The Collectibles Part 2: A Must-Attend Auction in Hong Kong

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Hong Kong – Christie’s Hong Kong is delighted to invite watch enthusiasts, collectors, and connoisseurs to its upcoming live auction, Important Watches, featuring The Collectibles Part 2, taking place on October 27 at 2PM HKT. A landmark event by any standard, this edition crowns the series of inaugural auctions at Christie’s brand-new regional headquarters at The Henderson, a state-of-the-art venue designed by Zaha Hadid Architects. Indeed, this autumn, Christie’s Hong Kong is setting the stage for a dynamic year-round program of exhibitions and sales for the watch world.

“The Collectibles” Part 2 — 5 key highlights of a stellar offering (clockwise from right): the Patek Philippe ref. 1518 chronograph in pink gold with moon phase, the only surviving example of its type (lot 2475); an exceptional pink gold automatic PP ref. 5074 ‘cathedral’ minute repeating perpetual calendar with moon phases (lot 2354); a one-off white gold Richard Mille RM 018 with lapis lazuli wheels commemorating the 15oth anniversary of Parisian jeweller Boucheron (lot 2417); the epic, mythical and museum quality Rolex Deep Sea Special No. 31, built for the oceans’ deepest trench (lot 2427); a magnificent and possibly unique pink gold and diamond-set Nautilus ref. 5980/1400R flyback chronograph with date (lot 2346).

With 272 lots across three stunning curations and a total low estimate of approximately HK$144 million (US$18.5 million), Important Watches, featuring The Collectibles Part 2 presents an extraordinary array of watches from leading brands, independent artisans, and notable private collections, brought together for a truly remarkable offering.

Alexandre Bigler, Senior Vice President and Head of Watches, Christie’s Asia Pacific, shares, “The success of “The Collectibles” Part 1 online sale in September was doubly rewarding – in terms of inaugurating our new Asia Pacific headquarters at The Henderson in Central Honk Kong, and in terms of reinforcing our commitment to the watch community, both in the region and around the world. This weekend, connoisseurs, collectors, and those new to the fascination of modern and vintage timepieces will see how a completely reimagined space, dedicated to creating a unique, immersive experience amplifies a shared passion. This edition of Important Watches; Featuring “The Collectibles” Part 2, not only picks up where we left off just a few weeks ago, but also takes us on “A Platinum Odyssey” across a landscape of timepieces exclusively crafted from this noblest of metals, and offers a stunning curation of treasures from individual consignors. It’s a journey through different eras, from iconic legends to modern marvels, with highlights such as the breathtaking 1951 Patek Philippe ref. 1518 in pink gold and the rare Rolex Deep Sea Special, celebrating human endeavour, that we are honoured and delighted to offer at this auction.”

Most of the publicly known Deep Sea Specials commemorating the famous dive of the “Trieste” (10.908 meters) are held in museum and private collections. Only 5 are known to be in private hands, as is the present spectacular specimen, No. 31. Est. HKD 5,000,000 – HKD 10,000,000/US$643,561 – 1,287,123

Thought to be the only surviving example: the Patek Philippe reference 1518, an exceptional 18K rose gold perpetual calendar chronograph with moon phases and French calendar, the only one known to signed ‘fab. Suisse’, from 1951.
Est. HK$16,000,000 – 32,000,000/US$2,059,358 – 4,118,716 — Most of the publicly known Deep Sea Specials commemorating the famous dive of the “Trieste” (10.908 meters) are held in museum and private collections. Only 5 are known to be in private hands, as is the present spectacular specimen, No. 31. Est. HKD 5,000,000 – HKD 10,000,000/US$643,561 – 1,287,123

This coming weekend, a truly spectacular line-up of timepieces awaits connoisseurs, collectors, and the curious at Christie’s Important Watches, featuring:

Royal Oak ‘Rainbow Concept,’ — 7000/50R-010

“The Collectibles” Part 2 – Following the online success of Part 1 held in September to inaugurate Christie’s, this continuation showcases the pièces de résistance of a distinguished single-owner collection, featuring rare contemporary pieces and neo-vintage icons by Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and others, often produced in minute quantities or exclusively by invitation. Building upon the success of the September event, “The Collectibles” Part 2 brings together some of the world’s most complicated watches. With models rarely seen at auction, this collection exemplifies the connoisseur’s pursuit. Standout pieces include Patek Philippe’s minute repeater reference 7000/50R-010 with a cloisonné enamel dial (at left, est. HK$ 2,200,000 – 4,400,000/US$283,164 – 566,328), and the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ‘Rainbow Concept,’ a dazzling gem-set flying tourbillon (est. HK$ 1,600,000 – 3,200,000/US$205,930 – 411,867).

“A Platinum Odyssey” – A thematic series with an exceptional curation of watches exclusively cased in platinum, celebrating this noble metal’s rarity and prestige in horology. From intricate complications to avant-garde designs, the selection underscores platinum’s enduring allure and craftsmanship challenges. The auction presents a stunning collection of watches exclusively cased in platinum, underscoring this metal’s rarity and symbolic significance in fine watchmaking. Historically reserved for the most prestigious timepieces, platinum’s silvery-white lustre, substantial weight, and resistance to wear make it a favoured choice for limited editions and high complications. Highlights from this series include masterpieces by Patek Philippe, Greubel Forsey, F.P.Journe, and Cartier. Among these are F.P.Journe’s magnificent and extremely rare platinum limited edition automatic flyback Octa Chronographe (at left, est. HKD 1,800,000 –3,600,000/US$231,678–463,356) and Greubel Forsey’s quadruple tourbillon ‘Invention Piece 2,’ epitomizing the pinnacle of Haute Horlogerie (est. HKD 2,200,000 – 4,400,000/US$283,163 – 566,326).

Exceptional Rarities from Esteemed Consignors – An eclectic array of significant timepieces adds depth to the auction, ensuring a diverse offering that will captivate seasoned collectors and new bidders alike. The sale features watches with fascinating histories and notable provenance, including a spectacular Richard Mille unique white gold skeletonised tourbillon RM 018with lapis lazuli-set wheels created to commemorate the 150th anniversary of famed Parisian jeweller Boucheron (at left, est. HK$4,000,000 – 8,000,000/US$514,837 – 1,029,687), and a no less interesting F.P.Journe Chronomètre à Résonance Dual Time in platinum with resonance-controlled twin independent gear-train movement, constant force, and power reserve (est. hk$1,200,000 – 2,400,000/US$154,449 – 308,899).

All 272 lots can be viewed here.