Auctions
Highlights from the Phillips Hong Kong Watch Auction: NINE ‘First’ evening session
Now Phillips is back at it again and taking over the JW Marriott Hotel in Hong Kong for The Hong Kong Watch Auction: NINE. Split into two sessions from 25–26 November 2019, Phillips has titled their 25 November evening session ‘FIRST’ which will feature over 50 fresh-to-market lots coming directly from their original owners.
Here’s a few that caught our eye but make sure to check Phillips’ website for the full catalog.
Lot 809 — F.P. Journe Chronomètre Bleu
The metallic chrome blue dial changes tones from a completely black hue to a bright blue depending on how the light hits it. It turns out that it’s also the part of the timepiece that is the most complicated to produce. The superb blue dial is achieved from several layers of lacquer, each applied by hand and mirror polished before the next one is applied. Needless to say that only the perfect dials are kept and many will end up being destroyed.
This example sold in 2012 in Hong Kong comes with its full set of accessories and with an estimate of HKD 120,000-200,000.
Lot 824 — Richard Mille RM011-FM
Developed in collaboration with F1 driver Felipe Massa, the watch takes cues from the high-tech engineering present in Formula 1 cars and was fitted a titanium movement affixed to a superstiff case with silent-blocks. The RMAC1 calibre is an automatic chronograph equipped with a variable-geometry rotor and the flyback chronograph function can reset without stopping and offers a countdown function. It also features an annual calendar with oversize date.
Lot 840 — Patek Philippe 5970J-001
Remember we were lucky enough to capture on camera all four versions of the ref. 5970 in our video with watch collector @Conkers1971, which you can watch again here.
First released in 2004, the ref. 5970 featured a 40mm diameter case with a larger dial which not only made readability easier, it also gave the final watch a cleaner look, with a perfect symmetry between all the parts on the dial. The rectangular chronograph pushers evoke the ref. 1518 as well as the first series ref. 2499, and the watch retains another link to the past with the use of the legendary Lemania 2310 base movement.
The beauty of seeing single-sealed watches appear at auction is that the next owner get to purchase a watch in new condition and create its own history with the timepiece. This particular lot is accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin and an archival extract certifying that the watch was produced and sold in 2008. Estimate for this lot is HKD 700,000-1,000,000.
Lot 845 — Patek Philippe Sky Moon Tourbillon
Inspired by the Star Caliber 2000 pocket watch, Patek Philippe created this timepiece to feature a double dial with cathedral gong minute repeating mechanism and a tourbillon. The front facing side displays the time along with the perpetual calendar with retrograde date and age of the moon. The reverse face showcases a celestial chart including horizon ellipse, meridian passage of Sirius, age and angular motion of the moon and sidereal time.
As a reminder, Phillips sold another Sky Moon Tourbillon in the Spring for HKD 8,550,000.
Lot 853 — Rolex 6265 “Paul Newman”
Now we’ve seen our fair share of “Paul Newman” Daytonas coming up at auctions but the Panda dial variation remains one of the most popular, arguably because it is also the most elegant. This present example stands out by having a so called chocolate “tropical” outer minute track.
To describe how special this present lot is, look at the outstanding condition of the dial which retains all its luminous material. The overall condition of the case is also something to gush over but the rarity of a “tropical” Panda dial is what brings it all home.
Estimate for this timepiece is HKD 2,200,000-4,000,000.
Auction Details
The Phillips Hong Kong Watch Auction: NINE
25-26 November
JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong
88 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong