconds, 10- Minute Registers, Red Chrome Dial And Platinum Bracelet, Centigraphe Souverain F Model, Formula Jean Todt Edition, No. 096-CT, Circa 2010

This Centigraphe Souverain platinum ergonomic chronograph wristwatch with 100th of a second, 20th seconds, 10-minute registers, has a red chrome dial and platinum bracelet. Only available upon special request, this “Ferrari red dial” edition of the Centigraphe Souverain unites the worlds of high horology and motor sports.

Estimate: CHF400,000-600,000

F.P. Journe Platinum Limited Edition Automatic Annual Calendar Wristwatch with Retrograde Date and Black Mother-of- Pearl Dial, Octa Calendrier Model, No. 281- Q, Circa 2006

This highly exclusive platinum Octa Calendrier is one of only 15 pieces made for the prestigious Singaporean retailer ‘Sincere Fine Watches’ with a black mother of pearl dial. Rarely available at auction, the offering of this piece provides collectors with the rare opportunity to obtain an example of this automatic annual calendar. Circa 2006.

Estimate: CHF150,000-250,000

F.P. Journe Platinum Limited Edition Wristwatch with Green Dial, Chronometre Souverain Model, No. 64/99-CSD, Circa 2021

Signed F.P. Journe, this exclusive and distinctive platinum limited edition wristwatch with green dial is one of only 99 examples of the Chronomètre Souverain produced in 2020 to celebrate the opening of F.P. Journe’s first Dubai boutique (on October 30th, 2019).

Estimate: CHF60,000-120,000

F.P. Journe Titanium Octa ‘Linesport’ Automatic Wristwatch, Limited Edition of Only 8 Pieces. Circa 2019

Possibly one of the rarest and most attractive versions of F.P. Journe’s ultra-light titanium Octa ‘LineSport’ automatic wristwatches, this blue dial model was made in a highly exclusive and very limited edition of only 8 pieces. Probably, this is the first blue dial Octa LineSport to come to international auction to date.

A portion of the sale result of this watch will be donated to “Only Watch”, benefitting the Association Monégasque contre les Myopathies, for research on Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Circa 2019.

Estimate: CHF60,000-120,000

Christie’s Hong Kong is hosting a meticulously curated online sale from 10th to 20th March this year, offering timepieces by the world’s most prestigious horology Maisons, including Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Rolex and Cartier.

With a total low estimate of HK$40 million, the Top of The Time auction is aiming to achieve the highest sale total to date for an Online watches sale at Christie’s, with Patek Philippe Ref. 6002G being the most valuable timepiece to be offered in any online auction at Christie’s Asia.

The auction by Christie’s Hong Kong will offer 110 lots. Among them are two of Patek Philippe’s greatest masterpieces, each one an exemplar of the five most complicated wristwatches ever made by the Geneva Maison: the incomparable and magnificent 12-complication Ref. 6002G ‘Sky Moon Tourbillon’ with blue champlevé and cloisonné enamel dial; and the exceptional self-winding ‘Grande Complication’ Ref. 5208P Minute Repeater single-button chronograph with perpetual calendar.

Held on 8th December 2022, the Christie’s New York Important Watches auction achieved a total amount of $6,768,720.

The sale celebrated fine vintage and modern horological masterpieces from the world’s most reputable and desirable brands, attracted new generation bidders including Millennials and Gen Z from a total of 32 Countries globally, with 23% of registrants new to Christie’s.

The top lot of the sale was a very rare and attractive Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Titanium Minute Repeating Supersonnerie Bracelet Watch, limited to 35 examples, which achieved $466,200.

A rare Patek Philippe Nautilus “Green Dial” Steel bracelet watch achieved $352,800. Rounding out the sale a spectacular Patek Philippe 18K Rose Gold Wristwatch with Cloisonne Enamel Dial, sold for $252,000.

