CHRISTIE’S HONG KONG

IMPORTANT WATCHES

AUTUMN AUCTION 2013 

Hong Kong – Christie’s Hong Kong Important Watches Autumn Auction 2013 will take place on November 27. Offering over 550 lots and estimated to realize in excess of HK$140 million / US$16 million, the sale will feature an array of watches of the highest calibre. Apart from the finest minute repeating, perpetual calendar, tourbillon and split seconds wristwatches from the world’s leading blue chip brands, collectors will also find a string of cutting-edge creations by renowned independent makers. Auction highlights include a number of notable pocket watches featuring tourbillon and automata mechanisms, and some of the most lavishly jewelled watches ever manufactured.

PATEK PHILLIPE HOLDS LEADING POSITION

Patek Philippe, one of the world’s most celebrated watchmakers, continues to hold its leading status in the watches auction, with five lots among this season’s top pieces. The first is a Fine and Very Rare Stainless Steel Perpetual Calendar Split Seconds Chronograph Wristwatch with Moon Phases, 24 Hour and Leap Year Indication, Ref. 5004 (Lot 2493, Estimate: HK$ 2,400,000-4,000,000 / US$ 300,000-500,000). Vintage wristwatches with chronographs or perpetual calendars cased in stainless steel are amongst the world’s scarcest timepieces in the field of watch collecting, as no other manufacturer other than Patek Philippe is known to have ever created steel wristwatches with this complex calendar mechanism prior to the 1980s. Made circa 2012, the present Ref. 5004 in steel, in pristine condition while boasting bold striking looks, is a modern interpretation of the company’s vintage success. It is fresh to the market and offered at a Christie’s auction for the very first time.

In addition, there are Four Exceptional Patek Philippe perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatches with unknown dial and case combinations to the market (Illustrated on page 1, Lot 2657, Lot 2660, Lot 2663, Lot 2666; to be sold individually with low estimates from HK$960,000 to HK$1,280,000 / US$120,000 to US$160,000). Consigned by an important private collector, the quartet of watches is one of the most exclusive and important representations of the legendary Ref. 3970; and therefore one of the most sought-after timepieces in today’s market. Each watch is blessed with a “one-of-a-kind” type of dial, displaying the perfect blend of mechanical complexity, dial design and prestige. Throughout literature, no other wristwatches such as the present ones offered here at Christie’s have ever been released to the public until today.

SENSATIONAL JEWELLED WATCHES

One of the major jewelled beauties presented in the sale is also from the Patek Philippe family. This Fine and Very Rare 18k Gold, Diamond and Sapphire-Set Cushion-Shaped Bracelet Watch, Ref. 3625 (Illustrated right, Lot 2383, Estimate: HK$560,000-720,000 / US$70,000-90,000), manufactured in 1984, is set with 748 diamonds weighing 6.33 carats and 146 diamonds weighing 12.25 carats. As a paragon of elegance with exceeding rarity, this superb watch is the only known example of such a model to have ever been offered to the public, and offers a fantastic collecting opportunity for Patek Philippe lovers. 

Further highlights include two top bling timepieces. One is a Very Fine 18k White Gold and Diamond-Set Cushion-Shaped Bracelet Watch, High Jewellery Collection, Ref. 77’280 (Lot 2442, Estimate: HK$620,000-800,000 / US$80,000-100,000). Manufactured by Piaget in 1989, it is set with 264 circular-cut diamonds weighing 15.99 carats and 144 baguette-cut diamonds weighing 11.26 carats. The other is a Very Fine and Impressive 18k White Gold and Diamond-Set Asymmetrical Bracelet Watch, High Jewellery Collection, Kalla 1972 Model, Ref. 37600 by Vacheron Constantin (Illustrated left, Lot 2742, Estimate: HK$950,000-1,400,000 / US$120,000-180,000). It was especially made for the Ukraine market in 2006 and set with 32 baguette-cut diamonds weighing 6.04 carats and 1047 brilliant-cut diamonds weighing 15.23 carats. 

MODERN WRISTWATCHES PUSH TECHNOLOGICAL BOUNDARIES

Leading the category of modern watches is a Very Fine and Rare Platinum Limited Edition Tonneau-Shaped Skeletonised Tourbillon Wristwatch, No. 19/30, Ref. RM012 Ag Pt made by Richard Mille circa 2006 (Lot 2543, Estimate: HK$2,400,000 – 4,000,000 / US$300,000 – 500,000). Numbered 19 in a limited edition of 30 pieces, this technical wonder represents a ground-breaking concept with its tubular architecture movement and is the first in the history of horology that features extremely complicated engineered tubular structural forms which are highly resistant to corrosive elements and thermal change. Demonstrating the pinnacle of modern watchmaking craftsmanship and minimalist aesthetics, the watch is the winner of the prestigious Aiguille d’Or award in 2007. 

