Hong Kong – In celebration of Christie’s global 250th Anniversary, an Important Watches Autumn Sale will take place in Hong Kong on 28 November, presenting a consolidated offering of 330 lots across various price points. Leading the sale is a one-and-only reference 3843/1 from master watch manufacturer Patek Philippe. The watch’s unique triangular case is specially commissioned to house a portrait diamond of 13.43 carats as its crystal. The combination of rarity and luxury makes it one of the most resplendent timepieces any enthusiasts could desire to own. (Estimate: HK$2,800,000 – 4,800,000/ US$370,000 – 620,000).
Other highlights from Patek Philippe that evoke scarcity and unrivalled craftsmanship include an 18K white gold minute repeating tourbillon wristwatch ref. 3939HG manufactured in 1994, believed to be one of the only 3 examples of such reference in white gold ever appeared in public to date (Estimate: HK$1,760,000 -3,200,000/ US$225,000 - 400,000); a modern classic perpetual calendar split seconds chronograph wristwatch in platinum ref. 5004P circa. 1997, which Christie’s understands, has never been offered in public before (Estimate: HK$1,250,000 -2,000,000/ US$170,000 - 260,000); a very fine and rare ref. 5959P in platinum which pays modern tribute to the revered Genevoise house and is seemingly a debut in auction (Estimate: HK$1,280,000-2,080,000/ US$170,000-270,000).
Watch connoisseurs constantly seeking innovative timepieces will be delighted this season, as our watch specialists have specially curated an exciting array of masterpieces by independent watchmakers such as Philippe Dufour, F.P. Journe, Greubel Forsey, MB&F, Richard Mille and many more. The most sought-after watch in this section is undoubtedly the Simplicity by Philippe Dufour (Estimate: HK$ 800,000 – 1,400,000/ US$ 110,000 – 180,000) , a superb masterpiece by the legendary Swiss watchmaker that embodies his personal values of dedication and passion. A pure perfection in its finish, this Simplicity with its attractive combination of a 37mm. white gold case and silver guilloché engraved dial, represents the auction debut for this model.
Also featured in this sale is an eclectic and extremely impressive selection of clocks made by Cartier in the 1980s. Since the end of the 19th century, Cartier had been producing an awe-inspiring array of clocks which perfectly demonstrated the maison’s technical brilliance in their fabulous forms and colours, the choice of precious material and stones and the application of jewellery techniques. Offered in this sale are three splendid mystery clocks from the 1980s (the outbreak of World War II led to a hiatus of 40 years before Cartier recommenced production in 1981), made following the same procedures which necessitate the perfect synchronization of a team of lapidaries, gem-setters, watchmakers and enamellists who spend between eight to twelve months to produce a single clock. Drawing from the audacious and exotic themes of the mystery clocks of the 1920s and 30s and armed with the knowledge of old craftsmen, these three mystery clocks clearly confirm the continuous creative and technical genius of Cartier and their craftsmen and designers.
To fuel the growing interest in vintage watches among young watch admirers, this sale will showcase an exceptional assortment of heritage timepieces from 1950s – 1980s by esteemed manufacturers Patek Philippe, Rolex, Omega, Longines and many more. Of particular interest is a fine selection of watches from a visionary and highly regarded collector, who saw the trend of the watch market towards vintage watches, long before many others. In his tireless pursuit to own an incredible cross section of watches, he has acquired wonderful examples of watches which, at the time were not held in high regard and passed relatively unnoticed, but are now becoming more and more desirable. Given that these watches are no longer in production, this collection provides a notable opportunity for watch lovers to fulfil their constant quest for uniqueness and individuality in their collection.
Furthermore, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Patek Philippe Nautilus, following the celebratory auctions in Dubai and Geneva, a selection of 10 examples of the Nautilus will be offered in Hong Kong. The top lot in this section is a very rare diamond-set reference 3800/108 in 18k white gold, a highly jeweled example of the model made in very limited quantities (Estimate: HK$ 500,000 – 800,000/US$ 65,000 – 100,000).
Mary Lee, Vice President, Senior Specialist, Head of Sale, Watch Department, Christie’s, commented, “This autumn, on the auspicious occasion of Christie’s 250th Anniversary, we have curated a sale that represents the core values of our company. We honour heritage and tradition by presenting a fine selection of vintage timepieces as well as iconic examples from the world’s most renowned watchmakers. We also celebrate the pioneering and innovative spirit of Independent watchmakers, as well as one of the world’s most renowned designers Gerald Genta and his celebrated Nautilus. We aim to foster an even closer relationship with our local and international watch lovers by offering an exciting sale of the finest and most exciting vintage and modern timepieces across all price points. We anticipate a highly energized saleroom with bidding from around the world. ”
About Christie’s
Founded in 1766, Christie’s is a world-leading art and luxury business. Renowned and trusted for its expert live and online auctions, as well as its bespoke private sales, Christie’s offers a full portfolio of global services to its clients, including art appraisal, art financing, international real estate and education. Christie’s has a physical presence in 46 countries, throughout the Americas, Europe, Middle East, and Asia Pacific, with flagship international sales hubs in New York, London, Hong Kong, Paris and Geneva. It also is the only international auction house authorized to hold sales in mainland China (Shanghai).
Christie’s auctions span more than 80 art and luxury categories, at price points ranging from $200 to over $100 million. Christie’s has sold 8 of the 10 most important single-owner collections in history, including the Paul G. Allen Collection—the most valuable collection ever offered at auction (November 2022). In recent years, Christie’s has achieved the world record price for an artwork at auction (Leonardo da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi, 2017), for a 20th century artwork (Andy Warhol’s Shot Sage Blue Marilyn, 2022) and for a work by a living artist (Jeff Koons’ Rabbit, 2019).
Christie’s Private Sales offers a seamless service for buying and selling art, jewellery and watches outside of the auction calendar, working exclusively with Christie’s specialists at a client’s individual pace.
Recent innovations at Christie’s include the groundbreaking sale of the first NFT for a digital work of art ever offered at a major auction house (Beeple’s Everydays, March 2021), with the unprecedented acceptance of cryptocurrency as a means of payment. As an industry leader in digital innovation, Christie’s also continues to pioneer new technologies that are redefining the business of art, including use of hologram technology to tour life-size 3D objects around the world, and the creation of viewing and bidding experiences that integrate augmented reality, global livestreaming, buy-now channels, and hybrid sales formats.
Christie’s is dedicated to advancing responsible culture throughout its business and communities worldwide, including achieving sustainability by reducing our carbon emissions by 50% and pledging to be net zero by 2030, and actively using its platform in the art world to amplify under-represented voices and support positive change.
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