Christie’s Is Holding The Largest Watch Auction In The Middle East

The market is preparing for a milestone auction event: Watches Online: Dubai Edit will offer the largest selection of extremely sought-after timepieces ever in the Middle East.The online event also underscores Dubai’s position as a global hub for vintage and contemporary collectible wristwatches, with the auction comprising close to 200 lots estimated to achieve USD 9 million to USD 15 million, open for bidding from 24 March to 9 April 2021.

Remy Julia, Chief Watch Specialist at Christie’s Dubai, said “Watches Online: Dubai Edit is without precedent in the Middle East. It brings together into one place exceptional exemplars of watchmaking, in sync with the spirit and passion of the truly discerning collectors in the Middle East.”

Among the watches included will be the most in-demand references today, true rarities from Patek Philippe, a selection of highly coveted Rolex references, and prestigious timepieces from independent watchmakers

The Sky Moon Tourbillon Ref. 5002 in platinum (at the time the most complicated watch ever produced by Patek Philippe) may set a new record. It is estimated at USD 1,000,000-1,800,000, and is sure to attract the most discerning collectors from around the globe.

Vintage Rolex watches collectors will be to know that the auction will feature: a Rolex Dato Compax Ref. 6036, produced circa 1952 (est. USD 100,000-180,000), a Rolex Submariner “Big Crown” Ref. 5510 (USD 125,000-200,000),a Rolex Sea-Dweller Ref. 1665 “Patent Pending” (USD 90,000-120,000), and a rare Rolex Ref. 3525 chronograph in astonishing condition (USD 150,000-300,000).

INDEPENDENT WATCHMAKERS SPIKING UP

Trends on point, the team has curated a selection of 7 F.P. Journe, including 3 timepieces from before 2004, particularly coveted and recognisable by their 3 rhodium-plated brass movements, all made from platinum: Resonance (est. USD 150,000-250,000), Zodiac made in 150 examples only (USD100,000-150,000) and Octa Automatique with an elegant pink dial (USD 100,000-150,000). These have all seen a sharp rise in value over the past 12 months alone.

DAZZLING JEWELLERY WATCHES

Also on offer is an exotic set of six medium-sized Audemars Piguet Royal Oak jewellery watches and a unique white gold, diamond, ruby, sapphire and emerald-set brooch indicating three time zones – London, Mecca, and Brunei.

MADE FOR THE MIDDLE EAST

Watches with regional relevance? The selection features vintage Rolex Day-Date ref 1804 models with Eastern Arabic numerals (also called Hindi numerals) or featuring the official crests of regional royalty or armed forces. Prominent timepieces by independent watchmakers with a strong link to the UAE include MB&F LM1 M.A.D. Dubai limited edition and Richard Mille RM 010 MBZ Abu Dhabi Grand Prix edition.

PREVIEW IN DUBAI

These watches will all be on view at Christie’s Dubai DIFC Gate Village 5, Podium Level, between 24th March and 8th April by appointment only.