Top performing lots that achieved prices above $100,000

• Lot 113: Audemars Piguet, Ref. 26591TI.OO.1252TI.02, Royal Oak Titanium Minute Repeating Supersonnerie Bracelet Watch, Limited to 35 examples – $466,200

• Lot 22: Patek Philippe, Ref. 5711/1A-014, Nautilus “Green Dial” Steel Bracelet Watch with Date – $352,800

• Lot 99: Richard Mille, Ref. RM67-02, Alexander Zverev, Tonneau-Shaped Wristwatch, Number 297 in a limited edition of 497 examples – $296,100

• Lot 108: Patek Philippe, Ref. 3700/4, Nautilus 18k Yellow Gold and Diamond-Set Bracelet Watch with Date – $277,200

• Lot 46: Patek Philippe, 18k Rose Gold Wristwatch with Cloisonné Enamel Dial – $252,000

• Lot 117: Patek Philippe, Ref. 5270P-014, Platinum Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Wristwatch with Moon Phases, Leap Year, Day/Night Indicator, and Green Dial – $239,400

• Lot 71: Rolex, REF. 6264, Daytona 14K Yellow Gold Chronograph Wristwatch with Champagne Dial – $214,200

• Lot 106: Patek Philippe, Ref. 5990/1A-001, Nautilus Steel Travel Time Flyback Chronograph Bracelet Watch with Date and Day/Night Indicators, signed and retailed by Tiffany & Co. – $201,600

• Lot 111: Audemars Piguet, Ref. 25686PR.OO.0944PR.01, Royal Oak Platinum and 18k Rose Gold Perpetual Calendar Bracelet Watch with Moon Phases, numbered 18 out of 37 examples – $182,700

• Lot 105: Patek Philippe, Ref. 5712/1A-001, Nautilus Steel Bracelet Watch with Power Reserve, Moon Phases, and Date, signed and retailed by Tiffany & Co. – $176,400

• Lot 39: Vacheron Constantin, Patrimony, Ref. 30110/000P-B108, Platinum Minute Repeater Wristwatch, Number 2 in a limited edition of 10 examples – $163,800

• Lot 107: Patek Philippe, Ref. 5711/1A-010, Nautilus Steel Bracelet Watch with Date, signed and retailed by Tiffany & Co. – $151,200

• Lot 112: Audemars Piguet, Ref. 25810OR.0.0944OR.01, Royal Oak, Quantieme Perpetual “120 Years”, 18K Rose Gold Perpetual Calendar Bracelet Watch with Moon Phases and Week Indicator, limited to 120 examples – $144,900

• Lot 54: Piaget, Ref. 91322, Galaxy, 18K Yellow Gold and Diamond-Set Bracelet Watch – $138,600

• Lot 53: Gerald Genta, Ref. G.4103.K, Success, 18K White Gold, Diamond, and Sapphire-Set Minute Repeater Wristwatch – $126,000

• Lot 62: Rolex, Ref. 116758SR, GMT-Master II, “SARU”, 18K Yellow Gold, Diamond, and Gem-Set Gmt Wristwatch with Date – $119,700

• Lot 85: Patek Philippe, Ref. 5711/1R-001, Nautilus 18K Rose Gold Bracelet Watch with Date – $113,400

• Lot 44: Patek Philippe, Ref. 591, 18K Rose Gold Chronograph Wristwatch with Pink Dial – $107,100

• Lot 16: Rolex, Ref. 116506, Daytona Platinum Chronograph Wristwatch with “Ice Blue” Dial – $100,800

• Lot 115: Patek Philippe, Ref. 5270G-001, 18K White Gold Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Wristwatch with Moon Phases, Leap Year, and Day/Night Indicator – $100,800

Christie’s Watches Online The New York Edit auction held between 29th November and 13th December achieved a total of $1,344,168 with 85% sold by lot and 105% hammer above low estimate. There was global participation with bidders from 31 countries and over 36% new registrants, and a total of 37% of Millennials buyers and bidders.

Leading the sale was a Parmigiani Fleurier minute repeater watch in 18k yellow gold, which sold for $63,000. The sale also achieved notable results for a Patek Philippe an 18k yellow gold Perpetual Calendar, with Moon Phases which achieved $60,480 and a Cartier Travel Clock in Yellow Gold and Enamel, which achieved seven times its low estimate and sold for $44,100.

Other strong results were achieved for Parmigiani Fleurier, Toric Nubia 18k Rose Gold wristwatch with date which realized $44,100; a steel Rolex retailed by Tiffany & Co. sold for $40,320; Rolex Daytona “Zenith” 18k yellow gold chronograph wristwatch which achieved $40,320.

