Unforgettable timepieces for the first Christie’s online sale

After establishing a new benchmark for watch sales in 2023 with a combined sale total of HK$696 million (US$89 million/EUR80 million), a 15-percent increase year on year, Christie’s Hong Kong is proud to officially launch the Spring 2024 Watch Season with an Online Auction, Watches Online: The Hong Kong Edit, from 27 March to 9 April.

Highlights include an extremely collectible Rolex Daytona with superb ‘Mustard dial’ Ref. 116520. (Est. HK$ 350,000 – 700,000);  a diamond-encrusted exotic Rolex Daytona 116588TBR, nicknamed by collectors as ‘The Eye of the Tiger’ featuring 36 baguette-cut diamonds on the bezel (Est. HK$ 1,000,000 – 2,000,000); and a very rare 1978 stainless steel Sea-Dweller diver’s watch, known as the ‘Great White’ due to its all-white dial texts, also featuring the Kuwaiti coat of arms, an emblem rarely seen on Rolex sports watches (Est. HK$ 280,000 – 550,000).

In addition to Rolex pieces there are other lots of note, including an Officine Panerai legendary platinum Ref. PAM00021 with vintage Rolex movement, of which only 60 were made(Est. HK$ 320,000 – 650,000); an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Music Edition REF. 15600TI, a limited edition of 500 pieces (Est. HK$ 180,000 – 350,000); and a Hublot Big Bang Unico Red Sapphire Camo Ref. 411.JR.0190.RX.CAM22, limited to 18 pieces (Est. HK$ 350,000 – 700,000).

Ladies timepieces are also represented:

• An ultra-sought-after Cartier Baignoire S in 18k pink gold and diamond-set (Est. HK$ 100,000 – 200,000)
• A Cartier favourite, the Ballon Bleu – one of the most glamourous of all, Ref. 3271, in 18k pink gold, with dial, case and bracelet entirely pavé-set with diamonds (Est. HK$ 350,000 – 700,000)
• An elegant Joaillerie 101 Art Deco Jaeger LeCoultre 18k white gold and diamond-set limited edition wristwatch (Est. HK$ 80,000 – 160,000). The calibre 101 housed in this watch is the same as that worn by Queen Elizabeth II as a diamond-set timepiece at her coronation in 1953 – an historic moment that significantly boosted the movement’s popularity. To this day it remains the smallest mechanical movement ever to have been created.

Alexandre Bigler, Senior Vice President and Head of Watches, Christie’s Asia Pacific, shared, “These highlights give just a taste of the beautiful and intriguing watches brought together for this sale, some of which are coming to auction for the first time. Rolex, in particular, is represented with highly significant as well as unusual pieces, a testament to the brand’s aesthetic range and enduring appeal. International clients, collectors and enthusiasts will find these carefully curated timepieces highly desirable.”

About Christie’s
Founded in 1766, Christie’s is a world-leading art and luxury business with a physical presence in 46 countries throughout the Americas, Europe, Middle East, and Asia Pacific, and flagship international sales hubs in New York, London, Hong Kong, Paris and Geneva. Renowned and trusted for our expert live and online-only auctions, as well as bespoke Private Sales, Christie’s unparalleled network of specialists offers our clients a full portfolio of global services, including art appraisal, art financing, international real estate and education. Christie’s auctions  span more than 80 art and luxury categories, at price points ranging from $500 to over $100 million. Christie’s has sold 7 of the 10 most important single-owner collections in history, achieved the world record price for an artwork at auction, launched the first fully on-chain auction platform dedicated to exceptional NFT art and manages an investment fund to support innovative startups in the art market. Christie’s is also committed to advancing responsible culture throughout its business and communities worldwide. To learn more, browse, bid, discover, and join us for the best of art and luxury at christies.com or by downloading Christie’s apps. 

* 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.