Watches at auction - Christie's, 13 and 26 May

As is often the case, Patek Philippe and Rolex are the undisputed kings of the upcoming live auctions at Christie’s.

The highlights of the Geneva event (13 May) include a rare ‘Oman’ section featuring 7 vintage and modern Rolexes, property of various owners, each made at the request of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Al Said (1940-2020), the Sultan of Oman. One of the most interesting aspects of such timepieces is that the dials were specially designed only for the Omani watches in order to spotlight the Khanjar emblem or the signature of the Sultan himself.

 

Rolex Ref. 1665 Sea Dweller, circa 1971. Estimate: CHF 200,000-300,000

 

Rolex Daytona Ref. 6263, circa 1974. Estimate: CHF 600,000-1,200,000

 

The Hong Kong sale (26 May) features several outstanding Patek Philippe watches, as well as commissioned pieces by F.P.Journe and sought-after, discontinued Rolex Daytona references.

 

Patek Philippe Ref. 3448, 1977. Estimate: HKD 1,200,000-2,400,000 (EUR 140,000-280,000)

 

Patek Philippe Ref. 2523J, 1955. Estimate : HKD 55,000,000-120,000,000 (EUR 6,350,000-13,850,000). This ‘Dual Crown World Time’ with a map of North America depicted on its cloisonné enamel dial is the most valuable timepiece ever to be offered in Christie’s Hong Kong auction room