Cover The two pieces leading the Sotheby's Autumn Hong Kong Flagship Auction are by Patek Philippe and Rolex (Photo: Courtesy of Sotheby's)

In addition to the two possibly unique watches, vintage and modern watches from heritage and independent watchmakers are also set to be part of the auction

Riding on the success of their previous auctions, Sotheby's commences the second part of the year with a live auction in Hong Kong on October 9, 2020.

The auction will be led by two possible unique references by Patek Philippe and Rolex in the Important Watches sale and also include vintage and modern watches from a mix of watchmakers of both heritage and independent brands including Audemars Piguet, Philippe Dufour, and F.P. Journe.

"We are excited to kick start the autumn auction season with this thoughtfully curated sale, featuring only the finest timepieces across a wide variety of brands and categories, in response to the unwavering demands for freshness, quality and rarity among our discerning collectors," says Sam Hines, Worldwide Head of Watches.

The Patek Philippe split-seconds chronograph reference 1436 was first introduced to the market in 1938 and is one of the most important gold reference 1436 to ever appear. The piece is still fitted with its original strap and crystal and, the watch bears a clear hallmark with Tiffany inventory numbers between the lugs. It also includes a modern font dial with short indexes and scales that have never been seen before. The piece is estimated to be about HK$4.6–7.8 million.

The Rolex piece is a Cosmograph Daytona reference 16528 which is incredibly rare and most likely a unique example. The watch is the only known example featuring a lapis lazuli hardstone dial with diamonds indexes. It is also the only known yellow gold Rolex Daytona to be fitted in a hardstone dial. The price is estimated to be about HK$4–8 million.

Prior to the Important Watches Autumn Sale on October 9, a preview will be held on October 3–8 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

See also: How Luxury Watch Brands Ensure Their Timepieces Last Through The Years