Following the announcement of the only known Patek Philippe Ref. 2499 First Series in pink gold with Vichet case and British hallmarks, set to lead The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XXII, Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo, is pleased to unveil further highlights from the sale. Among the remarkable timepieces on offer is an F.P. Journe Tourbillon Souverain “Chine 2010,” one of only five examples produced and the only known housed in a 38mm platinum case. The auction will also feature a strong selection of modern Patek Philippe watches, including a double-factory-sealed condition Ref. 5970R with a bespoke “MSO” monogrammed dial commissioned by renowned American entrepreneur Michael Ovitz, as well as a fresh‑to‑market Ref. 5970P—the only publicly known example with a blue dial and Roman numeral at 12. Additional highlights include the first diamond-and-ruby-set edition of the Cartier Crash Squelette ever to appear at auction, a selection of Art Deco Cartier clocks, and the only publicly known Philippe Dufour Simplicity in stainless steel, distinguished by a grey guilloché dial and Breguet numerals. The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XXII will take place on 30-31 May, with public previews on 22–23 May at Phillips Perpetual at the Pedder Building in Central, and from 26–31 May at Phillips Asia headquarters in the West Kowloon Cultural District.
Thomas Perazzi, Head of Watches, Asia, and Gertrude Wong, Head of Sale, jointly said, “The further highlights unveiled underscore the remarkable breadth and depth of this season’s sale. From extraordinarily rare independent watchmaking by F.P. Journe and Philippe Dufour to exceptional Patek Philippe references with outstanding provenance, alongside iconic creations from Cartier, the auction brings together some of the most compelling and treasured timepieces. We are delighted to present such an exceptional selection to collectors and look forward to welcoming them to our previews and auctions in Hong Kong.”
In 2010, F.P. Journe marked the opening of its boutique in Beijing with the creation of an exclusive limited edition of five Tourbillon Souverain timepieces. Conceived to commemorate this significant milestone, each watch features deadbeat seconds, a remontoir d’égalité, and a power‑reserve indication and is distinguished by a striking red lacquered dial adorned with the five stars of the national flag of China. To date, only three examples from this rare series have appeared on the market, with the present watch (illustrated page 1) standing apart as the only known example housed in a 38mm platinum case, further enhancing its exceptional rarity and desirability.
Estimate: HK$4,000,000-8,000,000/ US$513,000-1,030,000
Following Ref. 5970’s official discontinuation, Patek Philippe continued to offer select pieces to a handful of its most important clients, granting only the most esteemed collectors the rare privilege of bespoke commissioned dials bearing personal monograms. The present Ref. 5970R, commissioned for renowned entrepreneur and collector Michael Ovitz, features the highly exclusive “MSO” monogram and an exceptionally rare dial configuration combining Breguet “12,” spherical markers, luminous feuille hands, and a black dial paired with a pink gold case. Preserved in pristine, double‑factory‑sealed condition and fresh to the market, the watch is powered by the legendary calibre CH 27‑70 Q, based on the Lemania 2310 ébauche, making it both a technical and aesthetic icon of Patek Philippe’s modern grand complication legacy and an almost unattainable opportunity for collectors.
Estimate: HK$3,500,000-7,500,000/ US$449,000-897,000
Cased in platinum and appearing at auction for the first time, the present Ref. 5970P‑018 represents an exceptionally rare special order among Patek Philippe’s most coveted perpetual calendar chronographs. Distinguished by a striking sunburst blue dial with a Roman numeral at 12 and applied dot hour markers, the watch exemplifies the Maison’s philosophy of horological haute couture. Confirmed by its Extract from the Archives as having been manufactured and sold in 2011, this is the only known example of this exquisite configuration to appear at auction, offering discerning collectors the opportunity to acquire a true crown‑jewel timepiece.
Estimate: HK$3,500,000 – 6,500,000/ US$449,000–833,000
Produced between 1993 and 2011, Patek Philippe’s Ref. 5016 was once the most complicated wristwatch ever crafted by the Maison, uniting three of watchmaking’s most demanding complications: a minute repeater, a perpetual calendar with retrograde date, and a tourbillon, further complemented by moon‑phase indication. Offered in all four precious metals, the platinum examples are distinguished by silver or black dials bearing the movement number beneath the moon phase, a tribute to early 20th‑century observatory chronometers. Housed in a relatively compact 37mm case and powered by the magnificent manual‑winding calibre RTO 27 PS QR, comprising 506 meticulously finished components, the watch exemplifies Patek Philippe’s unparalleled technical mastery. Fresh to the public market, beautifully preserved, and accompanied by its original accessories, this extraordinary masterpiece stands among the most desirable acquisitions for discerning collectors.
