Luxury watchmaking: Christie’s kicks off its watchmaking season

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Today, Wednesday 24 March and until 8 April 2021, Christie’s Watches Online: Dubai Edit begins, a 100% online auction that could symbolically exceed $10 million, the largest global online auction in the industry to date.

 

Christie’s Dubai-based team of experts has selected nearly 200 lots with a total estimated value of between US$9 and US$15 million. During these 16 days, bidders will be able to follow the lots and interact directly with the Christie’s platform, provided they have made an appointment. 

 

Iconic pieces include the Patek Philippe Sky Moon Tourbillon reference 5002 in platinum, as well as two other exceptional watches, also from Patek Philippe, both with what are likely to be unique dials: the reference 5004R with a ruby dial, and the reference 3990P with a light grey dial.

 

Also on display will be a selection of Rolex watches, from the Dato-Compax reference 6036 to the Rolex Big Crown reference 5510, as well as an impressive series of rare watches from one of the most sought-after independent watchmakers of the moment, F.P Journe.

 

 

 “The Dubai Edit online auction is set to be a game changer for watch auctions. Never before in the history of watch auctions has a 100% online event offered such high quality watches, both modern and older. This has only been possible thanks to the solid reputation of our specialists in the sector. As well as being the ideal barometer for assessing current global collector demand, Dubai Edit brings together exceptional watchmaking in an innovative format and positions Dubai as a global tech hub for vintage and contemporary collector’s watches. “said Rémy Julia, Director, Head of Watchmaking Middle East, India, Africa and Russia.

 

The incredible Patek Philippe selection

 

As stated above, the exceptional Ref. 5002P Sky Moon Tourbillon in platinum will be among the pieces for sale. This was the most complicated watch produced by Patek Philippe at the time, but also the very first double-sided wristwatch in the history of the Geneva manufacture.

 

The Ref. 3990P with a light grey dial and the Ref. 5004R with a ruby dial will also accompany it.

 

But that’s not all, a selection of exceptional minute repeaters, also by Patek Philippe, are also up for auction, including Ref. 5074P with minute repeater and perpetual calendar, the imposing Ref. 5014P with semi-skeletonized minute repeater, and the exclusive Ref. 5029 with pink gold minute repeater, a limited series of only 10 pieces per metal (yellow gold, pink gold, white gold, and platinum) to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the reference in 1997. 

 

Ref. 5071P and Ref. 5971P head the impressive selection of watches set with baguette diamonds that are also sure to attract attention.

 

The presence of Rolex

 

Among the most highly-rated vintage Rolex watches will be a Rolex Dato-Compax Ref. 6036, produced around 1952.

 

Collectors’ watches also include a Rolex Submariner Ref. 5510 “Big Crown”, a Rolex Sea-Dweller Ref. 1665 “Patent Pending” and a rare Rolex Ref. 3525 in excellent condition.

 

Independent watchmakers

 

The team selected seven F.P. Journe watches, including three in platinum dating from before 2004, particularly recognisable by their rhodium-plated brass movements: Résonance, Zodiac, of which only 150 were produced, and Octa Automatique with an elegant pink dial. All of these pieces have seen a sharp rise in value in the last twelve months alone.

 

Minute rehearsals

 

In addition to the Patek Philippe models, the sale will also feature three examples of Grande Complication, and what were at the time the most complicated and expensive wristwatches in the world: the Gérald Genta Grande Sonnerie and Petite Sonnerie watches produced in 1994 to commemorate the manufacture’s 25th anniversary.

 

The brilliance of jewellery watches

 

Six Audemars Piguet Royal Oak medium-sized jewellery watches and a unique white gold brooch set with diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds indicating three time zones (London, Mecca and Brunei) will also be offered.

 

A special selection for the Middle East

 

A series of watches of local interest will be offered for sale. These include vintage Rolex Day-Date Ref. 1804 with Oriental Arabic numerals (also known as Hindi numerals) or with official royal or armed forces emblems from the region. Key timepieces from independent watchmakers with close ties to the UAE include the MB&F LM1 M.A.D. Dubai Limited edition and the Richard Mille RM 010 MBZ Abu Dhabi Grand Prix edition.

Read also > LUXURY WATCHMAKING : THE SOUND MAKER, THE FREE EXHIBITION OF JAEGER-LECOULTRE’S STRIKING WATCHES

 

Featured Photo : © Patek Philippe[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Thanks to its extensive knowledge of these sectors, the Luxus + editorial team deciphers for its readers the main economic and technological stakes in fashion, watchmaking, jewelry, gastronomy, perfumes and cosmetics, hotels, and prestigious real estate.
Luxus Magazine Automne/Hiver 2024

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