Top ten achievers

• Lot 274: Parmigiani Fleurier, Ref. PF000481, Toric 18k Yellow Gold Minute Repeater Wristwatch with Subsidiary Seconds, Piece Unique – Price Realized $63,000.
• Lot 217: Patek Philippe, Ref. 3940 18k Yellow Gold Perpetual Calendar Wristwatch with Moon Phases and 24 Hour Indicator – Price Realized $60,480.
• Lot 249: Cartier 18k Yellow Gold and Enamel “Shutter” Travel Clock – Price Realized $44,100.
• Lot 273: Parmigiani Fleurier, Piece Unique, Ref. Pf000481, Toric Nubia 18k Rose Gold Wristwatch with Date – Price Realized: $44,100.
• Lot 201: Rolex Ref. 1016, Explorer Steel Wristwatch, Retailed By Tiffany & Co. – Price Realized: $40,320.
• Lot 216: Rolex, Ref. 16528, Daytona “Zenith” 18K Yellow Gold Chronograph – Price Realized: $40,320.
• Lot 205: Rolex, Ref. 1665, Sea-Dweller, “Double Red” Steel Diver’s Wristwatch with Date – Price Realized: $32,760.
• Lot 202: Audemars Piguet, Ref. 26120ST.OO.1220ST.03, Royal Oak Steel Dual-Time Bracelet Watch with Date, Day/Night Indicator and Power Reserve, Numbered “1234” – Price Realized: $30,240.
• Lot 268: Patek Philippe, Ref. 3584/1, Ellipse 18k White Gold and Diamond-Set Bracelet Watch – Price Realized: $25,200.

 

This past weekend, Christie’s Hong Kong realised a combined sale total exceeding HK$202 million / US$26 million / EUR 25 million, marking the second consecutive year for Christie’s Asia of exceeding an annual sale total of HK$500 million(US$ 64 million / EUR 61.9 million) in watch sales.

The auction saw strong global participation from 40 countries; 55% of new buyers are millennials. The Important Watches featuring The Triazza Collection, Part I achieved a total sale of HK$121,822,260 / US$15.6 million / EUR 15.1 million.

The Champion Collection, Part VI: The Finest Watchmaking achieved a total sale of HK$80,356,741/US$10.3 million / EUR 9.9 million

The impressive results achieved by ‘Métiers d’Art’ pieces that elevate a craft to the level of art, especially that of enamelling, testify to the growing desirability of timepieces that uniquely combine mechanical perfection and sublime artistry.

Also, the two world records set by Patek Philippe, with the Ref.5208P-001minute repeater perpetual calendar chronograph in platinum fetching more than HK$ 10 million (US$ 1.2 million / EUR 1.2 million) as the top lot of the sale, and the Ref. 5073P-001, a minute repeater perpetual calendar set with baguette-cut diamonds achieving over HK$ 13.6 million (close to US 1.3 million /close to EUR 1.7 million).

The Champion Collection is a testament to the determination and dedication it takes to bring pieces together and curate them into a living entity, always evolving and growing to reflect the personality of its owner.

Christie’s Watches Hong Kong Auctions Autumn 2022 Results

Here are the world record-breaking results and highlights from The Champion Collection, Part VI:

• Lot 2282: Patek Philippe: An important and highly complicated automatic minute repeating, instantaneous perpetual calendar single-button chronograph wristwatch with moon phases, leap year and day/night indications. Ref. 5208P-001. Circa 2014. Price realised: HK$10,050,000/ US$1,292,600. World Record.
• Lot 2258: An extremely rare, limited edition ladies Patek Philippe automatic World Time: 18k rose gold with diamond-set bezel and cloisonné enameldial depicting Lake Geneva commemorating the Maison’s 175th anniversary. Ref. 7131/175R. Circa 2015. Price realised: HK$2,772,000 US$356,526. World Record.
• Lot 2259: A very rare 18k white gold limited edition automatic Patek Philippe; cloisonné enamel dial by Anita Porchet with a lateen sailboat on Lake Geneva to commemorate the 175th anniversary of Patek Philippe. Ref. 5089G-037. Circa 2015. Price realised: HK$2,016,000/ US$259,292. World Record.
• Lot 2268: A platinum limited edition automatic Patek Philippe with a cloisonné enamel dial by Anita Porchet featuring a butterfly. Ref. 5077P-015. Circa 2009. Price realised: HK 1,638,000/US$210,674. World Record.
• Lot 2279: A very rare and elegant 18k white gold minute repeating Patek Philippe tourbillon wristwatch with black enamel dial and Breguet numerals. Ref. 5539G-001 .Circa 2014. Price realised: HK$5,040,000 / US$646,102. World Record.

