Christie's Watches Online: The Hong Kong Edit | 27 March – 9 April 2024

Hong Kong, March 2024 – After establishing a new benchmark for watch sales in 2023 with a combined sale total of HK$696 million (US$89 million/EUR80 million), a 15-percent increase year on year, Christie’s Hong Kong is proud to officially launch the Spring 2024 Watch Season with an Online Auction, Watches Online: The Hong Kong Edit, from 27 March to 9 April.

Highlights include an extremely collectible Rolex Daytona with superb 'Mustard dial' Ref. 116520. (Est. HK$ 350,000 - 700,000);  a diamond encrusted exotic Rolex Daytona 116588TBR, nicknamed by collectors as ‘The Eye of the Tiger’ featuring 36 baguette-cut diamonds on the bezel (Est. HK$ 1,000,000 – 2,000,000); and a very rare 1978 stainless steel Sea-Dweller diver's watch, known as the 'Great White' due to its all-white dial texts, also featuring the Kuwati coat of arms, an emblem rarely seen on Rolex sports watches (Est. HK$ 280,000 - 550,000).

In addition to Rolex pieces there are other lots of note, including an Officine Panerai legendary platinum Ref. PAM00021 with vintage Rolex movement, of which only 60 were made (Est. HK$ 320,000 - 650,000); an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Music Edition REF. 15600TI, a limited edition of 500 pieces (Est. HK$ 180,000 - 350,000); and a Hublot Big Bang Unico Red Sapphire Camo Ref. 411.JR.0190.RX.CAM22, limited to 18 pieces (Est. HK$ 350,000 - 700,000).

Ladies timepieces are also represented:

• An ultra-sought-after Cartier Baignoire S in 18k pink gold and diamond-set (Est. HK$ 100,000 - 200,000)
• A Cartier favourite, the Ballon Bleu – one of the most glamourous of all, Ref. 3271, in 18k pink gold, with dial, case and bracelet entirely pavé-set with diamonds (Est. HK$ 350,000 - 700,000)
• An elegant Joaillerie 101 Art Deco Jaeger LeCoultre 18k white gold and diamond-set limited edition wristwatch (Est. HK$ 80,000 - 160,000). The calibre 101 housed in this watch is the same as that worn by Queen Elizabeth II as a diamond-set timepiece at her coronation in 1953 – an historic moment that significantly boosted the movement’s popularity. To this day it remains the smallest mechanical movement ever to have been created.

Alexandre Bigler, Senior Vice President and Head of Watches, Christie’s Asia Pacific, shared, “These highlights give just a taste of the beautiful and intriguing watches brought together for this sale, some of which are coming to auction for the first time. Rolex, in particular, is represented with highly significant as well as unusual pieces, a testament to the brand’s aesthetic range and enduring appeal. International clients, collectors and enthusiasts will find these carefully curated timepieces highly desirable.”