HONG KONG.- Phillips de Pury & Company announces the forthcoming auction of an extraordinary collection of Swatch watches. One of the most complete collections of its kind, this fascinating assembly of more than 4,350 items includes a large number of prototypes, hybrids and production variants never offered for sale. Many of the rare prototypes date from the exciting development period immediately prior to commercial release of the first Swatch watches in the early 1980s.

The Blum Swatch collection sale will be held in Hong Kong on November 24 2011. The SWATCH BLUM COLLECTION will be sold as a single lot, the final lot of an 8 lot auction. Artworks from the SWATCH archives will be featured in the preceding lots, including works by Alessandro Mendini, Vivienne Westwood and Paolo Pininfarina.

“When the Swatch was introduced in 1983 it was a revolutionary concept and an instant success. Today, 28 years since it’s introduction, Swatch continues to be a vibrant, cool, fun watch and fashion accessory and is an important part of cultural history of our times. Despite it’s numerous fans around the world, nobody, including Swatch, had succeeded in amassing the ultimate, most comprehensive collection of Swatches including all special editions and countless prototypes than the late Mr. Peter Blum. Phillips de Pury & Company prides itself on being entirely focused on contemporary culture and lending support to Swatch in disposing this historic collection fits right into that remit.” Simon de Pury , Chairman Phillips de Pury & Company.

Assembled by the Swiss businessman, Peter Blum and his wife, Linda, the collection contains notable examples of the celebrated relationship between SWATCH and art, including Mimmo Paladino’s famous Oigol Oro; a set comprising Alfred Hofkunst’s Verduhra, Guhrke and Bonjuhr, each watch signed by the artist; and ten unique Swatch watches, including six prototypes, created by Kiki Picasso. American painter Keith Haring’s collaboration with Swatch is represented in the collection by a set of the four production models released in the United States – Modele avec Personnage, Milles Pattes, Serpent and Blanc sur Noir – along with a number of prototypes and variants. Additional highlights include Swatt Puff, the first (of only 120 pieces produced), Rudolph Moshammer’s Feathers, and a special JellyFish designed and signed by Andrew Logan.