Patek Philippe At the Rare Watches Autumn auction on 8 November this year, Christie’s Geneva will be offering the first example of “L’Heure d’Or”, Patek Philippe’s Ref. 2523 two crown world time.

This extremely fine and highly important Patek Philippe is the first example of a 18k gold two crown world-time wristwatch with 24 hours indication and first time seen waved guilloché gold centre (outer silvered revolving ring with names of 41 world cities adjusted by the crown at 9).

This is the very earliest specimen of the Patek Philippe’s Ref. 2523 two crown world time wristwatch ever made. Furthermore, the beautiful gold guilloche dial is not known on any other yellow gold example of the reference.

Never before seen at auction, the present watch can be considered an exemplar of Patek Philippe’s 1950s ‘golden age, when design, craftsmanship and technological advancement coincided to create perfection. Being the earliest reference 2523 to be manufactured, this historic watch has an immense status even amongst the ultra-rare two crown world time model and can be considered as the cornerstone watch of the entire reference.

Patek Philippe’s two-crown reference 2523 is one of the ultimate world-class rarities, sitting alongside the other Patek Philippe wristwatch legends such as the steel reference 1518 and the first series 2499. Reinforcing its importance is the fact that it was made in extremely small numbers, a total of only 26 examples were made in either yellow or pink gold and one example in white gold.

Until the discovery of the present watch, the earliest known case number was 306’193. The present watch with case number 305’699 is also fitted with the earliest movement number 720’300. Whilst undoubtedly the first ever production watch of reference 2523, it was perhaps also the last ‘prototype’ piece for the final design.

• Signed Patek Philippe, Genève, Ref. 2523, movement no. 720’300, case no. 305’699, manufactured in 1953.
• Estimate: CHF 1,000,000 to 3,000,000.

Two historical rarities will be offered in Christie’s Hong Kong Important Watches auction on 27 November: an extremely historically important Patek Philippe split-second chronograph Ref. 1436 in 18K yellow gold from 1946, ordered by and sold to Henry Graves Jr. alongside a 18k gold and enamel, pearl-set musical, perfume flask and automaton amphora-form watch attributed to Piguet & Capt, a magnificent piece presented for the first time at auction.

Patek Philippe Split-Second Chronograph Ref. 1436 in 18K Yellow Gold

Henry Graves Jr., the legendary patron of Patek Philippe, ordered this 18k gold split second chronograph wristwatch with Breguet numerals in 1946 and acquired it in 1947.

Ref.1436 is Patek Philippe’s first split seconds chronograph wristwatch produced in series. The first generation, of which this watch is a part, was made until the late 1940s. Since its introduction to the market in 1938 and discontinued in 1971, only 140 examples are made during the 33 years production period.

As one of the finest examples to ever appear on the market, the present example features applied gold Breguet numerals, often considered the most attractive dial variation. It is also thought to be the least-commonly made dial for this reference, with most examples featuring baton or a combination of baton and Arabic numerals.

To date, just over a dozen of Ref. 1436 models have surfaced featuring such a dial. This extremely rare and historical timepiece is a true rarity as it last appeared at auction about ten years ago.

Estimate: HK$11,500,000-23,500,000/ US$ 1,500,000-3,000,000

Piguet & Capt. Amphora Form Watch

Attributed to Piguet & Capt., this 18k gold and enamel, pearl-set musical, perfume flask and automaton amphora-form watch is believed to be made for the Chinese imperial family, in circa 1805. It is known that its twin is stored and exhibited in the Patek Philippe museum.

The last amphora-form watch seen at auction was May 2021 at Christie’s Hong Kong ; attributed to Jean-François-Adam Hess, it was sold for HK$ 12,250,000/ US$ 1,584,735.

Estimate: HK$ 2,400,000-7,200,000/ US$ 300,000-900,000

The upcoming Christie’s Watches Online: The Dubai Edit auction will offer 211 exceptional lots including the Patek Philippe Ref. 5102G ‘Celestial, the Richard Mille RM 011 Felipe Massa Titanium UAE Edition Flyback Chronograph, and the Pink Gold Rolex Ref. 6232 Chronograph.

