HONG KONG.- Sotheby’s Hong Kong Important Watches Spring Sale 2011 will be held on 7 April at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Highlights include an array of highly coveted complications including Patek Philippe timepieces with unique custom-made dials, extremely limited editions of creations by renowned independent watchmakers and a fine selection of enamel and complicated pocket watches spanning the late 18th to early 20th centuries. The sale brings together a total of over 300 lots estimated over HK$46 million / US$5.9 million*.

Vanessa Herrera, Head of Watches, Sotheby’s China and Southeast Asia, says, “Last season’s sale led by complicated independent timepieces proved a great success achieving the highest total of its kind at Sotheby’s Hong Kong, This season we are thrilled to present a broad spectrum of fine timepieces, from Patek Philippe complications with custom-made dials that take collectors one step further to explore the personal touch offered by this world revered horological master, to extremely limited editions by famed independent watchmakers as well as a meticulous selection of approximately 50 enamel and complicated pocket watches, which are highly sought after by Asian collectors.”

A PERSONAL TOUCH
Leading the sale are two Patek Philippe complications, each bearing the personal imprint of their respective collectors. Property from a Family Collection, the extremely important and rare Patek Philippe Platinum Minute Repeating Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon Wristwatch With Retrograde Date And Moon-Phases, Accompanied By Three Additional Dials, Circa 2004, Ref. 5016P (Est. HK$3.6 – 5.5 million / US$460,000 – 700,000) is a truly marvellous work of art in modern haute horlogerie. By combining the most highly prized functions including tourbillon, minute repeater, perpetual calendar, retrograde date hand and moon-phases display in a Calatrava case, the model comprising more than 500 minuscule parts held the title of the most complicated Patek Philippe wristwatch ever produced. Within the heart of this masterpiece is calibre R TO 27 PS QR, a hand-wound movement with tourbillon regulator which rotates on the same axis as the balance and fourth wheel. This complicated configuration is situated at the back to minimise exposure to daylight and, therefore, maximises longevity of the movement as well as timekeeping precision. According to research, only approximately 200 pieces of Ref. 5016 have been produced to date since its launch in 1993 and, with the three extra dials, it is certainly a unique treasure for any collector.

Offered at auction for the very first time, this extraordinary and rare Patek Philippe Platinum And Diamond-Set Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Wristwatch With Register, Moon-Phases And Leap Year Indication, Circa 1996, Ref. 3990P (Est. HK$1.6 – 2 million / US$210,000 - 250,000) is one of only three Ref. 3990 in platinum to appear in public to date. It is also only the second example of this series fitted with the bespoke ardoise or grey dial with diamond numerals. An excellent example of bespoke design combined with iconic complication, this Ref. 3990P is accompanied by an Extract from the Archives of Patek Philippe confirming its production in 1996 with ardoise or slate grey dial, diamond indexes and 40 baguette-cut diamonds weighing approximately 2.79 carats and its sale on 17 December 1996.

MORE PATEK PHILIPPE COMPLICATIONS
Hailed as “the most ambitious creation” among the grand complications of the prestigious watchmaker that first introduced the perpetual calendar chronograph to the world, the fine and rare Patek Philippe Platinum Split Seconds Chronograph Perpetual Calendar Wristwatch With Register, Moon-Phases And Leap Year Indication, Circa 2003, Ref. 5004P (Est. HK$1.5 – 2 million / US$190,000 – 250,000) is highly regarded with a promising future as a collectable. Its 407 individual parts interact in perfect harmony and precision, performing highly complicated functions including split seconds chronograph and perpetual calendar, with moon-phases, offering perfect accuracy for 122 years and 45 days and, even then, requiring adjustment only by one day. Introduced in 1995, this piece of mechanical mastery is a timeless classic and attracts sophisticated collectors with a penchant for understated complexity.

After setting the world auction record for a Patek Philippe Ref. 5102G Celestial at HK$3.13 million / US$400,961 in April 2008, this season Sotheby’s is pleased to announce the Hong Kong auction debut of an important Patek Philippe Platinum And Pink Gold Automatic Astronomical Wristwatch With Sky Chart, Phases And Position Of The Moon And Time Of Meridian Passage Of Sirius And The Moon, Circa 2010, Ref. 5102PR Celestial (Est. HK$1.65 - 2.2 million / US$220,000-280,000). Introduced in BaselWorld 2009, the Ref. 5102PR sculpted in platinum and 18k pink gold replaces the Ref. 5102J produced in 18k yellow gold. Launched in 2002, the Patek Philippe Ref. 5102 “Celestial” depicts the planisphere of the northern hemisphere with an integrated moon-phases display, successfully reproducing the configuration of the visible sky and apparent movement of the Milky Way. Hand finished with 301 individual parts including an automatic movement with the Sky Moon mechanism (Calibre 240 LU CL), which was awarded a Swiss Patent for the base calibre, the Ref. 5102 is certainly one of the most important horological complications ever developed.

HIGH JEWELLERY TIMEPIECES
Recently discontinued, the fine and rare Patek Philippe Platinum And Diamond-Set Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Wristwatch With Register, Moon-Phases And Leap Year Indication, Circa 2009, Ref. 5971P (Est. HK$1.6 – 2 million / US$210,000 -250,000) proves an impressive feat in aesthetical as well as technical terms, and is one of a selected few haute joaillerie timepieces in Patek Philippe’s impressive arena of men’s complicated watches. Crafted entirely from 950 platinum and embellished with 36 rare flawless white Top Wesselton baguette diamonds, the Ref.5971 boasts the calibre CH 27-70Q, widely regarded as the most beautiful classic column wheel chronograph mechanism in existence, as well as the Nouvelle Lemania movement manufactured exclusively for Patek Philippe, both gems in their own right.

