One of the Middle East’s biggest and most valuable watch auctions is about to take place in Dubai. The world’s renowned auction house Christie’s will be hosting Watches Online: Dubai Edit between March 24-April 9.
The auction of almost 200 pieces is expected to bring in around $9 million to $15 million as the online bidders targets to bag themselves some genuine rare collection. Among the watches which will be on sale includes those from the world’s most luxurious brands like Patek Philippe, Rolex and independent watchmakers like MB&F as well, among others.
“Watches Online: Dubai Edit is without precedent in the Middle East. This auction event is the perfect barometer for current collector demand, be it in the contemporary or the vintage watch space,” said Remy Julia, chief watch specialist at Christie’s Dubai.
One of the top-selling pieces at the auction is expected to be the double-dialed Patek Philippe Sky Moon Tourbillon Ref 5002 in platinum from 2004, which at that time was the most complicated watch produced by the watchmaker and now expected to be sold between $1 million-$1.8 million.
The other striking lots of Pateks’ are the Ref 5074P minute repeater perpetual calendar ($400,000-$700,000), a pink gold Ref 5029-minute repeater limited to just 10 pieces ($250,000-$350,000) and the Ref 3990P with a light grey dial ($200,000-300,000)
The auction gives a huge list of exquisite lots for the Rolex admirers as well, there is the Rolex Dato Compax Ref 6036, produced around 1952, and one which Christie says is “extremely well preserved.” It has an estimated auction value of between $100,000 – $180,000.
The Rolex Submariner “Big Crown” Ref 5510 ($125,000-$200,000), a Rolex Sea-Dweller Ref 1665 “Patent Pending” ($90,000-$120,000), and a Rolex Ref 3525 chronograph ($150,000-$300,000) are the other unique pieces from the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer in the auction.
As for independent watchmaking, Christie’s include 7 F.P. Journe watches. Of these, 3 were made before 2004, Resonance ($150,000-$250,000), Zodiac ($100,000-$150,000) and Octa Automatique ($100,000-$150,000).
For those who are looking for timepieces with a regional link and especially one with Dubai, they can look into the MB&F LM1 M.A.D. Dubai limited edition and the Richard Mille RM 010 MBZ Abu Dhabi Grand Prix edition.
The watches will be on display and available to view, by-appointment-only, at the Christie’s Office in Dubai from March 24 to April 8.