Auction Highlights

Lot 5: Patek Philippe Ref. 5102G Celestial, Circa 2008

Launched in 2002, the Ref. 5102G Celestial white gold astronomical wristwatch borrows the principle of the celestial canopy from the most complicated wristwatch ever produced by Patek Philippe – the Ref. 5002 Sky Moon Tourbillon.

The nocturnal sky of the northern hemisphere rotates to show the apparent angular motion of the stars and moon as well as the progression of the phases of the moon. A delicate elliptical contour on the inside of the glass frames the portion of the sky that can be seen from all cities on the same latitude as the city of Geneva. Estimate: US$ 200,000-300,000.

Lot 106: Patek Philippe Ref. 1518

The Patek Philippe Ref. 1518 gold perpetual calendar chronograph was the first perpetual chronograph to be made in series by any watch company. Ref. 1518 was not only a design first with its simple and pure layout but would set the mould for all future perpetual calendar chronographs.

Only 281 examples of this reference were ever made and this particular example comes in 18K yellow gold and was produced in 1945. Interestingly, it features the old Patek Philippe & Cie. full signature, which is highly sought after by collectors, and exists only on timepieces produced before 1947. Estimate: US$ 350,000-450,000.

Lot 110: Patek Philippe Reference 3979, circa 1991

The reference 3979 was introduced as part of a celebratory timepiece series marking the 150th anniversary of the manufacture. The ref. 3979 was produced between 1989 and 2002 and it is believed that about 100 pieces were made with the majority in yellow gold.

The initial batch of watches featured a case made by the legendary casemaker Jean-Pierre Hagmann and his initials JPH are stamped on the inside case back. Estimate: US$ 220,000-300,000.

Lot 111: Patek Philippe Ref. 5013P, circa 2010

The Patek Philippe Ref. 5013P is a platinum minute repeater perpetual calendar watch with a retrograde indication. It is among the most complex wristwatches ever made by the Geneva ‘Maison’ and the first automatic minute repeater perpetual calendar with retrograde date function.

The watch’s design was a nod to the historically important tonneau-shaped yellow gold minute repeating wristwatch no. 97589 made for Henry Graves, Jr. The reference 5013 was launched in 1992 and remained in production until 2011. The platinum examples were initially produced only with silver dials and over the years only a few examples with a black dial have appeared on the market. Estimate: US$ 300,000-400,000.

Lot 11: Rolex Daytona Ref. 6240 ‘Solo’, circa 1966

The Rolex Daytona Ref. 6240 ‘Solo’ is one of the rarest vintage Daytona references. ‘Solo’ refers to the fact that the dial only carries the mark ‘Rolex’ and not the usual description ‘Oyster Chronograph’ seen on the other Ref. 6240 models.

The watch world speculates that only a small number of early Ref. 6240 models (between the serial number ranging from 1.2 million to 1.4 million) were fitted with this dial. The reference 6240 was the first waterproof Daytona and featured an acrylic bezel and screw-down chronograph pushers. Estimate: US$ 120,000-180,000.

Lot 82: Rolex Ref. 4062

The Rolex Ref. 4062, a yellow gold, anti-magnetic, manual-winding chronograph, is an elegant and sophisticated timepiece distinguished by its coin-edge case band.

The Ref. 4062 was a huge success for Rolex when it was produced and is a good example of the dressy chronographs made by the brand in the early 1940s. Estimate: US$ 20,000-30,000.

Lot 83: Rolex Chronograph Ref. 6232, circa 1958

The Rolex Chronograph Ref. 6232 in pink gold is so rare that only a handful of examples have appeared on the market over the last 50 years. Produced in 1958, it is one of Rolex’s rarest chronograph models.

