Hong Kong will witness a sale of 550 rare Important Watches at Christie’s Hong Kong sale of Important Watches on November 30. The total value of this unparalleled collection exceeds $11 million.
This vast selection features the world’s leading makers, with haute horology examples showcasing the best of fine watchmaking over the last four centuries. In addition to the vast selection of vintage and modern complicated wristwatches from the 1940s through the present day, the sale will feature stunning high jewellery watches, as well as a striking collection of beautifully decorated Chinese market enamels and pocket watches.
One of the show stoppers this season is a pistol styled watch with a perfume sprinkler combined into it. This extremely rare piece that stands as a stunning marriage of 19th century Swiss technology and exquisite craftsmanship is valued at $350,000 – $550,000 and besides being a part of a very rare sample of the clocks and automata expected by the Imperial court in China, this style was also very much in demand amongst the European aristocrats, royal families, particularly in the 18th and 19th centuries. The watch measures a mere 10.8 cm. (4.25″) in length and is attributed to the firm of Moulinie, Bautte & Cie, Geneva.
Other highlights of this show include a previously unrecorded enamel and diamond-set ring watch which is still in its original fitted box since 1810 (estimate $87,500 – $112,500) and highly-unusual, heart-shaped gilt, pearl and glass-set belt-buckle watch (estimate $50,000 – $75,000)