Here is a selection of the sale highlights from Important Watches featuring The Triazza Collection, Part I. All 218 lots offered at auction were sold.

• Lot 2519: Extremely rare and magnificent, a platinum and baguette-cut diamond-set automatic “cathedral” minute repeating perpetual calendar Patek Philippe with moon phases, 24-hour and leap year indications. Ref. 5073P-001. Circa 2014. Price Realised: HK$13,650,000 / US$1,755,622. World Record.
• Lot 2523: An extremely rare, limited edition ladies Patek Philippe automatic World Time: 18k rose gold with diamond-set bezel and cloisonné enameldial depicting Lake Geneva commemorating the Maison’s 175th anniversary. Ref. 7131/175R. Circa 2015. Price realised: HK$7,812,000 US$1,004,756.
• Lot 2522: Possibly unique and historically important 18k gold tourbillon keyless Patek Philippe pocket watch from 1924 with white enamel dial, Breguet hands and numerals, with antimagnetic observatory contest case and sector-dial. First Prize at the Geneva Observatory contest in 1931. Price realised: HK$5,922,000/ US$761,670.
• Lot 2419: F.P. Journe, a rare 18k rose gold and silver limited edition tourbillon wrist-watch with gilt brass movement; made to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the famed Maison. Only 99 pieces were produced. Circa 2014. Price realized: HK 3,024,000/ US$388,937.
• Lot 2313: A very rare 18k white gold, diamond and sapphire-set Rolex Daytona automatic chronograph wrist-watch. Ref. 116589. Price realised: HK$2,268,000 / US$291,703.
• Lot 2369: Cartier, a rarely seen asymmetrical wristwatch “Crash” model in platinum with manual movement and silvered dial signed “Paris”. Price realised: HK$2,646,000 / US$340,320

Following the success of the auction held in New York this past June, which totaled US$21,743,070, Christie’s presents the New York Important Watches on December 8th. This will be a Live Auction comprising 117 lots, featuring fine vintage and modern horological masterpieces from the world’s most reputable and desirable brands.

Vintage highlights from Patek Philippe include a very rare and attractive 18k rose gold wristwatch with a captivating cloisonné enamel dial featuring a Viking longship, manufactured in 1950, and an extraordinarily rare 18k yellow gold Nautilus Ref. 3700 with a diamond-set bezel from 1980.

Other classic treasures include an attractive 18k gold Rolex Daytona Ref. 6265 along with one of the rarest sport watches produced by Tudor, the “Big Crown” Reference 7924, which was in production for one year only between 1958 and 1959.

More modern timepieces include a number of Patek Philippe desirable green dial references: the striking grande complication 5270P-014 and the Nautilus 5711-014. There will also be a limited-edition Richard Mille Ref. RM67-02 “Alexander Zverev” as well as a Vacheron Constantin platinum minute repeating wristwatch, which was produced in a limited edition of only 10 examples.

Moreover, the sale will present a Single Owner collection of highly desirable Patek Philippe references retailed by Tiffany & Co. as well as a selection of very attractive and rare skeleton, gem and diamond-set, or hardstone dial timepieces.

Christie’s New York Important Watches – Top Lots

Lot 113: Audemars Piguet Ref. 26591TI.OO.1252TI.02, Royal Oak. A very fine and extremely rare titanium minute repeater supersonnerie wristwatch, limited to 35 examples.

Audemars Piguet reference 26591TI is one of the most impressive and rare timepieces from the contemporary Royal Oak family. Released without fanfare in 2021 in only 35 examples, this model of the iconic Royal Oak has been crafted in a large 42mm case with a beautiful salmon tapisserie dial. With its large case and bracelet, one would expect a heavy presence on the wrist.

This timepiece weighs at a mere 124 grams thanks to its titanium construction. Furthermore, a minute repeating supersonnerie has been integrated in the timepiece. The titanium case gives the complication’s chime a unique tonal resonance.

Estimate: US$350,000-550,000

Lot 46: Patek Philippe. A very fine, rare and attractive 18k rose gold wristwatch with cloisonné enamel dial, manufactured in 1950.

Wristwatches fitted with cloisonné enamel dials take a most prominent position in terms of beauty, craftsmanship, and rarity. Produced mostly in the 1940s and 50s, Patek Philippe made an exceedingly small number of “time only” wristwatches where highly detailed and incredibly artistic cloisonné enamel dials were fitted.

