Hong Kong – Following the phenomenal July sale of the “The Titanium Collection” which set world auction records for the Patek Philippe Ref. 5033 and 2524/1, Christie’s is poised to extend its market leadership in Asia in offering the finest Patek Philippe watches by presenting “The Ruby Series”. This astounding collection features eight of the most-coveted and comprehensive Patek Philippe ruby-set timepieces manufactured from 1943 to 2015.

Through the centuries, rubies have captivated collectors and royalty alike, commanding higher prices per carat than any other gemstone apart from coloured diamonds in modern times. It is for this reason  Patek Philippe has only produced such exclusive ruby-set pieces by special order or by invitation to their most valued clients.

Leading the collection is one of the great stars in Patek Philippe’s galaxy – Charles Stern’s Unique Dial with Cabochon Ruby Hour Markers fitted to an extremely fine and rare 18K Gold Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Wristwatch with Moon Phases and Tachymeter (image above, estimate: HK$4,000,000 - 12,000,000/ US$500,000 - 1,500,000). This watch carries immense historical significance, and was made upon special request in 1943 by Patek Philippe’s legendary co-owner for his personal use. The legacy continued when it was passed to his son, Henri Stern, the President of Patek Philippe, to wear as his personal watch with this dial for around three years until 1946.

Other highlights include: the exceptional reference 3974R, a possibly unique 18K Pink Gold automatic minute repeater with ruby-set numerals produced in 1992 and still in superb condition (estimate: HK$ 6,300,000 – 12,000,000/ US$800,000 - 1,500,000); a breathtaking and possibly unique reference 3448/8 self-winding perpetual calendar bracelet watch made in 1968 with baguette rubies as hour markers (estimate: HK$4,000,000 - 7,800,000/ US$500,000 - 1,000,000);  a possibly unique reference 3939 minute repeater tourbillon with ruby hour markers, elevated to the very top level (estimate: HK$4,000,000 - 7,800,000/ US$500,000 – 1,000,000); a magnificent & never seen before white gold Aquanaut, reference 5063, thought to be a unique bespoke piece set with 12 baguette-shaped rubies echoing the pattern of the dial (estimate: HK$4,000,000 - 7,800,000/ US$500,000 - 1,000,000).

Another two noteworthy highlights from the 1950s: the reference 600/1, an exquisite pocket watch fitted with ivory-coloured enamel dial with ruby-set numerals bearing the King of Saudi Arabia’s portrait (estimate: HK$200,000 - 400,000/ US$25,000 - 50,000);  a 1955 reference 2481 ‘Large Calatrava’, this extremely beautiful centre seconds model is 37 mm in diameter and is one of the largest Patek Philippe watches of the period. This reference is also often found with the portrait of King Abdul Aziz, however this stunning example has ruby hour markers without the portrait, which is a great rarity (estimate: HK$400,000 - 800,000/ US$50,000 - 100,000).

NOTES TO EDITOR

Preview:

Shanghai  | 24 – 25 October  | Ampire Building, No. 97 Yuanmingyuan Road, Shanghai 200002, China

Dubai | 29 October – 5 November  | Gate Village, Building 5, Podium Level, Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai, UAE

Hong Kong | 14 – 18 November  | 22/F, Alexandra House, 18 Chater Road, Central

Auction: Important Watches Including The Ruby Collection

Date & Time: 28 November 2020, 2pm

Location: Hall 3C, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, No. 1 Expo Drive, Wanchai, Hong Kong

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Viewing Room – The Ruby Series
5 reasons collectors love Patek Philippe