Made for the French market, it is believed to exist only in an exceedingly small number of 12 examples. This watch has silvered sunburst dial with blue telemetry scale and has over time developed a charming champagne-tone patina. Estimate: US$ 100,000-150,000.

Lot 6: Richard Mille RM 011 Felipe Massa UAE Edition

The extremely rare Richard Mille RM 011 Felipe Massa UAE Edition flyback chronograph in titanium is based on the original RM 011 featuring a distinctive All Gray PVD treatment and case of microblasted titanium. The exclusive edition, limited to just 7 pieces, was created in partnership with Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, one of the largest watch retailers in the UAE.

The case is typical of Richard Mille’s tonneau with a curved bezel, sides and case back. The watch is being offered for the very first time at auction, with an estimate of US$ 200,000-300,000.

Lot 26: Richard Mille RM 055 Bubba Watson, circa 2014

The Richard Mille RM 055 Bubba Watson watch features a titanium case and ceramic skeleton dial. In 2011, Richard Mille undertook the challenge of creating a watch for golfers, working with PGA Tour player and two-time Masters winner Bubba Watson.

Based on the RM 038 Richard Mille took its original design a step further in 2012 and created the present model, RM 055. The case consists of different materials. The bezel is made of ATZ, known for colour stability and for being one of the hardest materials in the world. Grade 5 titanium is used for the case band and back as the key focus of the Richard Mille manufacture was to optimise weight: the movement weighs a mere 4.3 grams. Estimate: US$ 300,000-500,000.

Lot 22: Cartier Tank Monopusher Chronograph, circa 2008

This limited-edition Cartier Tank Monopusher Chronograph in gold is part of Cartier’s CPCP collection of watches that are based on historic Cartier designs but equipped with modern mechanical movements. The watches in this collection were available between 1998 and 2008 in very limited numbers.

This particular model is powered by Calibre 045 MC, produced by THA Ebauche, a collaborative founded by three modern watchmakers: FP.Journe, Denis Flageollet (co-founder of De Bethune) and Vianney Halter. Estimate: US$ 15,000-30,000.

Lot 71: Panerai Luminor GMT Prototype

The prototype (No. 000/200) of the steel Panerai Luminor GMT limited edition was created to mark the 50th anniversary of the United Arab Emirates.

Proceeds from the sale of this watch will benefit the Noor Foundation, a UAE-based non-profit organization that aims to eliminate all types of avoidable blindness and visual impairment worldwide. Estimate: US$ 10,000-20,000.

Watches Online: The Dubai Edit will be on view between 13 – 27 October at Christie’s, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Gate Village 5, Podium Level.

Christie’s has announced that the ‘Rare Watches Auction Geneva’ will be held on 8 November 2021 at the Hotel Four Seasons Les Bergues.

This landmark auction will offer several extraordinary and rare timepieces, including the legendary Rolex Experimental Deep Sea Special N°1.

This Holy Grail watch is the first and only Rolex Deep Sea Special that made the first dive attached to Auguste Piccard’s bathyscaphe Trieste in 1953. The case, the original movement and the bracelet of this historic timepiece are in perfect working condition.

Developed as a prototype for perfecting the Rolex diving watch concept, this Rolex Deep Sea Special N°1 was attached to the hull of Auguste Piccard’s bathyscaphe Trieste for the inaugural deep-sea trial to a depth of 3,150 meters in the Mediterranean on 30 September 1953.

This watch then served as the proving ground for the Rolex Deep Sea Special N°3 that would reach 10,908 meters in the Mariana Trench with the Trieste on 23 January 1960 and is today on display at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC.

It is believed that seven prototypes were built between 1953 and 1960. Among them, only three have so far been identified:

• The Deep Sea Special N°1: This prototype has a ‘low glass’ made from Plexiglas. It accompanied Trieste on its first deep-sea trial down to 3,150 meters (10,245 feet) off the island of Ponza in 1953.
• The Deep Sea Special N°3: This prototype features a ‘high glass’ (a taller and thicker crystal, also of Plexiglas, one of the invaluable learnings from N°1). It made the trip down to the bottom of the Mariana Trench (10,916 meters, 35,814 feet) in 1960 and is today out of reach but on display, together with the Trieste, at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC.
• The Deep Sea Special N°5: Also a ‘high glass’ version, which presumably served as a proving ground for further extreme testing in the period leading up to 1960, and was offered at auction by Christie’s in 2000.

