Christie’s to hold the largest and most valuable watch auction to be organised in the Middle East

Christie’s to hold the largest and most valuable watch auction to be organised in the Middle East - MondaniWeb

Christie’s to hold the largest and most valuable watch auction to be organised in the Middle East

Close to 200 lots estimated at USD 9 to 15,000,000 will be open for bidding online
from 24 March to 9 April 2021

Among the watches included will be the most in-demand references today, true rarities from Patek
Philippe, a selection of highly coveted Rolex references, and prestigious timepieces from independent watchmakers.

The Sky Moon Tourbillon Ref. 5002 in platinum (at the time the most complicated watch ever
produced by Patek Philippe) may set a new record.

With this auction, Christie’s inaugurates what may well become the season of all seasons
for the watch market at the international level.

 

DUBAI, 16 March 2021 – The market is preparing for a milestone auction event: Watches Online: Dubai Edit will offer the largest selection of extremely sought-after timepieces ever in the Middle East. This auction inaugurates an exceptional year ahead for Christie’s in the watch universe.

The online event also underscores Dubai’s position as a global hub for vintage and contemporary collectible wristwatches, with the auction comprising close to 200 lots estimated to achieve USD 9 million to USD 15 million, open for bidding from 24 March to 9 April 2021.

Remy Julia, Chief Watch Specialist at Christie’s Dubai, said “Watches Online: Dubai Edit is without precedent in the Middle East. This auction event is the perfect barometer for current collector demand, be it in the contemporary or the vintage watch space. It brings together into one place exceptional exemplars of watchmaking, in sync with the spirit and passion of the truly discerning collectors in the Middle East.”

 

PATEK PHILIPPE POTENTIALLY RECORD-SETTING
The exceptionally rare Ref. 5002P Sky Moon Tourbillon in platinum (est. USD 1,000,000-1,800,000) – at the time the most complicated watch ever produced by Patek Philippe and the first ever double-faced wristwatch in the Geneva manufacturer’s history – is sure to attract the most discerning collectors from around the globe. This micromechanical wonder houses 12 of the rarest complications, including a tourbillon and minute repeater. It is joined by a selection of exceptional minute repeaters of the same marque, such as the Ref. 5074P minute repeater perpetual calendar (est. USD 400,000-700,000), the imposing Ref. 5014P semi-skeletonised minute repeater perpetual calendar (est. USD 400,000-600,000), and the elusive pink gold Ref. 5029 minute repeater (est. USD 250,000-350,000) made in 10 pieces per metal (yellow gold, pink gold, white gold and platinum) to commemorate the anniversary of the manufacture in 1997. The possibly unique Patek Philippe Ref. 3990P with a light grey dial (Est. USD 200,000-300,000), the Ref. 5071P and Ref. 5971P lead the impressive selection of highly collectible baguette diamond set watches, sure to drive international attention.

 

ROLEX REIGNS
Among the vintage Rolex watches that are highest on the desirability index, an extremely well-preserved Rolex Dato Compax Ref. 6036, produced circa 1952 (est. USD 100,000-180,000). ‘Collectible Tool Watches’ include a Rolex Submariner “Big Crown” Ref. 5510 (USD 125,000-200,000), a Rolex Sea-Dweller Ref. 1665 “Patent Pending” (USD 90,000-120,000), and a rare Rolex Ref. 3525 chronograph in astonishing condition (USD 150,000-300,000).

 

MINUTE REPEATERS DRAW ATTENTION
In addition to the four Patek Philippe minute repeaters, the sale will also feature 3 examples of Grand complication, and what was at the time among the most complicated and expensive wristwatches in the world: the Gerald Genta Grand Sonnerie and Petite Sonnerie timepieces made in 1994 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the manufacture.

 

INDEPENDENT WATCHMAKERS SPIKING UP

Trends on point, the team has curated a selection of 7 F.P. Journe, including 3 timepieces from before 2004,
particularly coveted and recognisable by their 3 rhodiumplated brass movements, all made from platinum:
Resonance (est. USD 150,000-250,000), Zodiac made in 150 examples only (USD 100,000-150,000) and Octa Automatique with an elegant pink dial (USD 100,000-150,000). These have allseen a sharp rise in value over the past 12 months alone.

 

DAZZLING JEWELLERY WATCHES
Also on offer is an exotic set of six medium-sized Audemars Piguet Royal Oak jewellery watches and an unique white gold, diamond, ruby, sapphire and emerald-set brooch indicating three time zones – London, Mecca, and Brunei.

 

MADE FOR THE MIDDLE EAST
Watches with regional relevance? The selection features vintage Rolex Day-Date ref 1804 models with Eastern Arabic numerals (also called Hindi numerals) or featuring the official crests of regional royalty or armed forces.
Prominent timepieces by independent watchmakers with a strong link to the UAE include MB&F LM1 M.A.D. Dubai limited edition and Richard Mille RM 010 MBZ Abu Dhabi Grand Prix edition.

 

PREVIEW IN DUBAI
These watches will all be on view at Christie’s Dubai DIFC Gate Village 5, Podium Level, between 24th March and 8th April by appointment only.


PRESS CONTACT: Alexandra Kindermann | + 41 79 101 4196 | akindermann@christies.com

 

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