Only an extremely small number of watches were upgraded with these wonderful dials, depicting popular motifs such as a jungle, a lighthouse and sail boats, flowers, portraits, and maps.

The present dial was crafted to special order in 1950, and was, most likely, originally delivered to France, to be housed in a French-manufactured case.

After World War II, this was quite common practice in alignment with the post-war economic effort. Importing foreign jewellery was prohibited in France, so many Swiss makers had their cases made in France, often after their own Swiss model.

Given these constraints, Patek Philippe worked closely with French firms such as Guillermin, providing dials and movements under the agreement that Patek Philippe standards would be upheld.

This watch was sold previously at Christie’s in 2005 and has remained well-preserved with the present consignor.

Today, most of the vintage wristwatches by Patek Philippe fitted with cloisonné enamel dials are either in the world’s most important and exclusive private collections, or permanently showcased in the firm’s museum in Geneva.

Estimate: US$200,000-400,000

Lot 108: Patek Philippe Ref. 3700, Nautilus. An extremely rare and attractive 18k yellow gold and diamond-set bracelet watch with date. Manufactured in 1980.

The present lot may be one of the rarest Nautilus watches to exist. According to research, this watch is the second reference 3700/4 to ever appear at auction.

In addition to the present lot’s rarity with a well- preserved case and bracelet crafted from 18k yellow gold, the bezel is factory embellished with 72 glamorous diamonds. Typically, stones are set directly on top of the bezel, but reference 3700/4 has them placed on the outer bevel.

Estimate: US$230,000-330,000

Lot 72: Rolex Ref. 6265, Daytona. A very fine and rare 18k yellow gold chronograph wristwatch. Manufactured in 1981.

Four-digit Rolex Daytona’s are some of the most desirable and collectible wristwatches, and reference 6265 is no exception. The timepiece is constructed from 18k yellow gold and has a screw-down crown and pushers to ensure a water-tight seal.

The watch has a matte black dial and gold registers that complement the 18k yellow gold case. This gold and black combination provides a striking, beautiful contrast.

Another interesting and distinctive feature about Reference 6265 is the “Oyster” text below Rolex. It is in larger type and “Perpetual” is absent because the watch is manually wound. The sporty 18k yellow gold case measures 37mm in diameter.

Estimate: US$160,000-260,000

Lot 67 – Tudor “Big Crown” Reference 7924.This reference was manufactured only in 1958 and 1959.

With serial numbers ranging from 275XXX to 295XXX, reference 7924 is an exceptionally rare watch and a grail among vintage watch collectors worldwide. Reference 7924 was Tudor’s most capable dive watch in the late 1950’s thank to its thick, robust, stainless steel case and oversized 8mm crown.

Rated to 200 meters/660 feet, the 7924 was the brand’s offering alongside Rolex Reference 6538 and Reference 5510. In fact, aside from the movement and dial, Tudor reference 7924 is identical to its iconic Rolex “Big Crown” brothers.

The present lot reference is the only vintage big crown produced in a series by Tudor. It is also the last “No Crown Guard” 200 meter depth rated dive watch made by the brand.

Estimate: US$60,000-100,000

Lot 22: Patek Philippe Ref. 5711/1A-014, Nautilus. A very rare and highly desirable green dial, steel bracelet watch with date.

The present lot, reference 5711/1A-014, commemorates the final “victory lap” of the Nautilus Reference 5711. It is the last steel 5711 and it was produced only for one year in very limited numbers, already makes this an extremely exclusive watch.

What differentiates the reference 5711/1A-014 is the olive green dial: It is the only Nautilus to sport a dial in this very subtle green tone.

The case has a standard three-part construction rather than the original monobloc case, allowing for easier serviceability and a sapphire case back to view the in-house Calibre324 S C. The timepiece has a date complication with white gold hands and hour markers.

Estimate: US$200,000-400,000

Lot 117: Patek Philippe Ref. 5270P-014. A very fine and rare platinum perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moon phases, leap year, day/night indicator, and green dial.

From enthusiasts to collectors alike, all eyes were captured at Baselworld 2011 with the introduction of Patek Philippe reference 5270. The timepiece marked the latest iteration from the legendary Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Chronograph family that began with Reference 1518 in 1941.

