Mon, May 29, 2023
Christie’s Watches made history with three live auctions in the past week in Hong Kong, driving the first half sale total for 2023 to HK$443.78 million (US$56.925 million), the highest ever for the category at Christie’s Asia.
The three auctions were: Important Watches — Featuring The Triazza Collection Part II and The Ultimate Collection on May 26, followed by The Masterpiece Auction II From The Triazza Collection on May 28.
An exceptional and historically important Patek Philippe Ref. 2523J ‘Dual Crown World Time’ broke the record for the reference when it reached HK$66.625 million (US$8.546 million) in a standalone evening auction. The wrist watch with 24-hour indication and cloisonne enamel dial depicting the North American map was made in 1955.
Strong participation from 31 countries across four continents across the auctions confirms Hong Kong’s status as a powerful global collecting hub for watches, Christie's said.
Millennials comprised almost 40% of all the new buyers, it said.
Alexandre Bigler, Senior Vice President and Head of Watches, Christie’s Asia Pacific, commented: “It has been a momentous and market-leading year so far for Christie’s Watches in Asia. After breaking the global record back in March for the most valuable timepiece ever sold online, horological history was made yet again with the spectacular standalone sale of a Patek Philippe Ref. 2523J from the magnificent Triazza Collection, reaffirming Christie’s strength across both live and online watch auctions and in selling the most prestigious single-owner collections.
"The demand in Asia for rare and exceptional timepieces continues and we very much look forward to presenting more exquisite timepieces to global connoisseurs and enthusiasts throughout the rest of the year.”
The sale also made other world auction records for the following references:
• Lot 2288 - F P Journe, Chronomètre à Résonance Model, Ruthenium Limited Edition of 99 Pieces - HK$8.190 million
• Lot 2289 - F P Journe, Tourbillon Souveraine Model, "China 2010” Limited To 5 Pieces - HK$9.45 million
• Lot 2332 - Patek Philippe - Ref. 1595 - HK$9.45 million
• Lot 2360 – Patek Philippe - Sky Moon Tourbillon Model, Ref. 5002R-014 - HK31.835 million
-
Qatar to host biggest Al-Azzawi retrospective
Thu, Aug 18, 2016 -
Bonhams gears for Autumn jewellery sale
Thu, Jul 21, 2016 -
Sotheby’s makes key appointment
Thu, Jul 21, 2016 -
No takers for $70m ‘rock’ star
Thu, Jun 30, 2016 -
‘Barn find’ sells for $930,000!
Sat, Jun 25, 2016 -
Online auction of watches is a sell-out
Mon, Jun 13, 2016 -
Patek Philippe watches set records at auction
Thu, Jun 2, 2016 -
Bonhams first online-only auction under way
Mon, May 30, 2016 -
Bahraini art goes on show in London
Thu, May 26, 2016 -
1953 Aston Martin race car could fetch $10m
Wed, May 18, 2016 -
Indian art on offer at Bonhams sale
Mon, May 16, 2016 -
1951 Ferrari sells for $8.2m in Monaco
Mon, May 16, 2016 -
Bahraini artists to dazzle London
Mon, May 16, 2016 -
Rare collectors’ watches set go under the hammer
Wed, May 11, 2016 -
Islamic-inspired treasure chest unveiled
Thu, May 5, 2016