In the early to mid-1960s, to celebrate the dive down to the world’s deepest place and after the unexpected worldwide success and enthusiasm that this event generated, Rolex produced about three dozen display models to share their exploit and know-how with the public. In 2009, Number 31 of this commercial/promotional series was sold by Christie’s.

In the early 1950s, Swiss physicist-inventor-explorer Auguste Piccard began developing a deep-sea vehicle for exploring ocean depths. Using the physical principles of his stratospheric balloon, particularly with regard to pressurization, Auguste and his son Jacques developed a submarine to reach the deepest trough at the bottom of the ocean. Their strange-looking deep-sea submarine known as bathyscaphe Trieste was launched on the 16th of August in 1953.

Christie’s Hong Kong has kick-started an online auction named The Marvel(ous) Sale since 24 August. This online bidding will be active until 7 September. The star lot of the sale is the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept “Black Panther” Flying Tourbillon, the first example to be offered for sale at auction globally.

It is worth to note that a one-off version of the same model, created to raise funds for two charities, First Book and Ashoka, sold for US$ 5.2 million, making it the most expensive Audemars Piguet model ever sold.

Highlights

(1) LOT 46 – The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept “Black Panther” Flying Tourbillon

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept “Black Panther” Flying Tourbillon was unveiled at a star-studded event in April 2021. Its release followed the announcement that the esteemed Manufacture from Le Brassus and Marvel would be collaborating moving forward.

Audemars Piguet unveiled the first Royal Oak Concept watch in 2002, marking the 30th anniversary of the groundbreaking Royal Oak. Conceived by the illustrious designer Gérald Genta and in its day considered avant-garde, when the Manufacture unveiled the inaugural Royal Oak Concept Ref 25980/D003, it looked positively space age by comparison.

This latter model, limited to 150 pieces, was endowed with an unusual power-reserve indicator displaying units around the circumference of the barrel. Other indications included a function selector and dynamograph. Lastly, the model featured a tourbillon, positioned at 9 o’clock. This watch embraced bold, avant-garde styling, characteristics that would be repeated on several occasions with the advent of further Royal Oak Concept models.

When Audemars Piguet released the Royal Oak Concept “Black Panther” Flying Tourbillon it perpetuated the revolutionary design of former Royal Oak Concept models. Its hand-painted white gold 3D Black Panther character, unconventional and elaborate titanium bridges as well as extensive use of vivid purple tones polarised opinion both in the media and among the watch collecting community. Estimate: HKD 3,000,000– 5,000,000 / US$ 380,000– 650,000.

(2) LOT 45 – Audemars Piguet Tropical Dial Royal Oak Ref. 5402ST

Audemars Piguet Tropical Dial Royal Oak Ref. 5402ST ‘A Series’ is much sought after by watch collectors and is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain. This particular example is particularly rare as it features a highly desirable ‘tropical’ dial.

Consistent with other steel ‘A Series’ models, the AP logo is positioned in the lower portion of the dial, located between the 9th and 11th line. The correct ‘SWISS’ text is stamped and sits below the index at 6 o’clock.

With the passage of time, the black dial has acquired unique areas of bronze-gold hues. When released, Audemars Piguet produced 2000 examples of the ‘A Series’ before it progressed to making the ‘B Series’. This particular example is 843/2000. Estimate: HKD 400,000–800,000 / US$ 50,000– 100,000.

The other interesting Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watches featured in this auction are two white gold, diamond-set ladies’ quartz watches (circa 1990 and 1997), a stainless steel 38mm triple calendar with yellow dial (circa 1990), an 18k yellow gold 30mm quartz watch with date (circa 1985) and a 36.5mm stainless steel automatic model with blue dial featuring dual time, power reserve and date (circa 2004).

