Inside Christie’s Hong Kong’s record-breaking watch auction in May featuring exclusive Rolex and Audemars Piguet timepieces, and 3 rare Patek Philippes set to sell for millions

Apr 27 , 2023

Christie’s Hong Kong will be hosting a record-breaking watch auction on May 26, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Photo: Christie’s, Getty Images

Rare watches will go under the hammer at Christie’s Hong Kong’s auction on May 26, with 272 lots featuring in two back-to-back live sales – Important Watches and The Ultimate Collection

These include one-of-a-kind, contemporary and vintage pieces from Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Lange & Söhne, and – most notably – commissioned pieces by F.P. Journe

Prepare to indulge in the ultimate luxury horological experience, where each watch is a masterpiece of impeccable craftsmanship and timeless elegance just waiting to be added to your private collection.

If you’re a luxury watch aficionado looking for your next watch “grail”, make sure to mark your calendars for once-in-a-lifetime auction event, taking place on Friday, May 26, from 1pm HKT onwards at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. There will be two back-to-back live sales with multiple lots of unforgettable timepieces.

The once-in-a-lifetime auction event

Christie’s Hong Kong will be hosting a record-breaking watch auction in May. Photo: Getty Images

Starting at 1pm HKT is the Important Watches live auction with 165 lots and at 6pm HKT The Ultimate Collection live auction with 107 lots – all of which only had one owner. The consecutive watch auctions showcase some of the most lust-worthy timepieces ever created and arguably some of the most iconic selections of both contemporary and vintage pieces in existence.

To suitably entice the ever-watchful chrono connoisseurs, every watch in this unparalleled collection is a true stand-out piece, carefully preserved in impeccable condition, some even remaining factory “double-sealed” to this day thanks to their single owner status.

Almost 300 lots of some of the most lust-worthy timepieces ever created will be presented at the upcoming auction. Photo: K. Y. Cheng

Hand-picked for their exceptional rarity and desirability, the timepieces on offer are some of the most sought-after models from the world-renowned watchmaking houses of Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Rolex and Lange & Söhne, as well as incredible independent watchmakers such as F.P. Journe, who is regarded as the greatest living watchmaker, and the Dutch Horological Brothers Grönefeld – celebrated winners of multiple awards, including the prestigious Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève in 2022.

With so many lots to bid on, we’d suggest keeping an eye on these three rare Patek Philippe pieces in particular. Read on to find out why …

1. Patek Philippe Ref. 5207P-001

Patek Philippe Grand Complications Ref. 5207P-001, estimated price HK$4.5 million – HK$9 million. Photo: Christie’s