HONG KONG.- Bonhams (Hong Kong) will hold its inaugural “Most Affordable Luxury Auction” at the Bonhams Hong Kong Gallery (Suite 2001, One Pacific Place, Admiralty) on 23rd September 2015. Specifically conceived for the new breed of collectors, over 500 collectable jewels, gemstones, timepieces and writing instruments at a lower price point than the June and December auction lots will be presented for auction.
With the booming auction market, a new generation of collectors have appeared in recent years. Many of these are sophisticated collectors who are wealthy enough to dedicate a considerable amount towards collecting rare and desired items. Yet compared to seasoned collectors, they still lack the experience required to navigate the market, leading to many missed opportunities at auction.
Graeme Thompson, the director of jewellery for Bonhams Asia, notes “The 23rd September Jewellery and Jadeite auction features a wide variety of fine jewels that are highly collectable and attractively priced. This is the first 'salon style' auction that Bonhams Hong Kong will host and it was collaborated with new and seasoned buyers in mind, so there are some very exciting opportunities to purchase fine jewellery, jadeite, coloured gemstones and diamonds.”
“In recent years, there has been a demand for wearable yet affordable jewellery, be it among financially independent female professionals or new collectors looking for an alternative investment.” He continues: “I hope that the 212 pieces of jewellery and jadeite (pre-sale estimate of HK$ 7,500 and above) we are presenting will satisfy this group of collectors who might feel that they have been neglected by the market. 20% of the jewellery and jade will be sold under a ‘no-reserve’ policy, making this opportunity all the rarer. Jewellery and jade lovers should not miss it.”
Nicholas Biebuyck, Senior Specialist Watch Department of Bonhams (Hong Kong) comments: “The 23rd September sale represents an excellent opportunity for new and established collectors to make new additions to the watches they already own, at a price point that is more accessible and affordable. We have had great success with similar style sales at our Knightsbridge sale room in London and see it has an area that has huge potential in Asia.”
He adds: “As well as watches we will also be holding our auction of Fine Writing Instruments which includes some exceptional limited edition pieces from Montblanc including the Fortune Number 88, George Pompidou 77 and John Adams from America's Signatures for Freedom Series. This is the first time we have offered pieces of this high level in Asia and offers a rare chance to acquire these limited edition and sought after pieces.”
Highlights of the Jewelry & Jadeite Auction:
• A Diamond Floral Brooch. Estimate: HK$38,000 - 48,000
• A Ladies 'Couscous' Watch Bangle, by Van Cleef and Arpels, circa 1970. Estimate: HK$75,000 - 85,000
• A pair of natural pearl and diamond earrings. Estimate: HK$75,000 - 85,
• A pair of jadeite and diamond pendent earrings. Estimate: HK$12,000 - 20,000
• A jadeite and diamond ring. Estimate: HK$40,000 - 60,000
• A double strand jadeite bead necklace. HK$60,000 - 80,000
• A jadeite ring. Estimate: HK$120,000 - 160,000
Highlights of the Watches & Wristwatches Auction:
Audemars Piguet. A fine and rare limited edition stainless steel and tantalum automatic calendar chronograph wristwatch with box and papers Royal Oak Offshore Sincere Limited Edition, Ref:26034TS.00.D001IN.01, Case No.F15120, Circa 2004
The Royal Oak Offshore has become a true icon and although the standard production piece in rose gold and stainless steel are handsome, the limited pieces in unusual metals have become particularly collectible. This particular example was produced for the 50th anniversary of the authorised retailed sincere and features a bezel made of tantalum, a metal normally used in jet engines and nuclear reactors. Estimate: HKD 130,000-180,000
Patek Philippe. A fine and rare 18K rose gold automatic annual calendar moon phase bracelet watch Ref:5036R, Case No.4052248, Movement No.3143373, Circa 2001
The 5036 has become one of the quintessential Patek designs but has since been discontinued and replaced by the larger 5146, making it harder to find today. Offered here in rose gold on full Patek bracelet, this is a rare combination that does not come to market as often as others and the 36mm size makes for beautiful proportions. Estimate: HKD210,000-300,000
Patek Philippe. An 18K white gold automatic world time wristwatch with Certificate of Origin Ref:5110, Case No.4142074, Movement No.3207265, retailed by Patek Philippe Salons de Geneve 7th August 2001
The 5110 and later reference 5130 world timers from Patek Philippe is probably one of the most practical and useful complications from the brand, especially for those that spend a lot of time dealing with international markets or away from home. The nature of the world timer means that it is possible to see the time in major cities of the world in one glance. This particular example is in very good condition, with its Certificate of Origin. Estimate: HKD150,000-230,000
Daniel Roth. An 18K gold manual wind tourbillon wristwatch Case No.25, Circa 1995
The tourbillon is prized among collectors as one of the great grand complications. This particular piece represents really great value for money for such a sought after complications and is from one of the shining stars of independent watchmaking before it was acquired by Bulgari. Estimate: HKD160,000-240,000
Patek Philippe. A very fine and rare platinum automatic perpetual calendar wristwatch Ref:5059P, Case No.4047997, Movement No.1957480, Circa 2000
A Patek Philippe perpetual calendar is both a spectacular complication and an everyday wearable watch. In platinum it is particularly discreet and the reference 5059 has an unusual officers case back that wears well, as well as the retrograde date ensuring the dial is not too empty. Now discontinued and superseded by the reference 5159, the 5059 has already become sought after. Estimate: HKD400,000-500,000
