Cover Photo: Courtesy of Christie's

The timepiece, which was sold by Christie’s Hong Kong at the weekend, has become the most expensive wristwatch ever to be auctioned in Asia

Christie’s Hong Kong has sold a handsome Patek Philippe “L’Heure Bleue” Ref. 2523 timepiece and has broken a world record in the process.

The superb 18-karat pink gold piece is officially the most expensive wristwatch to have ever been auctioned in Asia—at a bank-busting price tag of US$9 million (about HK$70 million). Created in 1953, the “L’Heure Bleue” Ref. 2523 features a 24-hour indication and a double-signed blue enamel dial.

Two hundred and forty extraordinary watches were sold at the Christie’s sale, which has been dubbed “The Master Piece” auction.

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Tatler Asia
Above “L’Heure Bleue” Ref. 2523 by Patek Philippe. (Photo: Courtesy of Christie's)

The “L’Heure Bleue” Ref. 2523 was first sold in 1957 to Gobbi 1842, a retailer based in Milan. It is part of a small series of dual-crown world-time wristwatches and it is thought that only seven of its kind were ever made.

An Audemars Piguet Royal Oak perpetual calendar model in white ceramic also went under the hammer, in addition to an 18-karat pink gold semi-skeletonised 30° inclined double tourbillon wristwatch by Greubel Forsey.

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