PHILLIPS ANNOUNCES SECOND WATCH AUCTION IN HONG KONG FEATURING RARE AND EXCEPTIONAL COLLECTOR'S TIMEPIECES

Sam Hines, International Head of Watches at Phillips, says: “Following the success of our inaugural record-breaking Hong Kong sale last year in which a Patek Philippe was sold for the highest price ever paid for a wristwatch at auction in Asia, we will present in this May sale yet another phenomenal selection of vintage and modern collectors’ watches. Two superlative Patek Philippe masterpieces will be brought to centre stage, including the previously unknown Reference 2523/1 making its debut in the auction market, and Reference 2499, the holy grail for many vintage watch collectors.”

“We are also privileged to be entrusted with the sale of three important private collections. The first collection, assembled by a prominent Asian collector, features some of the most iconic Rolex models. The second Asian collection includes very rare vintage wristwatches completely fresh to the market. The third collection pays tribute to the Rolex tool watch, showcasing extraordinary sports models in terrific overall condition ever to appear at auction. Hong Kong is one of the leading centres for watch auction, and the appearance of fresh-to-the-market examples of the highest quality is an exciting opportunity for today’s astute collectors.”

Star lots of the sale

Leading this auction is an extremely fine, highly important and previously unknown pink gold world time wristwatch with two crowns and two-tone dial by Patek Philippe, Reference 2523/1, manufactured in 1954 (Est. HK$12,000,000-20,000,000/ US$1,500,000-2,500,000, Lot 373).

In pristine and unpolished condition, this particular pink gold 2523/1 is previously unknown and fresh to the market. Currently, there are only three known pink gold examples in existence. The present lot is the second known example to be offered at auction. The first one was sold at a staggering 18 years ago which achieved a record breaking price of US$665,000; and the remaining example is on display in the Patek Philippe Museum. When first introduced to the market in the early 1950s, the Double Crown World Time was not a commercial success. As a result, very few pieces were manufactured and sold, making this wristwatch incredibly collectible today.

A very fine, incredibly rare and possibly unique pink gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moon phases by Patek Philippe, Reference 2499, manufactured in 1968 (Est. HK$9,000,000-18,000,000/ US$1,120,000-2,250,000, Lot 368), is another highlight. With a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the production and its subsequent sale, the present lot is one of the 6 known examples of the third series pink gold wristwatches, the rarest of all series, among the 2499s cased in pink gold.

This exceptional wristwatch first made its auction debut 12 years ago in Geneva where it was sold for an astounding price of SFr.965,000. In amazing original condition, the present lot is believed to be unique for its dial configuration where the moon phases are flat with no semi-circle indentation. No other third series pink is fitted with a dial like the present watch. All these attributes make this one of the most desired vintage wristwatches of all time.

Equally noteworthy is the lady’s unique and highly important white gold and multi gem-set tutti frutti bracelet watch with concealed mother-of-pearl dial by Cartier, Reference 723207, created in 1997 (Est. HK$3,000,000-5,000,000/ US$375,000-625,000, Lot 76). It pays a tribute to the iconic ‘Tutti Frutti’ design of the brand which began in 1901 when Queen Alexandra commissioned Pierre Cartier to create a necklace inspired by the magnificent jewels of Southern Asia.

Set with carved rubies, emeralds, sapphires and brilliant diamonds, the present lot is also studded with cabochon rubies that appear as berries on a winding stem. The bracelet watch also features a unique concealed dial, set with baguette diamonds, tallow-cut ruby and emerald cabochons which provide an Art Deco aesthetic, and underneath lies a mother-of-pearl dial. This unique piece was specially designed for Cartier’s 150thanniversary, which is confirmed by the No. 1/1 engraving on the case back and original certificate. It also comes with an International Guarantee Certificate and a fitted presentation box. There is no known comparable contemporary bracelet watch that has ever appeared at auction before, no less by Cartier, and is expected to arouse high level of interest among watch and jewellery aficionados.

Other Patek Philippe Highlights

Patek Philippe. A very fine and very rare platinum minute repeating perpetual calendar wristwatch with moon phases, 24 hours, leap year indicator, additional case back, original certificate and fitted presentation box, reference 5074, circa 2009 (Lot 386). Introduced in 2009, this watch is incredibly popular and only 3 examples have appeared on the market.

