Hammer Time: Phillips Hong Kong Will Auction Rare Watches In May

From exquisite vintage watches to modern masterpieces, Phillips' "Hong Kong Watch Auction: SIX" is sure to impress even the most discerning collectors

Phillips is getting geared up for one of the watch industry’s most anticipated auction event this year—the Hong Kong Watch Auction: SIX—which is set to showcase horology at its finest on May 29.

The auction follows the success of Phillips' sale last November, which achieved the highest sale total for any watch auction held in Asia in 2017.

Above An extremely rare Patek Philippe perpetual calendar wristwatch circa 1959 in 18K pink gold (Photo: Courtesy of Phillips)

With a focus on ultra-luxury timepieces by the world's leading watchmakers, the auction's calling card is an extremely rare Patek Philippe perpetual calendar wristwatch circa 1959 in 18K pink gold.

"In production from 1952 to 1963, the present example is the waterproof twin of reference 2497. Coming from an important private Swiss collector, the watch bears remarkable history: it comes with original Certificate and even the original purchase invoice, documenting the fact that it was acquired at the Geneva Salon on 4 April 1970 for CHF 6,490," Thomas Perazzi, Head of Watches, Phillips, Asia, stated.

"The rarity of this reference 2438/1 is represented by its pink gold configuration as compared with the standard yellow gold counterpart. It is believed that the overall production of pink gold 2438 was extremely limited, probably slightly more than 10 examples."

Above Vintage Patek Phillipe yellow gold pocket watch, with moonphase 24-hour indication (Photo: Courtesy of Patek Philippe)

Also included in the lot is a charmingly vintage Patek Phillipe yellow gold pocket watch, with moonphase 24-hour indication. This is the fifth known example to be offered at auction and is truly a masterpiece, giving the opportunity for dedicated watch collectors to own a piece of Patek Philippe’s history.

Above Patek Philippe calendar chronograph wristwatch in yellow gold (Photo: Courtesy of Phillips)

Making its auction debut this season is the Swiss watchmaker Patek Philippe’s calendar chronograph (Reference 1518); a fine wristwatch in yellow gold, made circa 1945. It is accompanied by almost all of the original documents possible, including the 1945 catalogue and price list, two instruction leaflets and multiple extracts from the archives.

Above 1974 Rolex ‘Sea-Dweller’ featuring a stainless steel design (Photo: Courtesy of Phillips)

Rolex will also feature on the auction rostrum. The US watchmaker’s extremely rare ‘Sea-Dweller’ reference 1665, harking back to the 1960s, boasts a stainless steel design and is one of 10 models of this particular wristwatch in existence today. It is joined by Rolex’s iconic reference 6263 ‘The Panda’—which boasts a highly sought after 'Paul Newman' dial.

Above Women’s Bulgari Serpenti, circa 1970 made from pink gold, white enamel and diamonds (Photo: Courtesy of Phillips)

For the ladies, a Jaeger LeCoulture-produced women’s Bulgari Serpenti, circa 1970, that coils lavishly up the forearm will be on offer. Made from pink gold, white enamel and diamonds, its smaller size suggests it was a custom piece, which is rarely seen at auction.

The immaculate details, luxurious materials and evocative design make this Serpenti both a horological and artistic specimen of the highest order.

Above A very fine and extremely rare Richard Mille carbon dual-time tourbillon wristwatch (Photo: Courtesy of Phillips)

The 230 lot-strong watch auction will be capped off by a modern-day master: an untouched Richard Mille carbon dual-time tourbillion wristwatch with a nanofiber move plate. Hailing from circa 2014, it’s number two of five models crafted by the Swiss horologist.

Phillips' Hong Kong Watch Auction: SIX will take place at the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong on May 29, 2018, following the public viewing from May 24 to 27. Find out more at phillips.com

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Phillips Auction Watches Jewellery

Tatler Asia

Hammer Time: Phillips Hong Kong Will Auction Rare Watches In May