Since the invention of the tourbillon in 1795 by Abraham-Louis Breguet, this phenomenal precision-enhancing complication has been revered as an important milestone in watchmaking history. Another highlight of the sale combining the tourbillon with dazzling gems is the rare and important Breguet White Gold And Diamond-Set Skeletonised Tourbillon Wristwatch, Circa 2002, Ref. 3356 (Est. HK$1.25 – 1.8 million / US$170,000 - 230,000). This spectacular creation displays a handengraved manual winding tourbillon movement in full skeletonisation, which is the result of extremely fine craftsmanship and many painstaking hours of miniature goldsmithery on the part of the master watchmaker. The delicate dance of the tourbillon is further admired through the sapphire crystal display at the back. Housed in a sculpted 18k white gold case and adorned with 99 calibré baguette-cut diamonds weighing 11 carats finely set on the bezel and case band, this timepiece is the epitome of refinement and luxury.

LIMITED EDITION GERMAN MASTERPIECE
The vivid history of German watchmaker A. Lange & Söhne places it in a special position in the world of watchmaking dominated by Swiss houses. Founded in 1845, the prestigious watchmaker ceased production in 1945 during World War Two and it was not until 1989 that it was reinstated by Walter Lange into the fine watchmaking league. Launched at the turn of the millennium based on the classic Lange 1, the fine and rare A. Lange & Söhne Limited Edition Pink Gold Tourbillon Wristwatch With Oversized Date And Power Reserve Indication, Circa 2000, Lange 1 Tourbillon No.74/250 (Est. HK$550,000 – 750,000 / US$70,000 – 100,000) was attribute. It is the world’s first wristwatch with a tourbillon, a patented outsized date, twin mainspring barrels for three days’ power reserve, and a progressive power reserve indicator. This piece also boasts a one-minute tourbillon that was first introduced by Emil Lange at the Paris World Exposition in 1900. Overall, the movement is a breathtaking ensemble of 378 meticulously finished parts that interact to perfection as can be observed through the sapphire crystal case back. Manufactured in 2003, this limited edition consists of only 250 pieces in pink gold and 150 pieces in platinum, making this present watch, numbered 74/250, an incredibly valuable piece coveted by collectors worldwide.

EXTREMELY RARE INDEPENDENT TIMEPIECES
F. P. Journe made a ground-breaking debut with the Tourbillon Souverain at BaselWorld 1999, which was discontinued in 2003, despite its immediate success, to maintain exclusivity and encourage his own creativity. In this sale Sotheby’s is pleased to offer a more sophisticated version of this iconic timepiece - an extremely fine and rare F. P. Journe Limited Edition Titanium And Pink Gold Tourbillon Dead Beat Seconds Wristwatch With Power Reserve Indication, Circa 2007, Tourbillon Souverain Hong Kong 07 No. 1/5 (Est. HK$800,000 - 1,100,000 / US$100,000 - 140,000). Installed with a deadbeat seconds device, in which the hand remains still before the second has elapsed, the Tourbillon Souverain à Seconde Morte was awarded the esteemed Aiguille d’Or at the Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix in 2004. The present lot was produced in a special limited edition of only five pieces for the first anniversary of the F. P. Journe Hong Kong boutique in 2007 and is numbered 1. Housed within an impressive 40 mm titanium case, with ruthenium dial and red lettering, this exclusively numbered and elegantly styled timepiece is exceptionally rare and highly collectable for patrons of independent horology.

Known for his focus on quality, exclusivity and unique brand identity, Franck Muller has exemplified his innovation and continued pursuit of excellence in the annual World Premier series, not least the exceptional and unique Franck Muller Yellow Gold Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar Split Seconds Chronograph Wristwatch With Register And Leap Year Indication, Circa 1992, No. 1 World Premier (Est. HK$320,000 - 450,000 / US$40,000 - 60,000). Created entirely by hand by Franck Muller himself over 14 months, this piece signifies his triumph over technological challenge, with all the perpetual calendar functions instantly jumping forward while the spilt seconds chronograph function is activated, and the balance wheel oscillating without a significant drop in amplitude. This one-of-a-kind timepiece belongs in a league of its own, manifesting the past and inspiring the future.

FINE POCKET WATCHES
Catering specially to the discerning taste of Asian collectors, this season Sotheby’s will present a fine selection of pocket watches, highlighted by Property from a Family Collection, an exceptional Yellow Gold Open-Faced Minute Repeating Perpetual Calendar Keyless Chronometre Watch With Moon-Phases, 24-Hour Indication And Earnshaw-Type Spring Detent Escapement, Retailed By Beyer, Circa 1990, Ref. 961 (Est. HK$800,000 – 1.2 million / US$100,000 – 150,000). Introduced in 1989, the Ref. 961 is one of the most complex movements created by Patek Philippe for a modern pocket watch. The combination of perpetual calendar and minute repeater make this a highly desirable masterpiece of precision horology. Developed by Thomas Earnshaw in the 1780s, the Earnshaw spring detent escapement enables the escape wheel teeth to operate without oil, and was revered as the standard for marine chronometers. Throughout the history of Patek Philippe, complicated watches with Earnshaw spring detent escapements have remained exceptionally rare and the most costly to manufacture. Very few pieces of the Ref. 961 are believed to exist and only three are currently known to the public.

* Estimates do not include buyer’s premium