A Patek Philippe Ref. 1518 Leads Christie’s Hong Kong Important Watches: “The Collectibles” Part 2 Auction

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As a seasoned collector with a penchant for rare timepieces, witnessing the Important Watches: Featuring “The Collectibles” Part 2 auction at Christie’s Hong Kong was nothing short of exhilarating! The sheer magnitude of the sale, totaling $191,847,860 HKD (approx. $24,688,872 USD), with a near 100% sell-through rate, is a testament to the enduring allure of these exquisite creations.

For the past two days, “The Collectibles” Part 2 auction of significant timepieces was held at Christie’s Hong Kong, raking in a total of HKD 191,847,860 (approximately USD 24,688,872) with an impressive 270 items sold. This represents nearly a full sell-through rate, as almost every item found a buyer.

The star item at the auction was an exceptional Patek Philippe Ref. 1518, which far surpassed its initial estimated price of approximately $2,059,358 USD, ultimately selling for $2,472,390 USD. This unique piece is encased in 18k rose gold and boasts a perpetual calendar chronograph with a French calendar, moon phases, and an additional distinction as the only known example to bear the “FAB. SUISSE” signature.

Not only did the 18k pink gold and diamond-studded Ref. 5980 and Ref. 5074 “Cathedral” minute repeating perpetual calendar watches from Patek Philippe exceed their initial estimates, but they were sold for a staggering HKD $6.3 million ($814,221 USD) each.

In another location, the Richard Mille RM 018 tourbillon with lapis lazuli wheels was sold for a staggering $11,991,000 HKD ($1,543,033 USD), significantly surpassing its initial estimate by nearly three times. This sale also broke several records, such as the one set by an exceptionally rare platinum F.P. Journe Octa Chronographe that fetched $4,410,000 HKD ($567,490 USD).

In this collection, there was a special group called “A Platinum Odyssey,” which showcased 72 items centered around the main theme of platinum. Notable sales from this section included an exceptionally rare Greubel Forsey ‘Invention Piece 2’ and a platinum-limited Cartier Tank à guichet, made to celebrate the brand’s 150th anniversary. The Greubel Forsey watch fetched $3,276,000 HKD ($423,395 USD), while the Cartier Tank à guichet was sold for $1,386,000 HKD ($179,129 USD), which is nearly seven times its initial estimated price.

Check out the full breakdown of the auction on its dedicated webpage via Christie’s website.

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2024-10-29 14:26