Estimate: HK$1,800,000–2,800,000/ US$231,000-359,000
Patek Philippe’s Ref. 5033 represents a landmark achievement in modern haute horlogerie as the Maison’s first wristwatch to unite a minute repeater with an annual calendar, uniting acoustic mastery with practical innovation. Cased in platinum and distinguished by its elegant Art Deco–inspired cushion and tonneau form, the watch features a refined dial with an arced three‑aperture display for the day, date, and month, enhancing both legibility and visual harmony. Its minute repeater is equipped with Patek Philippe’s signature cathedral gongs—extra‑long and crafted from a proprietary alloy—producing an exceptionally rich and resonant chime when struck by twin black‑polished hammers. Offered in well‑preserved condition and accompanied by its Certificate and accessories, this exceptional timepiece underscores its significance within Patek Philippe’s grand complication legacy.
Estimate: HK$2,800,000–5,600,000/ US$359,000–718,000
Appearing on the market for the first time, this 37mm Philippe Dufour Simplicity from 2020 has been preserved in immaculate condition since new. It is distinguished by two exceptional attributes: a stainless steel case with “Acier” handwritten on the certificate, and a rare slate grey guilloché dial adorned with full Breguet numerals and contrasting pink gold hands and markers. Together, marking it as the first and only Simplicity of such a configuration to grace the market. This remarkable watch is powered by movement no. 210, whose flawlessly finished bridges, hand-applied Geneva stripes, and sculpted angles exemplify Philippe Dufour’s uncompromising devotion to traditional haute horlogerie.
Estimate: HK$2,400,000-4,800,000-US$308,000-615,000
François‑Paul Journe’s Tourbillon Souverain was first released in a series in 1999, following experimental prototypes. The model debuted as the ultra‑exclusive “Souscription” edition of just 20 platinum pieces, funding the launch of the manufacture and marking Journe’s earliest series production. Evolving through four generations between 1999 and 2003, all fitted with brass movements, the present watch belongs to the fourth generation and is housed in a 38mm pink‑gold case, distinguished by specific construction details including a flat remontoir balance cock and deeper caseback engravings. Among all dial variations, the pink‑gold dial is the rarest, and this “pink‑on‑pink” example is fresh to the market and preserved in excellent condition, its softly aged patina enhancing the warmth of the case, making it a highly compelling prize for the discerning horological connoisseur.
Estimate: HK$1,000,000–2,000,000/ US$128,000–256,000
The Cartier Crash Squelette stands as a striking expression of haute horlogerie, conceived under the creative vision of Carole Forestier‑Kasapi, former Head of Movement Creation at Cartier, and defined by its unprecedentedly shaped skeleton movement. The Crash Squelette introduced a dramatically sculptural form housing the calibre 9618MC, whose skeletonized bridges are ingeniously fashioned into legible Roman numerals and aligned to trace the asymmetrical contours of the case—a rarity in watchmaking. The present example is especially significant, marking multiple firsts as the inaugural diamond‑ and ruby‑set edition of the Crash Squelette, numbered “1” of the series, and the first of its kind to appear publicly. Further elevated by a bezel set with graduated diamonds and rubies and a diamond‑set cabochon crown, this exceptional timepiece has remained untouched in a private collection for nine years and is offered today in “like new” condition, complete with its original certificate, invoice, and accessories.
Estimate: HK$ 2,400,000–4,800,000/ US$308,000–615,000
Among the most enchanting horological creations of the 20th century, Cartier’s Model A Mystery Clock stands as a true icon of ingenuity, artistry, and illusion. First unveiled in 1912, the Model A astonished the world with its seemingly floating hands suspended within a transparent rock crystal dial—an effect achieved through an ingenious system of concealed rotating crystal discs powered by a movement hidden in the base. Each Model A was produced as a unique object of art, often acquired by prominent collectors and decorated with precious materials. The present example features an elegant white enamel frame atop an onyx base, accented with rose‑cut diamonds and gold detailing, and survives in exceptional condition with all crystal panels intact.
Estimate: HK$400,000–800,000/ US$51,300–103,000
Crafted circa 1983, the present Cartier Mystery Clock features an octagonal rock‑crystal dial set with diamond‑set gold indexes. The clock is framed by obsidian and mounted on an elaborate architectural composition incorporating silver‑gilt, red jasper, yellow gold, diamonds, veneered agate, and jadeite. The dial is supported by a sculptural jadeite perfume burner inspired by ancient Chinese bronzeware from the Shang and Zhou dynasties, adorned with chimera motifs, while the entire work is powered by an 8‑day gilt lever movement discreetly housed within the base. Accompanied by a custom‑built fitted travelling case and scarcely seen on the market over the past three decades, this historically significant clock represents a rare opportunity to acquire a singular work of horological and Art Deco importance.
Auction: 30-31 May
Location: 1/F, WKCDA Tower, West Kowloon Cultural District, No. 8 Austin Road West, Kowloon, Hong Kong