Reference 5270 sets itself apart from its predecessor (Ref. 5970) with a case diameter increased to 41mm and a case thickness decreased by 1mm. The in-house Calibre CH 29-535 PS Q’s additional complication of a day/night indicator further highlights the engineering prowess. The subsidiary registers are, quite playfully, lowered just below the central axis.

The present lot, reference 5270P-014, is among the latest 2022 releases from the perpetual calendar chronograph family. Besides the bold and beautiful green dial, Patek Philippe has opted for a new style of pointed dauphine-style hands; broad and faceted, they resemble the hour markers on the dial. The outer tachymeter scale has also been omitted in favour of a “sporty” minute ring that gives the watch a cleaner aesthetic.

Estimate: US$200,000-330,000

Lot 99: Richard Mille Ref. RM67-02 “Alexander Zverev”. A very fine and rare tonneau-shaped wristwatch, number 297 in a limited edition of 497 examples.

Made to withstand the forces produced in high-intensity activities, the Richard Mille RM67-02 collection includes the perfect watches for super athletes. The present lot was made in collaboration with German tennis superstar Alexander Zverev who personally wears this model while playing tennis. It is distinguished by the use of red and gold accents in the mid case, echoing the colours found on the flag of Germany.

The present timepiece has a comfortable thickness of 7.8mm and an impressive weight of only 32 grams, which includes the strap. It is the lightest strap the brand has ever produced.

The incredible feather-light weight can be attributed to the patented Carbon and Quartz TPT (Thin Ply Technology) and titanium used to create the case. The rotor of the automatic-winding calibre is visible through the skeletonised movement. The watch comes with a seamless elastic stretch strap.

Estimate: US$180,000-350,000

Lot 79: F.P. Journe, Octa Réserve de Marche. A very rare and early 18k rose gold wristwatch with date, power reserve, and brass movement.

Introduced in 2001, the Octa Réserve de Marche was F.P. Journe’s first automatic wristwatch following the legendary Tourbillion and Résonance. During the 2001-2014 production period of the Octa Réserve de Marche, approximately 800 pieces were created, making this an extremely rare and coveted timepiece.

The present lot’s collectability is furthered by a brass movement that is only found in Journe’s earliest work; it is quite distinct from the contemporary red gold movements which have since become synonymous with the brand.

The dial has begun to develop a light patina, which is normal and highly desirable in Journe’s earliest work. This is due, at the time, to the work-in-progress in mastering dial lacquering. The present lot has a 38mm yellow gold case.

Estimate: US$120,000-220,000

A collection of Patek Philippe Watches retailed by Tiffany & Co.

The sale will be hosting a Single Owner collection of highly desirable Patek Philippe references retailed by Tiffany &Co.

Lot 106 – Patek Philippe Ref. 5990/1A-001, Nautilus. A very rare steel travel time flyback chronograph bracelet watch with date and day/night indicators, signed and retailed by Tiffany &Co.

Introduced in 1976, the design of the Patek Philippe Nautilus was inspired by a ship’s portholes. The original reference 3700 was constructed with a monobloc case, replicating the way portholes were opened on vessels.

The present lot, reference 5990/1A-001, dates to 2018. It is one of the most functional watches from the Nautilus line, and greatly favoured by collectors.

The watch features a travel time function with disguised pushers that are found in the left “ear” of the case. The pushers adjust a second time zone hand that can be jumped forwards and backwards by the hour. An ingenious touch: When a second time zone is not necessary, that hand can be discreetly tucked out of sight behind the primary hour hand.

The watch also features day/night indicators to correspond with the hands. The case of this complicated wristwatch measures in at 40.5mm and is crafted from steel. The iconic “Tiffany & Co.” signature is subtly placed near the 6 o’clock register.

Estimate: US$150,000-250,000

 

The Christie’s online auction “Watches Online: The Geneva Edit” will offer a curated selection of remarkable and eye-catching timepieces.

Open for bidding from 1 through 15 November, it will comprise esteemed pieces by Rolex, Cartier, Breguet, Vacheron Constantin, Zenith, and especially Audemars Piguet and Richard Mille.

Collectors will be also delighted to discover a strong and highly attractive section dedicated to independents brands such as Christophe Claret, Jorg Hysek, deLaCour or Jean Dunand, and to the most confidential productions these unconventional watchmakers have made.

