HONG KONG.- Sotheby’s Hong Kong is unveiled highlights from its Spring 2018 Sale Series of Important Watches, taking place at Hong Kong Exhibition & Convention Centre on 2 April. The auction features unique and important timepieces from the leading names in horology, including Patek Philippe, Rolex, Piaget and Vacheron Constantin, as well as distinguished independent watch makers including Roger Smith and Greubel Forsey. With 420 lots from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries, Important Watches carries a total estimate in excess of HK$100 million.

Sam Hines, Sotheby’s Worldwide Head of Watches, comments: “We are excited to have this fantastic auction of vintage and modern timepieces in Hong Kong for our first sale of the season. Featuring a strong line-up of highly sought-after vintage references, such as the Rolex Paul Newman and the Patek Philippe Ref 1579 in stainless steel, Independents by Roger Smith, and fabulous jewellery watches by Piaget and Vacheron Constantin, the April sale also offers expansive collections, ranging from Patek Philippe Art Noveau and Art Deco pocket watches to a collection of contemporary complicated wristwatches led by a Ulysse Nardin Gengkhis Khan, guaranteed to appeal to the world of horology.”

AUCTION HIGHLIGHTS

Vintage Masters
Leading our vintage watches this season is a Very Important, Extremely Rare and Possibly Unique Stainless Steel Chronograph Wristwatch with Registers and Pulsation Dial Ref 1579 (estimate HK$6,200,000 – 12,000,000 / US$ 800,000 – 1,540,000). One of only seven known in the world, this example is in new condition and is unique. Distinct for its hard enamel pulsations scale, it is the only one known.

The Important Watches sale this spring also features ten Rolex Daytonas, including three Paul Newmans, one of the most desirable wristwatches on the market today. Among the group is a Very Fine and Extremely Rare Yellow Gold Chronograph Wristwatch with Registers and Tropical Minute Track Ref 6264 (estimate HK$3,200,000 – 6,000,000 / US$409,000-770,000). Notable for its ‘Lemon Dial’, one of only a handful known to exist, this particular watch is made even more unique by its faded outer minute track, a highly attractive characteristic referred to as ‘tropical’ and its excellent state of preservation.

Contemporary Pieces and Independent Watchmakers
Following in the footsteps of the tremendous success of timepieces by George Daniels in the London salesrooms, Sotheby's offer a piece by his protégé, Roger Smith. This Possibly Unique and Impressive White Gold Wristwatch with Power Reserve Indication and Co-Axial Escapement is no. 66 in Series 2, a timepiece that took three years to develop (estimate HK$ 1,000,000 – 2,000,000 / US$ 130,000 – 270,000). Commissioned exclusively for the present owner, the customary silvered chapter ring is replaced by a full engine-turned dial with applied blue steel numerals and hands, and guilloche base plates and bridges.

Leading the contemporary wristwatches is Patek Philippe’s Rare and Highly Important Pink Gold Double Dial Wristwatch with Twelve Complications Ref 5002R (estimate HK$7,800,000 – 12,000,000 / US$1,000,000 – 1,540,000). Widely upheld as the most important wristwatch manufactured in the 21st century, the Sky Moon Tourbillon is the company’s most complicated wristwatch and the first to feature a double dial. When introduced, the model was the watch company’s first highly complicated wristwatch.

A second highly important from Patek Philippe is an Extremely Rare, Important and Possibly Unique Pink Gold Perpetual Calendar Split Seconds Chronograph Wristwatch Ref 5004R-028 (estimate HK$5,500,000 – 12,000,000 / US$705,000-1,540,000). Fitted with a possibly unique dial – highly unusual for Patek Philippe – this particular watch has a pulsations scale rendered dramatically in white. With no other reference 5004 known to exist with this combination of case and dial, this mechanically complex and aesthetically beautiful watch is a contemporary classic, and makes its auction debut this April in Hong Kong.

Finally, an important contemporary classic with special dial ref. 5970 with bracelet, Breguet Numerals of tachometer scale, (estimate HK$2,400,000 – 4,000,000 / US$307,000-515,000) was commissioned on special request and complete with all original accessories. The combination of dial and design and exclusivity render this watch remarkably rare and sought after.

Diamond Watches
The spring sale is also highlighted by a number of important diamond-encrusted timepieces. Piaget’s Magnificent and Unique Lady’s White Gold, Diamond and Emerald-Set Drop-Shaped Double Dialed Bangle Watch is set with close to 70 carats of precious gems (estimate HK$4,500,000 – 6,500,000 / US$580,000 – 830,000). A one-of-a-kind creation, this gem defines Piaget’s philosophy of “always do better than necessary”. A second extraordinary jewel is Vacheron Constantin’s Magnificent and Rare White-Gold and Diamond-Set Tonneau-Form Bracelet Watch, referred to the Kalla Duchesse (estimate HK$ 3,800,000 – 6,000,000 / US$486,000 – 770,000). Comprised of over 830 diamonds weighing approximately 52.5 carats, the gemstones fit perfectly into each curve and crevice of the wristwatch. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that a Kalla Duchesse will appear at public auction.

Private Collections
A group of twenty nine pieces from An Exceptional Collection of Complicated Masterpieces comes to auction this April, led by a limited edition Ulysse Nardin. The Platinum Tourbillon Minute Repeating Westminster Chimes Wristwatch Ref 789-80, also known as the Genghis Khan, is the first wristwatch of its kind to combine these four complications (estimate HK$ 1,200,000 – 1,800,000 / US$154,000-231,000). Designed by the late Rolf W. Schnyder, this wristwatch mesmerises its owner with its dial of fighting Mongolian warriors, moving in time to each of the Westminster chimes.

An exquisite group of twelve vintage Patek Philippe pocket watches from the Art Deco and Art Noveau Period is also a feature of this spring’s Important Watches auction. Appearing on the market for the first time is a Yellow Gold and Enamel Open-Faced Keyless Watch from 1900 (estimate HK$200,000 – 400,000 / US$25,600 – 51,500). Highlighting an intricately painted landscape, this fantastic polychrome enamel pendant watch is emblematic of the Patek Philippe brand and is in exceptional condition.