(3) LOT 96 – Gérald Genta Minute Repeater with Jumping Hour and Retrograde Minutes

This rare Gérald Genta watch has an eye-catching green guilloché dial and platinum case with a distinctive ribbed profile. The model pairs one of the most technically challenging complications, a minute repeater, with two indications often associated with Mr Genta, jumping hours and retrograde minutes.

The minutes are presented on an arcing track. A lone hand sweeps clockwise from ‘0’ to ‘60’, before returning to its point of origin as the jumping hour, shown at 6 o’clock, advances forward. This particular composition expresses meaning with a notable flurry of style. Estimate: HKD 400,000–800,000 / US$ 50,000– 100,000.

Christie’s Hong Kong is also offering two more Gérald Genta masterpieces dating back to 1990.

The first one is an automatic perpetual calendar with moonphase wristwatch featuring a 33mm diameter round case made of 18K yellow gold and Onyx. It has a skeleton dial with centre hour and minute hands, three sub-dials in 18K gold for displaying perpetual calendar functions and a lapis lazuli sub-dial for moonphase display.

The second model is also a Gérald Genta automatic perpetual calendar moonphase watch with the similar dial style mentioned above, but with a 31mm diameter octagonal-shaped 18K yellow gold case.

(4) LOT 2 – Patek Philippe Steel Nautilus with Date Ref. 5711/1A-001

First released in 1976, this iconic luxury-sports watch has attracted numerous column inches and discussions relating to rocketing resale values pervade the collecting community. Moreover, with several references now discontinued, the pre-owned route is the only means of acquiring a coveted reference from yesteryear.

Housed in a 40mm stainless steel case with a black/blue dial the watch is equipped with an automatic movement and integrated stainless steel bracelet. Estimate: HKD 650,000 – 950,000 / US$ 85,000– 125,000.

(5) LOT 20 – Patek Philipe Chronograph Ref. 1579R with original certificate

This exquisite timepiece is housed in a pink gold case. With only 82 known examples of the Ref. 1579R produced in pink gold, this particular watch is very rare, and both gold marks remain visible. The watch is endowed with so-called ‘spider lugs’ and the dial exhibits a charming mellow aged appearance.

The two registers are encircled by applied pink gold Arabic numerals and square indexes. Unusually, the watch is supplied with the original ‘Certificate of Origin’. Estimate: HKD 1,300,000–2,000,000 / US$ 165,000– 250,000.

(6) LOT 1: Patek Philipe Platinum Minute Repeater Tourbillon Ref. 3939

This lot is possibly a unique Platinum Minute Repeater Tourbillon (ref. 3939) watch from Patek Philipe.  Surprisingly, despite such complexity, the platinum case measures a modest 34mm in diameter. The enamel dial is dressed in black while the hours are denoted with white gold Breguet numerals. This latter combination differentiates this specific example from the ‘standard’ versions of the Ref. 3939 which came with a white enamel dial.

Indeed, this model, crafted in 1999, is believed to be one of only a few specimens equipped with a black dial. The ‘Certificate of Origin’ makes reference to the ‘émail noir’. Estimate: HKD 1,000,000–2,000,000 / US$ 130,000– 230,000.

(7) LOT 21 – Patek Philipe Platinum with Date Ref. 3445

Typically this reference was presented in a white or yellow gold case. However, this particular example is housed in platinum, making it one of the rarest and most coveted versions of the Ref. 3445. Its slender hour and minute hands perfectly harmonize with baton style indexes. The watch has a date display at 3 o’clock,  and a small seconds above 6 o’clock.

The watch is equipped with the Caliber 27-460, an automatic movement produced by Patek Philippe and finished to the exacting standards of the Geneva Seal. Estimate: HKD 400,000–650,000 / US$ 50,000– 85,000.