Another remarkable tourbillon piece is a Fine, Oversized and Very Rare 18k White Gold Limited Edition Bi-Axial Tourbillon Wristwatch, Bi-Axial Tourbillon Model, No. 3/33, Ref. 99810 made by Girard-Perregaux circa 2012 (Illustrated right, Lot 2539, Estimate: HK$960,000-1,400,000 / US$120,000-180,000). Designed based on a tourbillon pocket watch from the 1860s, the brand’s renowned “tourbillon three bridges model” was enhanced with the production of the bi-axial tourbillon, enabling excellent rate precision in a bi-dimensional structure. This exceptional present model, numbered 3 in a limited edition of 33 pieces only, is an epitome of Girard-Perregaux’s dedication to the finest watchmaking, innovation and technological excellence. 

One of the most coveted timepiece Christophe Claret has ever manufactured, the Highly Unusual, Fine and Very Rare 18k White Gold and Titanium Limited Edition Skeletonised Wristwatch with Inclined Flying Tourbillon and Retrograde Spherical Hours and Minutes, X-Trem-1 Model, No. 1/8 (Lot 2482, HK$640,000-960,000 / US$80,000-120,000) features sensational design that represents the brand’s pursuit of mechanical pre-eminence.  Created circa 2013 and numbered 1 amongst the only eight pieces manufactured, the model has a flying tourbillon inclined at 30°. Defying existing watchmaking conventions, the time is displayed through two retrograde spheres that are hollowed and encased within two sapphire tubes placed either sides of the case and will magnetically float through the air to read the time. 

Rounding up the highlights of modern wristwatches is a Fine, Large and Very Rare 18k White Gold Limited Edition Skeletonised Wristwatch with Linear Power Reserve, Opus X Model, No. 99/100 (Lot 2880, Estimate: HK$640,000-900,000 / US$80,000-120,000). The Opus Series was launched in 2001 by Harry Winston in partnership with some of the most revered independent watchmakers. Each of its state-of-the-art Opus reflects a journey of collaboration and innovation. Number 99 in the 100-piece series, the present model is co-designed by watch engineer Jean-Francois Mojon circa 2012 and inspired by the planetary movements. In this exceptional watch, the traditionally fixed dial and watch hands are replaced with a system of rotating indicators mounted on a revolving frame. High-end watchmaking technologies were explored in order to achieve such an innovative expression of time.

ANTIQUE WATCHES MADE FOR THE CHINESE MARKET

In the 18th and 19th centuries, master watchmakers in Europe started to manufacture increasingly lavish and whimsical timepieces and objects of fantasy to satisfy the ever-growing demand for clocks and automata from European aristocrats and royal families, as well as the Imperial Court and its courtiers in China. Made circa 1800 specifically for the Chinese market, an Exceptionally Rare and Highly Important 18k Gold, Enamel and Pearl-Set Keywound Musical Watch with Four Figure Automata (Lot 2787, Estimate: HK$3,700,000 – 5,200,000 / US$470,000 – 650,000) is a stunning example from the era, illustrating the best 19th century Swiss automata technology and exquisite watchmaking craftsmanship. Automatas are small technical marvels imitating the movements of living creatures or beings, and “The Theatre” automata creations are perhaps some of the rarest automata creations ever made, with only eight pieces believed to have ever been manufactured. The present pocket watch can be attributed to DuBois et Fils, a Swiss firm responsible for a number of automata masterpieces. 

Also bearing a Chinese connection is a Very Rare and Important Lapis Lazuli and Jade-Set Elliptical 8 Days Lacquered Chinoiserie Art Deco Desk Clock with Cloisonné Enamel Dial and Gold Mounts made in 1926 by Vacheron Constantin (Illustrated left, Lot 2725, Estimate: HK$800,000-1,200,000 / US$100,000-150,000). Another antique must-see by the luxury watch giant is a Magnificent, Platinum, Emerald and Diamond Necklace with Watch (Lot 2741, Estimate: HK$1,100,000-2,000,000 / US$140,000-250,000), which was manufactured in 1927 with case designed by Verger Freres and retailed by Osterag, Paris.

PRESS CONTACTS:

Simone Woo | Hong Kong | +852 2978 9966 | swoo@christies.com 

Please click here to view the factsheet and images of the above auction highlights.