After the phenomenal July sale of “The Titanium Collection” which set world auction records for the Patek Philippe Ref. 5033 and 2524/1, Christie's returns to the Asian market offering the best Patek Philippe watches presenting “The Ruby Series ”. This astonishing collection features eight of the most coveted and complete ruby-set Patek Philippe timepieces produced from 1943 to 2015. Over the centuries, rubies have fascinated collectors and royalty, commanding higher prices per carat than any gemstone other than colored diamonds in modern times. It is for this reason that Patek Philippe only produced such exclusive ruby-set pieces by special order or by invitation to their most esteemed clients. Leading the collection is one of the great stars of the Patek Philippe galaxy: Charles Stern's unique dial with cabochon ruby hour markers mounted on an extremely fine and rare 18K gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moon phases and speedometer (image above, estimate: HK$4.000.000 – 12.000.000 / US$500.000 – 1.500.000). This watch has immense historical significance and was made by special request in 1943 by the legendary co-owner of Patek Philippe for his personal use. The legacy continued when it passed to his son, Henri Stern, president of Patek Philippe, to wear this dial as his personal watch for about three years until 1946. Other highlights include: the outstanding reference 3974R, a possibly unique 18K rose gold automatic minute repeater with ruby-set numerals manufactured in 1992 and still in superb condition (estimate: HK$6.300.000 – 12.000.000 / US$ 800.000 – 1.500.000); a breathtaking and possibly unique reference 3448/8 self-winding perpetual calendar bracelet watch made in 1968 with baguette rubies as hour markers (estimate: HK$4.000.000 – 7.800.000 / US$500.000 – 1.000.000 ); a possibly unique reference 3939 minute repeater tourbillon with ruby hour markers, raised to the highest level (estimate: HK$4.000.000 – 7.800.000 / US$500.000 – 1.000.000); a magnificent and never before seen Aquanaut in white gold, reference 5063, meant to be a bespoke one-off with 12 baguette-shaped rubies echoing the pattern of the dial (estimate: HK$4.000.000 – 7.800.000 / US$ 500.000 – 1.000.000). Two other notable highlights from the 50s: the reference 600/1, a splendid pocket watch featuring an ivory enamel dial with numerals set with rubies bearing the portrait of the King of Saudi Arabia (estimate: HK $200.000 – 400.000 / US$25.000 – 50.000); a reference 2481 from 1955 “Large Calatrava”, this beautiful central seconds model is 37 mm in diameter and is one of the largest Patek Philippe watches of the period. This reference is also often found with the portrait of King Abdul Aziz however this beautiful example has ruby hour markers without the portrait which is a great rarity (estimate: HK$400.000 – 800.000 / US$50.000 – 100.000).
Live Auctions | Hong Kong | November 28 Preview Shanghai | October 24 – 25 Dubai | October 29 – November 5 Hong Kong | 14 – 18 November.
