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Auction Review: Christie’s Important Watches Hong Kong

By Celine Yap 24 May, 2017
Auction Review: Christie’s Important Watches Hong Kong

To bid or not to bid

On 29 May, Christie’s will be hosting the next Important Watches Hong Kong auction where 257 beautiful and rare timepieces and precious objects are set to go under the hammer. Prices start at an almost unbelievable HK$10,000 (S$1,780) for a lady’s Rolex Precision to an astounding HK$10,000,000 (approximately S$1,780,700) for a – you guessed it – Patek Philippe Ref. 5002 Sky Moon Tourbillon.

Patek Philippe aficionados may look forward to 74 lots from their favourite brand while Rolex enthusiasts will be treated to 50 lots, of which 11 are current Daytonas and seven are Paul Newman Daytonas. Interesting lots also from the likes of Cartier, Audemars Piguet, and Vacheron Constantin, so this auction looks set to be an exciting one for the watch connoisseur.

Follow us on Instagram (@robbreportsingapore) on that day for live updates and auction results. But for now, here are vintage chronographs, unusual finds and ladies’ timepieces to seriously consider. Plus, pieces we’d keep for ourselves.

Editor’s Picks: Five watches we want for ourselves

Audemars Piguet Tourbillon Automatique Ref. 25643BA
Lot 2268; Audemars Piguet Tourbillon Automatique in 18k gold, circa 1990; Estimate: HK$100,000 – HK$200,000 (S$17,800 – S$35,600)

Audemars Piguet Tourbillon Automatique Ref. 25643BA No. 288
Introduced in 1986, the Audemars Piguet automatic tourbillon was not only the first series produced commercial wristwatch combining these two complications but is still arguably the thinnest automatic tourbillon wristwatch ever made with an overall thickness of only 4.8mm.

Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 3800/1
Lot 2283; Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 3800/1 in stainless steel with original certificate and box; manufactured in 1996; Estimate: HK$100,000 – HK$150,000 (S$17,800 – S$26,700)

Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 3800/1
A Patek Philippe Nautilus in stainless steel is exceedingly hard to come by and the relatively low estimates makes it a bargain considering the watch’s current value, not to mention the fact that it is an out-of-production reference, which makes it even more attractive.

Cartier Santos watch in platinum
Lot 2277; Cartier Santos in platinum, circa 1980; Estimate: HK$80,000 – HK$120,000 (S$14,250 – S$21,370)

Cartier Santos
This Cartier Santos stands out for its octagonal case and bezel, both of which are crafted in platinum, as is the bracelet, while the off-white dial pulls the entire vintage look together.

; Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 3403
Lot 2355; Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 3403 in 18k gold with gilt dial;manufactured in 1958; Estimate: HK$100,000 – HK$160,000 (S$17,800 – S$28,500)

Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 3403
Trust Patek Philippe to make a watch in yellow gold, with a gilt dial, and yellow gold hands and indexes that is full of class and not the least bit flashy.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller Submariner 2000 Ref. 1665
Lot 2434; Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller Submariner 2000 Ref. 1665 in stainless steel circa 1974; Estimate: HK$150,000 – HK$250,000 (S$26,700 – S$44,500)

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller Submariner 2000 Ref. 1665
A Rolex Sea-Dweller can do no wrong and one that comes without the Cyclops date magnifier is even better. This specific piece is a double red model although the wording has faded a little. The hands and numerals also show some yellowing with age.

Seven vintage Chronographs
Other Paul Newman Daytonas include Lots 2441, 2442, 2443, 2444, 2445, and 2446.

Six unusual finds for the eclectic collector

Seven watches you won’t believe are on the auction market

Five best ladies’ watches

Christie’s