In addition to the above lots, the other notable Patek Philipe wristwatches featured in this auction are:

• A Steel Calatrava Pilot Travel Time (reference 7234) made to celebrate the Singapore Grand Exhibition 2019.
• A stainless steel Annual Calendar Chronograph (ref. 5960) circa 2016.
• An 18K Yellow Gold Calatrava (ref. 2508) dating back to 1959.
• An Aquanaut 34mm Automatic stainless steel model with black dial (reference 5060 A, circa 1998).
• An 18K Yellow Gold Annual Calendar with power reserve and moonphase (reference 5146/1J-001, circa 2008).
• An 18K white gold and diamond-set, hand-wound time-only watch, circa 1990 (reference 3965/1).
• A Manual-winding Calatrava Platinum time-only watch with an ivory-colored dial and diamond hour-markers, circa 1992 (reference 3796).
• An 18K Yellow Gold Automatic Annual Calendar with 24H display (reference 5035) and white ceramic dial, circa 2004.

(8) LOT 177 – Rolex Ref. 8171 ‘Padellone’

This impressive pink gold example of the legendary Ref. 8171 ‘Padellone’ is one of only six examples to feature the ‘HL Mark II Officially Certified Chronometer’ type dial.

Indeed, only about 350 pieces were produced in pink gold over a 3 year period, and it is estimated that a mere 32 examples have appeared on the open market in the last 70 years. The case measures 38mm in diameter, which was considered large when it was produced.

The watch is equipped with dauphine-style hour and minute hands, lapped bullet-style indexes, a small seconds display above 6 o’clock and pointer-style date indication. Two calendar windows sit beneath the ‘tall’ Rolex crown. Estimate: HKD 1,200,000 – 2,000,000 / US$ 150,000– 250,000.

In addition to this watch, more than 30 Rolex watches are being offered in this auction. Some noteworthy lots among them are:

• An 18K yellow gold Submariner with automatic movement and tropical brown dial (reference 1680), circa 1979.
• A white gold Daytona automatic chronograph with diamond and ruby set dial (reference 116509), circa 2009.
• A stainless steel Submariner Date with 39mm diameter case, automatic movement, and tropical MK-II dial, circa 1969.
• A two-tone (stainless and steel) Oyster chronograph with 34.5mm case, manual-wound movement and silvered dial, circa 1938.
• A GMT Master with 39mm stainless steel case, automatic movement and gilt dial (reference 1675), circa 1965 (the same reference but made in 1966 is also available).
• An Explorer watch with 36mm stainless steel case, automatic movement and tropical dial with chapter ring, circa 1960.
• An 18K pink gold Day-date with 36mm diameter case, automatic movement, silvered dial with diamond markers (reference 1803), circa 1974.
• An Explorer II with 40mm diameter stainless steel case, automatic movement and cream rail dial (reference 16550), circa 1986.
• An 18K yellow gold Day-date with 36mm diameter case, automatic movement and diamond-paved dial (reference 18038), circa 1981.
• An 18K Yellow Gold Submariner with 40mm diameter case, automatic movement and black dial (reference 16618), circa 1991.
• A Stainless Steel Daytona Automatic Chronograph with 39mm diameter case and white dial (reference 116500), circa 2018.
• An 18K Pink Gold Daytona Chronograph with 40mm case, automatic movement and golden dial (reference 116505), circa 2009.
• An 18K Yellow Gold Day Date with 36mm case, Lapis Lazuli dial, automatic movement and 18K president bracelet, circa 1997.
• A Stainless steel Submariner with 39mm diameter case, automatic movement, tropical gilt dial and pointed crown guard (reference 5512), circa 1960.

(9) LOT 152 – Roger Dubuis White Gold Double Tourbillon

This version of the Excalibur Double Tourbillon has been produced and finished to the exalted standards of the Geneva Seal. The open-worked hour and minute hands are positioned above a mother-of-pearl dial.

