Dubai: Guess old timepieces — and with a certain value attached to them — can never go out of sync in Dubai. The auction house, Christie’s, has decided to have an annual sale season exclusively for watches in Dubai, with one scheduled for next week (March 20).
It was in October last that the firm relaunched watch auctions here and based on the response — and bids collected — took the next logical move for a permanent fixture from this year on.
“This year our sale is twice the size of the auction in October with 123 lots,” said Frederic Watrelot, a Christie’s specialist for watches and jewellery. “We have a strong group of ladies watches too which is unusual... but may be a taste of things to come.”
“Last year, we had seen bidding from the region for our watch sales in Geneva, Hong Kong and New York. This goes to show how much appetite there is here for great watches.”
The cynosure at the upcoming auction has to be a 42-piece emerald set Patek Philippe man’s watch, going by the relatively non-descript reference ‘5971’ and of which not more than 10 were made featuring the dial. It is estimated at between $280,000-$350,000.
Brand new pieces
But there will be brand new pieces as well at the Christie’s show. “The newest is still factory-sealed and made by Patek Philippe,” said Watrelot. “It is a much sought after world-time watch in white gold with a cloisonné dial and delivered last September.
The estimate is $120,000-$160,000 and I am sure it will be one of the most highly prized pieces in the sale given that you can’t get a better condition than this.”
At the other end of the age spectrum, there is an art-deco pendant watch set in platinum by Oscar Heyman. “It appears to hang upside down but when you are wearing it and want to check the time, you just pick it up and from this angle can read the dial perfectly,” said Watrelot. “The reverse is set with diamonds and sapphires and it is estimated at $6,000-$8,000.”
There will also be pieces by Rolex, Patek Philippe, Cartier, Bulgari, Breguet, Piaget, IWC, Chopard and Harry Winston, some being in mint condition.
Last October’s highest bid was $106,250 for an 18-karat white gold and diamond set wristwatch by Piaget.
“One can bid online at all Christie’s sales and clients from the Middle East find this method really convenient,” said Waterlot. “For those unable to come to the sale in person or to view, we provide detailed condition reports about each lot and provide some advice and guidance before the sale. But you do have to register beforehand.”
