Christie’s opens the Spring Watch season with a first-ever global 100% online auction to potentially exceed USD 10 million from Dubai. Never before has a digital auction from the region brought together so many timepieces of such importance and value. Live online from 24 March to 8 April 8, 2021.
The Dubai-based team of experts has curated close to 200 lots of rare and coveted timepieces for an estimated total ranging from USD 9,000,000 to 15,000,000. Highlights include the Patek Philippe Sky Moon Tourbillon reference 5002 in platinum, as well as two others exceptional Patek Philippe timepieces, both of which possibly have unique dials: the reference 5004R with a ruby dial and the reference 3990P with a light grey dial.
The auction is restricted to a timeframe of 16 days in which registered bidders will be able to track specific lots and interact directly with the Christie’s platform. All lots will be on view at Christie’s, Dubai DIFC Gate Village 5, Podium Level, between 24 March and 8 April 2021, by appointment only.
Among the watches to be auctioned, there will be some of the most in-demand references, from grand complications by Patek Philippe and Gerald Genta to collectible minute repeaters, a selection of Rolex tool watches, from the Dato-Compax reference 6036 to the Rolex Big Crown reference 5510, as well as an impressive line-up of rare watches from one of the most coveted independent watchmakers, F.P Journe.
Trends on point, the team has curated a selection of 7 F.P. Journe watches, including 3 platinum timepieces from before 2004, particularly coveted and recognisable by their rhodium-plated brass movements: Resonance (est. USD 150,000-250,000), Zodiac, of which only 150 pieces were made, (USD 100,000-150,000) and Octa Automatique with an elegant pink dial (USD 100,000-150,000). These have all seen a sharp rise in value over the past 12 months alone. Also on offer is an exotic set of six medium-sized Audemars Piguet Royal Oak jewellery watches and a unique diamond, ruby, sapphire and emerald-set brooch in white gold indicating three time zones (London, Mecca, and Brunei).
Christie’s international team of watch experts has worked with its global network of valued clients to put together a fascinating season of horological treasures. 2021 spring watch calendar includes 10 auctions taking place from March to June in New York, Hong Kong, Dubai, and Geneva.