An arc-shaped minute track, positioned between 9 and 3 o’clock, provides the basis for the unusual retrograde minutes display. Two flying tourbillons reside at the base of the dial and are framed with silver-coloured circlets. Unlike a ‘conventional’ tourbillon, a flying tourbillon eschews an upper bridge/bar, affording superior views of the escapement, regulating organ and cage in motion.

The two flying tourbillons are linked by a differential, augmenting precision. Housed in a white gold case, this model was produced in a limited series of 28 pieces (this example is No. 9/28). Roger Dubuis, a fully integrated Manufacture. The estimate for this example is HKD 240,000-400,000 / US$ 30,000–50,000.

More highlights:

• Lot 138: Panerai limited edition titanium watch with tourbillon, dual time and AM/PM indication, circa 2017.
• Lot 51: Blancpain Platinum hand-wound watch with skeletonised dial and a set of 9 bezels, circa 1994.
• Lot 54: Breguet Yellow Gold Automatic Tourbillon Regulator watch, Ref. 5307, circa 2005.
• Lot 85: CORUM 18K White Gold Quarter Repeater with automaton, automatic movement by CHRISTOPHE CLARET, circa 1995.
• Lot 107: HYT Iceberg limited edition with titanium case and white dial with retrograde blue fluid hours and power reserve, circa 2014.
• Lot 53: Breguet 18K White Gold manual-wound watch With Dual Time and Day/Night Indication, Ref. 7067, circa 2014.
• Lot 55: Breguet Reine De Naples automatic watch with 18k white gold and diamond-set case and mother-of-pearl-dial, circa 2000.
• Lot 141: Piaget hand-wound watch with Yellow gold, Onyx and diamond case and bracelet, gold dial, circa 1991.
• Lot 121: Longines 18K Yellow Gold, manual-winding chronograph with 37mm case and silver dial, circa 1937.
• Lot 128: Moritz Grossmann Stainless Steel with Hand Painted Dial displaying a tiger, circa 2019.

(10) HAUTE JOAILLERIE PIECES

During this auction, Christie’s is offering a number of Haute Joaillerie pieces. The first timepiece (lot 82) is a white gold Chopard bracelet watch set with diamonds and emeralds (Est. HKD 320,000 – 650,000 / US$ 40,000 – 85,000).

The second watch (lot 140) is a dazzling creation from Piaget set with 94 brilliant and marquise-cut white diamonds with a total weight of 16 carats along with 43 rubies totalling 16.68 carats. This Piaget masterpiece, part of the Maison’s haute joaillerie collection, is in exceptional condition and is supplied with the original Piaget Certificate of Origin. Estimate: HKD 650,000–1,200,000 / US$ 85,000–150,000.

Three Vacheron Constantin high-jewellery watches are also available. Dressed in a white gold case, these timepieces can be distinguished by their gem-setting combination: ‘diamond with emerald’, ‘diamond with ruby’ and ‘diamond with sapphire’.

Another high-jewellery lot featured in this auction is a set of Patek Philippe Lady’s yellow gold and lapis lazuli and diamond-set bracelet watch with matching ring and earrings.

Click here to view the lots curated for the The Marvel(ous) Sale ONLINE auction.

Info and Image credit: Christie’s Hong Kong

Achieving numerous new records during an exceptional Spring 2021 Watch Season, in just 4 months (March- June 2021), Christie’s watch sales in Geneva, Dubai, Hong Kong and New York totalled US$ 93.7 million, giving Christie’s the leadership position in the watches auction market.

This record performance during the first half of 2021 exceeds Christie’s watch figures for the whole of 2020 and 2019, further strengthening the premier auction house’s position as a global leader in horological sales on live and digital platforms.

The enduring fascination with iconic, rare and beautiful timepieces, together with the vast diversity of offerings, is attracting new bidders from around the globe. More than a trend, it signifies a shift towards a faster-paced, more segmented market.

