Christie’s presents Watches Online: The Dubai Edit

Christie’s is back with the Watches Online: The Dubai Edit. Running from October 13 to 27, 2021, collectors, watch hobbiest and those prepared to risk catching the bug can discover 211 lots that include an exceptional curation of watches such as a white gold astronomical Patek Philippe, an elusive titanium Richard Mille and one the rarest Rolex chronographs amongst others.

Here are some of the striking watches that caught our attention:

Patek Philippe : Ref. 5102G Celestial.

PATEK PHILIPPE, CELESTIAL REF. 5102G-001 - Estimate: US$ 200,000-300,000

Launched in 2002, this astronomical wristwatch borrows the principle of the celestial canopy from the most complicated wristwatch ever produced by Patek Philippe – the Ref. 5002 Sky Moon Tourbillon. The nocturnal sky of the northern hemisphere rotates to show the apparent angular motion of the stars and moon as well as the progression of the phases of the moon. A delicate elliptical contour on the inside of the glass frames the portion of the sky that can be seen from all cities on the same latitude as the city of Geneva.

Patek Philippe : Ref 3979

PATEK PHILIPPE, REF. 3979J - Estimate: US$ 220,000-300,000

The reference 3979 has a special place in the history of Patek Philippe. It was introduced as part of a celebratory timepieces marking the 150th anniversary of the manufacture. The ref. 3979 was produced between 1989 and 2002 and it is believed that about 100 pieces were made with the majority in yellow gold. The initial batch of watches featured a case made by the legendary casemaker Jean-Pierre Hagmann and his initials JPH are stamped on the inside case back, just like it is the case for the present timepiece, made circa 1991.

Rolex : Daytona Ref. 6240 ‘Solo’

ROLEX DAYTONA REF. 6240 ‘SOLO’ - Estimate: US$ 120,000-180,000

This Daytona from 1966 counts among the rarest vintage Daytona references. ‘Solo’ refers to the fact that the dial only carries the mark ‘Rolex' and not the usual description 'Oyster Chronograph’ seen on the other Ref. 6240 models. The watch world speculates that only a small number of early Ref. 6240 models (between the serial number ranging from 1.2 million to 1.4 million) were fitted with this dial. The reference 6240 was the first waterproof Daytona and featured an acrylic bezel and screw-down chronograph pushers

Rolex  : Chronograph Ref. 6232

ROLEX REF. 6232 - Estimate: US$ 100,000-150,000

A rare pink gold version with only a handful of examples that appeared on the market over the last 50 years, it is one of Rolex's rarest chronograph models produced in 1958. Made for the French market, it is believed to exist only in an exceedingly small number of 12 examples. This watch has silvered sunburst dial with blue telemetry scale and has over time developed a charming champagne-tone patina.

Cartier : Tank Monopusher Chronograph

CARTIER TANK MONOPUSHER CHRONOGRAPH - Estimate: US$ 15,000-30,000

The limited-edition Cartier Tank Monopusher Chronograph in gold is part of Cartier’s CPCP collection of watches that are based on historic Cartier designs but equipped with modern mechanical movements. The watches in this collection were available between 1998 and 2008 in very limited numbers. This particular model is powered by Calibre 045 MC, produced by THA Ebauche, a collaborative founded by three modern watchmakers: FP.Journe, Denis Flageollet (co-founder of De Bethune) and Vianney Halter. All three watchmakers would go on to form prestigious independent brands. Circa 2008.

Richard Mille : RM 011 Felipe Massa UAE Edition flyback chronograph

RICHARD MILLE - RM011 UAE EDITION - Estimate:  US$ 200,000-300,000.

This extremely rare titanium Richard Mille RM 011 Felipe Massa UAE Edition flyback chronograph is being offered for the very first time at an auction. The new RM 011 All Gray Limited Edition is based on the original RM 011 featuring a distinctive All Gray PVD treatment and case of microblasted titanium. The exclusive edition, limited to just 7 pieces, was created in partnership with Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, one of the largest watch retailers in the UAE. The case is typical of Richard Mille’s tonneau with a curved bezel, sides and case back.

Reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global hub for the most desirable vintage and modern watches, Remy Julia, Head of Watches Christie’s Middle East, India & Africa says, "The concept is going from strength to strength as the total estimate for this 3^rd online edition well exceeds that set for the previous one in Spring 2021: US$ 9.4m vs US$ 8.6m." Well, these are just a few icons to begin with, however further highlights include numerous references from the masters of watchmaking as well as extraordinary modern-day pieces from various famed ‘Maisons.’  Let's wait and watch...