Est. HK$2,700,000-5,000,000/ US$350,000-650,000

Patek Philippe. A very fine and extremely rare platinum minute repeating instantaneous perpetual calendar tourbillon wristwatch with leap year indicator, day and night display, moon phases, additional case back, original certificate and fitted presentation box, reference 5207, circa 2010 (Lot 175). The 5207 is one of the most complicated watches available on the market today.

Est. HK$3,200,000-4,800,000/ US$400,000-600,000

Patek Philippe. An exceptional and very rare platinum and pink gold semi-skeletonized minute repeating perpetual calendar wristwatch with retrograde date, moon phases, leap year indicator, original certificate and fitted presentation box, reference 5104, Year 2012. (Lot 384). Since its launch in 2006, only 5 examples of reference 5104 have appeared on the market.

Est. HK$3,200,000- 4,800,000/ US$400,000-600,000

Patek Philippe. A fine and very rare platinum perpetual calendar split seconds chronograph wristwatch with special blue tachymetre dial, Breguet numeral at 12 o'clock, moon phases, 24 hours, leap year indicator, original certificate, additional case back and fitted presentation box, reference 5004, circa 2009 (Lot 169). Formerly in the collection of Sir Eric Clapton, this is the only 5004 known to be fitted with this dial.

Est. HK$2,800,000-4,400,000/ US$350,000-550,000

Vintage Rolex

The crown jewel in this section is a very fine and very rare stainless steel anti-magnetic Milgauss wristwatch with 'tropical' honeycomb dial, flash hand and bracelet, Reference 6541, manufactured in 1958 (Est. HK$1,000,000-2,000,000/ US$125,000-250,000, Lot 285). This sport watch features the much sought-after flash seconds hand and is offered in extremely appealing original condition.

A further highlight is a very fine and very rare stainless steel wristwatch with sweep centre seconds, black lacquer 'underline Explorer' dial, pointed crown guards and bracelet, Reference 5513, manufactured in 1963 (Est. HK$900,000-2,000,000/ US$110,000-250,000, Lot 292). The present watch was manufactured in the last half of 1963 and features the correct ‘underline’ and ‘Swiss T<25’ dial, which is the transitional period when Rolex stopped using radium and transferred to tritium.

Three Important Collections

Property from an Important Asian Collector

Meticulously curated by an eminent Asian collector, this Rolex collection showcases some of the most celebrated references of the brand’s history, including an extremely rare DateJust, Day-Date, GMT, Submariner and Daytona. The 32 watches on offer are almost all fresh to the market and of top quality and rarity.

Of particular interest is a section dedicated to watches made especially for the Middle East stamped with the coats of arms of various states included the Kanjar for Oman. A highlight is a fine and very rare Rolex yellow gold dual time wristwatch with sweep centre seconds, date in Arabic and bracelet, made for His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Reference 1675, Year 1974 (Est. HK$300,000-500,000/ US$38,000-62,000, Lot 38).

Property from an Important Asian Collector

The second collection features 17 vintage watches brought together by a distinguished Asian collector. Highlights include some of the most iconic and rarest Rolex models on the market, alongside watches of other renowned brands. The centerpiece is an exceptional, large and very rare pink gold wristwatch with sweep centre seconds and blue enamel dial, Reference 8382, manufactured in 1951 (Est. HK$400,000-600,000/ US$50,000-75,000, Lot 209) which makes its comeback to the market after its auction debut in 1989. An exceedingly rare example in outstanding original condition, its hand engraved pearls on the outer track and the gilt graphics on the dial are expected to draw Rolex and watches enthusiasts alike.

The Sports Rolex: An Important Private Collection of Tool Watches

The third collection pays tribute to the Rolex tool watch, comprising 16 lots of extremely rare and fresh to the market tool watches, some of which are still retaining their original accessories. The Sports Rolex is arguably one of the hottest and most collectable areas of the watch market today and seldom appear on the market. Among the jewels on offer is a very fine and rare stainless steel Rolex Submariner wristwatch with sweep centre seconds, black lacquer dial, big crown and original bracelet, Reference 6538, circa 1958. (Est. HK$620,000-900,000/ US$78,000-110,000, Lot 270). Submariner is one of the famed models of Rolex, first worn by James Bond in various films including From Russia With love, Gold Finger and Thunderball. The present example of 6538 is a spectacular one from the 1950s.