This Online auction will be one of the rare and unique opportunities to acquire these pieces, which are no longer produced and are therefore an absolute rarity.

Among the highlights: the fantastic Richard Mille ‘Felipe Massa’ Ref. RM011 AH WG, an Audemars Piguet ‘Royal Oak A Series’ Ref. 5402ST, as well as a stunning Jorg Hysek limited edition white gold minute repeating tourbillon ‘Symphony’, number 9 of 10.

A selection of 50 lots offered in this Online Auction will be exhibited at the Four Seasons Hôtel des Bergues in Geneva, from 3 to 5 November.

Richard Mille, white gold and titanium chronograph ‘Felipe Massa’, Ref. RM011 AH WG. Circa 2011

The RM011 Felipe Massa was introduced by Richard Mille in 2007 and has since become a staple of the manufacturer’s line-up and their most successful chronograph.

Bearing the name of the famed Formula One driver, the RM011 was Richard Mille’s first chronograph which was not a rattrapante.

As one of the first sporting figure to have joined the Richard Mille family, the manufacture celebrated the 10th anniversary of their collaboration with Formula One racing driver Felipe Massa by launching the RM011 chronograph.

Estimate: CHF200,000-400,000

Audemars Piguet, stainless steel ‘Royal Oak A Series’, Ref. 5402ST, No. A1121. From 1974

This steel ‘A Series’ is part of the first 2000 Royal Oaks ever created. This first series was numbered from A 0001 to A 2000.

Indeed, after having sold out the first 1’000 pieces, the eventual success of this model was such that Audemars Piguet took the decision to increase the production to 2’000 pieces. After the ‘A-series’ sold out, manufacture progressed on to the ‘B’ series, ‘C’ series, and so on.

While the Royal Oak watch was entirely designed by Gérald Genta, the bracelets for the reference 5402ST were produced by Gay Frères, the most celebrated bracelet maker of the 20th century.

The case and bracelet are one and the same on the Royal Oak, with each link connected by two perpendicular smaller stainless-steel links. This allows for a form-fitting bracelet that follows the curvature of the wrist, making it both striking in appearance and comfortable to wear.

Collectors have long been discovering and researching the rarities from the last almost 50 years of production of the Royal Oak. Early examples from the ‘A’ series and those with tropical dials have captured the serious attention of watch enthusiasts.

Genta’s original dominant design allied with limited availability has ensured that the ‘A Series’ watches of the Royal Oak are amongst the most coveted timepieces ever, enjoying a continuously expanding popularity.

Estimate: CHF70,000-160,000

Jorg Hysek, limited edition white gold minute repeating tourbillon ‘Symphony’, No. 9/10. From 2007

Launched in 1997, HYSEK brand has imposed its disruptive vision within the watch industry as well as its atypical style which heckles and dares the difference.

Independent and unconventional, Hysek has gained a significant and prestigious position on the high end of luxury timepieces. Hysek is synonym of creativity, technicality, quality, exclusiveness. Its contemporary style reveals minimalist and pure lines. HYSEK timepieces are the result of the harmony of shapes and volumes combined to an extreme search of the detail which convey a very strong identity.

The elements proper to Hysek concept are the refined and elaborated watch profiles, the multi-layered dials displaying the numbers 1-5-7-11, the personalised hand-engraved movements decoration, the perfect integration of the bracelet into the watch case for an incomparable wearing comfort as well as the fold-over buckles, exclusive design to Hysek in a perfect continuity to the case.

The brand has expanded very quickly and in the purpose of establishing its watch making legitimacy, Hysek created its own manufacture in 2007, which placed the company as a major actor of the watch industry. Today, the brand creates and manufactures watches, jewellery, writing instruments and accessories.

Estimate: CHF80,000-120,000

On 27 November, Christie’s Hong Kong will be holding a live auction event for Important Watches that will feature The Triazza Collection, Part I, which comprises some of the rarest and most magnificent timepieces from Patek Philippe.

The Christie’s Hong Kong auction offers a total of over 200 watches, with a selection of highly desirable timekeepers, both modern and vintage. Renowned Maisons such as Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantin, Breguet, Jaeger-LeCoultre and A. Lange & Söhne will be represented in this Live Sale, including noteworthy creations by F.P. Journe.

