HONG KONG.- Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo announces the Hong Kong Watch Auction: FOUR at the Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong on 30 May 2017. Following a record-breaking year of international auctions, during which the firm established global watch market leadership, Phillips is proud to present the finest collectable timepieces in Hong Kong this season, including 43 watches & encounters from the Laurent Picciotto Collection of Contemporary Watches. The sale comprises over 350 exceptional collector timepieces, a curated selection of the finest vintage and contemporary masterpieces by the world’s most sought-after brands, as well as historical masterpieces which have never been offered at auction. The sale is expected to realise in excess of HKD 100 million.

Sam Hines, International Head of Watches and Deputy Chairman of Asia: “Following a record-breaking season that began in Geneva, we are proud to once again present our pioneering format comprising a wide variety of exceptional wristwatches, pocket watches, clocks and jewelled watches by the most renowned watchmakers in the world. The sale is led by a very rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch, reference 530, by Patek Philippe, consigned by an important collector and reappearing on the auction market after 15 years. Collectible contemporary pieces include a limited edition reference 3670 chronograph wristwatch by Patek Phillipe; an openface, cloisonné enamel pocket watch with enamel miniature painted by Suzanne Rohr, widely considered as the last master enameller of this generation. In addition to these rare timepieces, the sale features the debut of a wristwatch made for the Sultanate of Oman by Rolex, and a fine selection of the most sought-after pieces by prestigious independent watchmakers including F. P. Journe, Richard Mille and MB&F. We are equally thrilled to announce the sale of 43 watches coming from the collection of Laurent Picciotto. The collection includes masterpieces by Richard Mille, Urwerk, De Bethune, MB&F, Girard-Perregaux, Audemars Piguet, Hublot and HYT. Each of the watches is accompanied by a wide variety of accessories including a guitar, speakers, travel bags, tee shirts, windbreakers, a flight jacket, books and various brand memorabilia.”

Highlights from Hong Kong Watch Auction: FOUR

Patek Philippe
A highly limited stainless steel chronograph wristwatch housing an original vintage movement, reference 3670 is one of Patek Philippe’s rarest serially produced modern timepieces, possibly the most elusive and desirable of all the firm’s contemporary wristwatches. At the time of production, reference 3670 was an “application” watch and only Patek Philippe’s most prestigious, deserving and loyal clients were granted the honour of owning the wristwatch. This marks the first time it has ever appeared on the auction market.

Patek Philippe. An extremely rare and highly important stainless steel limited edition chronograph cushion-shaped wristwatch with black dial, 1950’s movement and original certificate, reference 3670, circa 2012

Estimate: HKD 4,500,000-7,000,000 / USD 560,000-850,000

Patek Philippe
Reference 3448 was the first automatic perpetual calendar wristwatch made by Patek Philippe and was introduced in 1962. There are 586 examples that were manufactured up until 1981, the majority of which were cased in yellow gold. The presence of the original certificate, luminous dot indexes and hands further render this 3448 as one of the most important examples in the world.

Patek Philippe. An extremely fine and incredibly rare white gold perpetual calendar wristwatch with moon phases, luminous dial, original certificate and fitted presentation box, reference 3448, manufactured in 1974

Estimate: HKD 2,400,000-4,000,000 / USD 300,000-500,000

Patek Philippe
Producing only one enamel masterpiece every two years, Suzanne Rohr's miniatures are amongst the most sought after pieces today. This watch is notably a relatively early example by Rohr. The original painting "The Shore at Egmond-aan-Zee" currently on view at The National Gallery in London, showcases the beauty, tranquility and fecundity of the Netherlands during the Dutch Golden Age.

Patek Philippe. An exceptional and unique yellow gold openface watch with enamel miniature painted by Suzanne Rohr after a painting by Jacob van Ruisdael with original certificate and fitted presentation box, reference 866/30, manufactured in 1973

Estimate: HKD 1,800,000 - 2,500,000 / USD 230,000-320,000

Rolex SeaDwellers
Rolex SeaDwellers stamped with a Khanjar were delivered to the Sultanate of Oman as gifts to loyal servants, foreign dignitaries and Special Armed Forces. 80 to 90 SeaDweller with a bright red Khanjar were estimated to have been made and only as many as 12 SeaDweller are believed to exist with a gold Khanjar, like the present example.

Rolex. An extremely fine and rare stainless steel wristwatch with sweep centre seconds, date, gas escape valve and bracelet, made for the Sultanate of Oman, reference 1665, circa 1977

Estimate: HKD 2,200,000-4,000,000 / USD 280,000-500,000

Cartier
Cartier’s expertise in “Tutti Frutti” jewels began in 1901 and was among the very first manufactures to carve rubies, sapphires and emeralds into leaf designs and cabochon berry shapes. While the term “Tutti Frutti” was dubbed in the 1970s, Mughal-inspired designs were an instant and remain in vogue today. Its intricate workmanship and required known-how increasingly valued by scholars and collectors alike.

Cartier. A lady’s unique and highly important white gold and multi gemset Tutti Frutti bracelet watch, circa 2008

Estimate: HKD 1,200,000-1,600,000 / USD 150,000-200,000