Christie’s Watches Online: The Geneva Edit
When Automatic becomes Charismatic
The most desirable pieces from the star sports collections
by Richard Mille, Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe
Online sale | 3 – 17 May 2022 | 251 lots | Total low estimate: CHF 3-6 million
(fltr) Just a hint of the panoply of ‘Sport Elegance’ watches ready at the start line for Christie’s Watches Online: The Geneva Edit: Patek Philippe pink gold ‘Nautilus’ Ref. 5980/1R Chronograph; Richard Mille RM11-03 Automatic Flyback Chronograph in titanium; and the legend that started it all – Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ‘A Series’ (shown here: A 1690, one of the birthday children in this 50th Anniversary year).
Geneva, 25 April 2022 – Christie’s Watches Geneva is pleased to present Watches Online: The Geneva Edit, a curated selection of eye-catching timepieces, including the most coveted modern icons.
In pole position for this Online Sale, which will take place from 3 to 17 May, is a stunning Richard Mille RM 11-03 Automatic Flyback Chronograph in titanium. Considered to be a must-have in collections of contemporary modern sports timepieces, this Richard Mille reference with its yellow rubber bracelet will not fail to seduce bidders.
50 years a living legend – This year, Christie’s Geneva is also thrilled to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Audemars Piguet’s iconic Royal Oak design with a stunning curation of these legends, among which features No. A 1690 of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ‘A-series’ with tropical dial Ref. 5402ST.
Always to be counted on for exceptional performance, a number of Patek Philippe ‘Nautilus’ beauties: Ref. 5711/1R-001 Brown Dragon, Ref. 5712/1A and Ref. 5980/1R Chronograph.
Also poised for a break-out, a Rolex ‘Day-Date’ Ref. 1807 specially made for Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said of Oman, with a particularly attractive case and bracelet finish, and the striking red signature.
Rémi Guillemin, Head of Watches, Christie’s Geneva, shares: “Spring 2022 shows excellent signs of maintaining the momentum generated over recent months. Christie’s Watches Online: The Geneva Edit, opening on 3 May, will present highly sought-after timepieces: Patek Philippe, Rolex, including some of the finest and most desirable iterations of the iconic Daytona, and Audemars Piguet – the brand is celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Royal Oak this year, and we are proud to present a curation of these legends in their own lifetime.”
The ultimate performance time machine
Richard Mille RM11-03 Automatic Flyback Chronograph in titanium. Replacing the RM 11, which was launched in 2007, this RM 11-03 Automatic Chronograph with flyback function, from circa 2019, is highly characteristic of the Maison’s horological DNA. Inspired by the world of motor racing – a world dear to the brand’s founder – the Richard Mille RM 11-03, with its tonneau-shaped titanium case, borrows several codes that make it one of the sportiest models in the catalogue.
A transparent sapphire crystal case back which allows the wearer to view the movement within the watch: The RMAC3 Calibre with automatic winding movement, offers analogue time function, flyback chronograph, 60-minute countdown timer and oversized date display. It has a skeletonised dial with raised yellow-dotted hour markers and Arabic numerals. A tachymeter scale circles the dial near the bezel in a green font and a small seconds sub-dial, there is a date aperture between the 4 and 5 o’clock position, and the current year aperture under the 12 o’clock position. Its two mainspring barrels are mounted side-by-side to ensure stable coupling and provide up to 55 hours of power reserve.
(Est: CHF260,000-400,000)
The legend of the Nautilus shines on
Patek Philippe pink gold ‘Nautilus’ Ref. 5980/1R Chronograph, circa 2015. Making its debut in 2006, the Patek Philippe Nautilus reference 5980 was introduced on the occasion of the Basel Fair during the 30th anniversary of the iconic reference 3700/1 designed by Gérald Genta. As a vital complication of a sports watch, it is equipped with a chronograph function and the renowned “bull’s eye” subsidiary dial.
First seen on reference 5960, this design has captivated the heart of collectors by showcasing the hours in the inner part of the dial and minutes on the outer ring.