Some important facts and figures

• In the 1st half of 2021, 1681 lots were offered at 10 Christie’s watch auctions, with a combined 92% of lots sold.
• 40% of the lots sold above estimate, indicating desirable curation and strong appetite from the market.
• Christie’s watch sales recorded participation from 79 countries, (+15 vs 1H20)
• More than 35% of auction registrants were new to Christie’s.
• The market is also opening up to a younger and more diverse profile: 39% of buyers at the watch sales were new to Christie’s, of which 40% are under 40, and 41% are based in APAC, 28% in Americas and 31% in EMEA.
• A fresh balance between ‘live’ and ‘online’ showed that more than one in two bidders in traditional sales (53%) also bid online.
• Hong Kong is the second-largest country by number of new buyers, after the US (followed by the UK, Switzerland and Singapore).
• Spectacular rise of the Middle East, where the number of registrants has tripled. Christie’s, attentive to the local clientele of great collectors, is the only house with an active Watches department based in Dubai. The region has unquestionably become also an essential hub in the watch market.

The live and online auctions held between March and June this year across four markets – Geneva, Dubai, Hong Kong and New York – combined the advantages of global expertise with the regional knowledge Christie’s watch specialists are known for.

Highlights across Christie’s markets

Christie’s auctions in Geneva, Dubai, Hong Kong and New York presented true standout timekeepers this Spring season, notably several historically important pieces:

In Hong Kong, a unique 18k gold Patek Philippe automatic perpetual calendar wristwatch with English calendar, leap year indication and “no moon” Ref. 3448 “Alan Banbery” (manufactured in 1970, modified in 1975) which reached US$ 3,759,755 and set a new auction record for the reference.

A Patek Philippe Ref. 2523/1 two crown world time wristwatch achieved US$ 2,051,364 (almost double its low estimate of US$ 1,035,389).

A Patek Philippe wristwatch Ref. 1415 with enamel dial achieved auction record for the reference with US$ 2,284,326 (more than double its low estimate).

A Patek Philippe Ref. 2481, also with enamel dial, achieved US$ 1,010,798 setting a new auction record as well as for the reference (4 times above the low estimate $258,847).

An important F.P. Journe platinum Chronomètre Souverain, made for and presented to George Daniels, that went for US$ 420,657 (against a low estimate of US$ 184,564; an auction record for the model).

In Dubai, a Patek Philippe Sky Moon Tourbillon Ref. 5002P-001 (manufactured in 2004) sold for an online record US$ 1,590,000, setting two new records simultaneously, for the most expensive watch sold at auction in the Middle East and for any watch sold online at Christie’s.

Also, La Grande Sonnerie No.1, in platinum Ref. G0025.7 by Gérald Genta, estimated at US$ 30,000-40,000, sold for US$ 500,000, whilst a yellow gold Grande Sonnerie No. 3 by Genta achieved 10 times its low estimate, selling for US$ 300,000.

A rare 1952 steel Rolex, triple calendar chronograph Snow Compax, Ref. 6036, tripled its pre- sale estimate and found a new owner at US$ 350,000.

In Geneva, a Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Ref. 1518 in rose gold (manufactured in 1951) retailed by Serpico Y Laino, achieved US$1,502,971 against the low estimate of US$488,740.

Also a Patek Philippe World Time pocket watch Ref. 605 with a cloisonné enamel dial which sold more than double the low estimate, achieving US$1,271,861.

A rare and early platinum F.P.Journe Tourbillon Souverain wristwatch achieved US$ 434,000 against a low estimate of US$ 184,000.

In New York, a Cartier Art Deco Pendule Mystérieuse clock Modèle A (manufactured in circa 1925) which sold for US$ 562,500, a Patek Philippe perpetual calendar chronograph Ref. 2499/100 sold US$ 475,000, more recently the Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 570 owned by pop art icon Andy Warhol, which sold three times its low estimate achieving, US$ 150,000, a perpetual calendar chronograph Patek Philippe Ref. 3990EP in platinum set with diamonds that realized US$ 200,000, and a Rolex Ref. 6036 “Jean-Claude Killy” triple calendar chronograph that sold for US$ 187,500.