Important Pocket Watches

An extremely rare, highly important and unique pink gold minute repeating, perpetual calendar, chronograph two train hunter case grande and petite sonnerie clock watch with moon phases and central minute hand register, manufactured in 1892 (Est. HK$1,600,000-2,400,000/ US$200,000-300,000, Lot 354) is a prime offering. Previously unrecorded in any place in literature, this museum quality Audemars Piguet Grande Complication clock watch is one of the most complicated Audemars Piguet known to exist, and is also one of the earliest known examples to have been manufactured featuring 11 complications that constitute the mechanism of this magnificent watch.

Also on offer is an exceptionally and historically important pink gold automata openface watch with enamel scene of the Battle of Fleurus, manufactured circa 1800, (Est. HK$800,000-1,200,000/ US$100,000-150,000, Lot 360). Painted with exceptional detail, it features the historic Battle of Fleurus by the history painter Jean-Baptise Mauzaisse, celebrating the triumph of the French First Republic over the Coalition Army on 25 June 1794. The painting of the same title is on display in the Palace of Versailles. The automata on the reverse is extremely unusual and features four moving parts: the lady fanning herself, the young boy playing with a moving cat, as well as a blazing fire. Of museum quality, it was last offered on the market in 1979 and since has remained in an important collection for the last 36 years.

Further Highlights

A notable lot in the sale is a very fine and unique brass and enamel square solar clock with pocket watch movement by Patek Philippe manufactured by in 1962, Reference 818 (Est. HK$300,000 - 500,000/ US$38,000-62,000, Lot 348).

Fresh to the market, this desk timepiece is the earliest example known of such a square clock, decorated with cloisonné enamel to have appeared in public. The theme of the cloisonné enamel is as unusual as the clock that it decorates, signed by Deville for Michel Deville (1924-2003), one of the first enamellers to use his talents to create some of the finest enamel decorations for Patek Philippe. He was known to infuse modernity into classical themes and had a cubist approach to illustrate these themes. It is thought that he was inspired by Pablo Picasso, Juan Gris and Robert Delaunay. The cloisonné enamel is free of any restoration and is showing very vibrant colours.

Richard Mille. An extremely fine and very rare, lightweight translucent composite limited edition skeletonised tourbillon tonneau-shaped wristwatch with original warranty and fitted presentation box, reference RM59-01 AN CA, circa 2013 (Lot 121).

Est. HK$2,000,000- 3,600,000/ US$250,000-450,000

Vacheron Constantin. An extremely fine and very rare platinum minute repeating perpetual calendar tourbillon wristwatch, Circa 2012 (Lot 263). It is one of the most complicated watches made by Vacheron Constantin and is exceptional both in design and function.

Est. HK$2,000,000- 4,000,000/ US$250,000-500,000

Patek Philippe. An extremely fine and very rare platinum minute repeating perpetual calendar tourbillon wristwatch with retrograde date, moon phases, black dial, additional case back, original certificate and fitted presentation box, reference 5216, circa 2014 (Lot 173). This is the first time that a reference 5216 in platinum is offered at auction.

Est. HK$3,200,000-4,800,000/ US$400,000-600,000

Patek Philippe. A unique and very important titanium skeletonized wristwatch with original certificate, reference 5180, Year 2009 (Lot 170). There are only 9 other titanium watches ever created by Patek Philippe. Any watch created by the firm in an exotic metal is celebrated by collectors and the market.

Est. HK$2,700,000 - 4,000,000/ US$350,000-500,000

Patek Philippe. A very fine and very rare yellow gold minute repeating perpetual calendar wristwatch with moon phases, 24 hours, leap year indicator, additional case back, original certificate and fitted presentation box, reference 5074, Year 2001 (Lot 171).The superior acoustic chime of its minute repeating mechanism is unmistakable.

Est. HK$2,200,000 - 4,000,000/ US$275,000-500,000

Patek Philippe. An incredibly fine and rare white gold minute repeating perpetual calendar wristwatch with retrograde date, leap year indicator, moon phases, original certificate and fitted presentation box, reference 5213, circa 2012 (Lot 382).

Est. HK$2,400,000 - 4,000,000/ US$300,000-500,000