Reference 5980 is fitted with Patek Philippe’s entirely in-house made chronograph calibre 28-520 C. The calibre 28-520 C was originally created for the reference 5960, Patek Philippe’s first self-winding chronograph with annual calendar, it was later adjusted for reference 5980 without the date display.
(Est: CHF220,000-320,000)
Patek Philippe pink gold ‘Nautilus’ Ref. 5711/1R-001 Brown Dragon. The present reference 5711/1R-001 is one of the most coveted timepieces of Patek Philippe’s contemporary production.
Launched in 2006 and paying tribute to the iconic Nautilus reference 3700 designed by Gérald Genta in 1976, the reference 5711 was crafted with a three part case of slightly larger thickness, one millimetre wider than the reference 3700, to which it is practically identical on an aesthetical level, but featuring a sapphire display back revealing the caliber 324 S C. Now with a sweep centre seconds mechanism added to the date function, the model quickly focused the attention of Patek Philippe collectors, it is highly sought after and considered as a must-have within contemporary collections. This Nautilus 5711/1R-001 bears the original 1976 design and features a very attractive “chocolate” coloured dial.
(Est: CHF220,000-320,000)
Patek Philippe steel ‘Nautilus’ Ref. 5712/1A. The present model (from circa 2015) is the cousin of the “5711” collection, released at the same time, under reference 5712/1A, noticeable at first glance with its beautiful moon phase and power-reserve indicator on a blue dial. Equally popular, it is a very chic and sporty model, a showstopper. It has a stainless steel 40mm Nautilus case with a beautiful satin brushed bezel.
Reference 5712 perfectly symbolises the timeless Nautilus design and its masculine elegance. This very sought-after model was released in October 2006 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Nautilus collection, and to replace reference 3712 in production from 2005 to 2006.
Consigned by a refined collector, the present timepiece is offered in very good overall condition.
(Est: CHF100,000-200,000)
Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Royal Oak – with one of the original offspring
Audemars Piguet, steel ‘Royal Oak A-series’ with tropical dial, Ref. 5402ST, No. 1690. An iconic model of the Audemars Piguet Manufacture, the Royal Oak “A-series” can be considered one of the most collectible luxury sport timepieces. In fact, the Royal Oak was the first true luxury sports watch. The present watch is part of the first 2,000 “A-series” Royal Oaks ever created, with the serial number “A 1690”, the 1,690th Royal Oak of the inaugural series. Initially, only 1,000 watches were to be made, an ambitious target for a timepiece which was at the time the most expensive steel sportswatch and did not sell very well. Eventually it became successful, they sold out and production was increased to 2,000.After the “A-series” sold out, they progressed on to the “B” series, “C” series, and so on. The present watch sports an original “A-series” dial, with the AP logo above the 6 o’clock index, and reads “Swiss” below.With its attractive dial and stainless steel-case of strong proportions, the present watch is an outstanding example of the iconic design that set a milestone in watchmaking history as the initial “sport elegance” watch.(Est: CHF60,000-120,000)
A sought-after Rolex with provenance
Rolex, 18k yellow gold ‘Day-Date’ automatic wristwatch Ref. 1807, made for Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said of Oman. The late Sultan Gaboos Bin Said al Said ordered several timepieces from Rolex to gift to his close associates, ministers, diplomats, and other senior officials of the Sultanate. This Ref. 1807 example is one of them. Made in circa 1974, it is particularly attractive for its case and bracelet finish, which is reminiscent of wood bark, as well as its matt black dial, and the Sultan’s name printed in compelling red above the standard “Superlative Chronometer” certification at six o’clock.
(Est: CHF40,000-60,000)
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*Please note when quoting estimates above that other fees will apply in addition to the hammer price – see Section D of the Conditions of Sale at the back of the sale catalogue.
*Estimates do not include buyer’s premium. Sales totals are hammer price plus buyer’s premium and are reported net of applicable fees.