Watch auction to be organized in the Middle East

Christie’s to hold the largest and most valuable watch auction to be organized 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.

The market is preparing for a milestone watch 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).

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 rhodium-plated 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 all seen a sharp rise in value over the past 12 months alone.

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 25^th anniversary of the manufacture.