Highlights

Patek Philippe Esmond Bradley Martin Ref. 605 HU cloisonné dial ‘North America’, manufactured in 1950

This exemplary Patek Philippe reference 605 HU (Heure Universelle) World Time dress watch with cloisonné enamel ‘North America’ dial is one of only a handful of these sublimely beautiful horological masterpieces to ever have come to market.

It brings with it a wonderful and impeccable provenance, its first owner was one of the great American watch collectors of the 20th century, Esmond Bradley Martin, who purchased this watch from Tiffany & Co. in New York in December 1957. For the past decade, it has been a highlight of an important private watch collection.

From 1939 to 1964 Louis Cottier and Patek Philippe produced up to 95 pieces of the reference 605 HU, of which 68 were in yellow gold and 27 in pink gold. Reference 605 HU was available with a plain metal dial or a unique cloisonné enamel dial.

The latter could depict individual continents, hemispheres or even the entire planet. This reference was one of the earliest to use Louis Cottier’s world time system and each watch was made under Cottier’s direct supervision to ensure that the world time mechanism operated flawlessly, even after it was cased.

Patek Philippe’s cloisonné dial wristwatches are always among the rarest and most exclusive watches of any reference. Today, only around 12 surviving examples of reference 605 HU are known with cloisonné dials, however only four, including the present watch, were decorated with the map of North America.

Estimate: HK$7,000,000-14,000,000

Patek Philippe Geneva Observatory 1st Prize tourbillon, manufactured in 1924

This important and large-size Geneva Observatory 1st Prize winning tourbillon is not only in exceptional condition and one of the finest high-precision Patek Philippe watches, it is also possibly unique in retaining both its original gold case and white enamel Breguet numeral dial and, in addition, its original antimagnetic observatory contest case and original contest silver sector dial.

According to the Geneva Observatory records, the present movement was awarded a First Prize at the Timing Contest of 1931 with 782 points out of a possible 1000. This chronometer was the 13th out of the 50 classified among more than 600.

The first in the trial gained 856 and the last 604, 58 chronometers were entered for the contest. The tourbillon carriage was made by James Pellaton and the watch was adjusted by master adjuster Jules Golay-Audemars.

As is common to all Patek Philippe movements made for observatory testing, the present watch it is engraved twice with the movement number. The inscription “Extra” on the bridge of the movement refers to the very high finishing of all the parts of the movement. This watch achieved chronometer standard as attested to by the stamping of the movement with the Seal of Geneva (twice).

Estimate: HK$5,500,000 – 11,000,000.

Patek Philippe Ref. 5004J-017

An almost certainly unique yellow gold split seconds chronograph perpetual calendar wristwatch with moon phases, 24-hour and leap year indications, with a Certificate of Origin-confirmed stunning black monogram dial, luminous indexes and luminous hands and white tachymeter scale, made as a bespoke commission for the remarkable American collector Michael Ovitz. Circa 2011. Estimate: HK$5,000,000 – 10,000,000.

Patek Philippe Ref. 1415 Heures Universelles

A superb and very rare 18k gold world time wristwatch, with ‘short’ signature, manufactured in 1948. Only 82 pieces were made in yellow gold, and less than 20 pieces in yellow gold examples with ‘short’ signature. Estimate: HK$1,500,000-3,000,000.

Patek Philippe Ref. 5073P-001

An extremely rare and magnificent diamond-set platinum automatic “Cathedral” minute repeating perpetual calendar wristwatch with moon phases, 24-hour and leap year indication. On the bezel: baguette-cut diamonds. Circa 2014. Estimate: HK$11,000,000 – 18,000,000.

F.P. Journe Watches

F.P. Journe 30th Anniversary Tourbillon, limited edition of 99 pieces

A rare 18k rose gold and silver limited edition tourbillon wristwatch to celebrate thirty years since the founding of the F.P. Journe watchmaking Manufacture. Circa 2014. Estimate: HK$2,400,000 – 4,800,000.

F.P. Journe lineSport Automatique Reserve

18k pink gold automatic wristwatch with date, power reserve, day/night indication and bracelet. Circa 2021. Estimate: HK$800,000 – 1,600,000.

F.P. Journe Élégante 40 platinum

An attractive lady’s diamond and sapphire-set platinum wristwatch. Circa 2021. Estimate: HK$350,000 – 700,000.

F.P. Journe Élégante 40 titanium

An attractive lady’s ceramic and diamond-set titanium wristwatch. Circa 2021. Estimate: HK$180,000 – 280,000.