Lot 838: A Circa 2013 F.P. Journe Chronomètre à Resonance RT in Platinum
Estimate: HKD $1,000,000 - 1,600,000
The Chronomètre à Resonance was a phenomenon first introduced in 1999 and was the second serially produced model by François-Paul Journe. An emblematic timepiece that revolutionized the classic standard of watchmaking by offering mechanical exception with its twin balances beating in perfect synchronisation for a wristwatch. Inspired by the work of the great 18th century watchmaker Antide Janvier, Journe rose to the challenge in 1983 and created a pocket-watch using the resonance phenomenon and launched a wristwatch, and the rest is history.
As part of the third series of this legacy and an new facelift for the model’s tenth anniversary, the Chronomètre à Résonance RT (Résonance Trois) were produced in 2010 until 2019 and was also took home the Best Complication Watch Prize in 2010 at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie (GPHG). Distinctly recognizable with its 24-hour disc display, the timepiece is aptly dubbed the “parking meter” for its unique look.
Housed in a 40mm platinum case, this Chronomètre à Résonance RT features a white gold dial with an understated aesthetic, cleverly using a touch of red highlighting the minutes on a separate disc, the watch is highly legible. Powered by the manual-winding calibre 1499.3 in pink gold with symmetrical satisfaction, it is beautifully decorated with Côtes de Genève. Presented in excellent overall condition and complete with its accessories, the present RT example from circa 2013 with oddly satisfying steampunk charm makes this a must have for your Journe collection.
Lot 857: A Circa 2004 F.P. Journe Octa Zodiaque in Platinum
Estimate: HKD $320,000 - 480,000
In 2004, F.P. Journe began crafting movements from 18-carat gold, marking a significant evolution in the brand's overall production. Interestingly, it is François-Paul Journe's earlier brass-movement pieces that command the most attention from collectors, with only about 2,000 brass-movement examples estimated to have been produced across all collections.
The genius behind the Octa movement lies in its design, which incorporates enough space to house all sorts of complications within the same volume. With the Octa Zodiaque, Journe sought to create a graphic allusion to the stars, which have served as reference points for humanity in measuring time and have influenced countless beliefs. Poetic in its design, the Octa Zodiaque captures all twelve zodiac signs at a glance on the wrist. Featuring a striking silver and slate grey gold dial, the periphery displays a sky chart divided into twelve equal parts, printed on a disc that advances one increment each day. This is driven by a large date system that indicates both the month and the zodiac sign at 12 o’clock.
Produced between 2004 and 2006, the model was issued in a limited edition of only 150 pieces in platinum. Notably, it is the first gentleman’s wristwatch from the brand to feature central blued hour and minute hands, and it stands out as one of the rare examples fitted with a brass movement instead of the more common pink gold counterparts found in the 40mm timepieces. Boasting a power reserve of 120 hours indicated on the dial, this particular example is numbered 93, making it a remarkable addition to any Journe collection.
Lot 858: A Unique, Circa 2022 Kari Voutilainen 28SC-SB 'Art Deco' in Recycled Stainless Steel
Estimate: HKD $550,000 - 1,000,000
The present unique-piece 28SC-SB "Art Deco" continues to perpetuate the artistic and technical finesse of the 28SC and features a phenomenal design that is bound to leave an impression. The magnificent guilloché dial on the present 28SC-SB “Art Deco” is divine. The two-tone dial features a striking solid 18k gold center adorned with Voutilainen’s flinqué pattern, surrounded by a chocolate brown chapter ring decorated with écailles de poisson (fish scales in French) guilloché. Proudly signed "Hand Made" at the six o’clock, the entire dial was engine-turned by hand at Comblémine, the dial factory acquired by Voutilainen ten years ago.
Voutilainen has opted to sculpt the case for the timepiece in AISI 316L grade 4441 steel, a new solar-forged alloy that is 100% recycled and recyclable, marking a revolution for sustainable and ethical watch production. Housing the revered calibre 28, which is Voutilainen's first in-house movement, the escapement of the 28SC-SB “Art Deco” is a variant of A.L. Breguet's natural escapement, and it is constructed with two escape wheels that provide direct individual impulses to the balance, making it 30 percent more efficient than a traditional Swiss lever escapement. Offered in “like new” condition, and complete with its full set of accessories including a certificate signed by Kari Voutilainen, this unique timepiece is a splendid horological masterpiece.
Lot 859: A Circa 2019 Grönefeld 1941 Remontoire in Stainless Steel
Estimate: HKD $350,000 - 620,000
A swift spin every 8 seconds of the remontoire exposed on the dial captures your attention of this award-winning timepiece by the visionary Dutch duo Grönefeld. The winner of the 2016 GPHG Men’s watch category, the 1941 Remontoire ensures consistent delivery of energy thus superior precision.
Comprised of 258 separate components, the calibre is hand-finished to the highest degree with over a dozen different techniques used, from frosting to snailing. Formed into the shapes of the bell gable roofs atop Dutch houses, the signature bridges are fashioned from steel which is more difficult to work with than brass or silver. Cased in stainless steel, this 1941 Remontoire stands out from its peers with its salmon dial, not only that, the charismatic guilloché dial is by one of the greatest masters Kari Voutilainen. Fashioned in a special stainless steel alloy, the chosen material is polished and treated to appear more brilliant than the basic 316L steel.
Limited to 188 pieces, the watch is offered in excellent overall condition with a signed letter from the Grönefeld Brothers and a recent complete service by the manufacture, this is a fantastic, if not perfect, opportunity to acquire the exquisite 1941 Remontoire from the highly coveted independent brand.
Lot 902: A Circa 2005 Kiu Tai Yu Year of the Rooster Commemoration
Estimate: HKD $150,000 - 250,000
Kiu Tai Yu (1946-2020) is a watchmaker of many firsts. Amicably known as “Mr Tourbillon” by friends of the industry, he was the first watchmaker in Asia to build a tourbillon wristwatch following the debut the Kiu Tai Yu Tourbillon No. 1 in 1991, a mechanism that was regarded as the pinnacle of artisanal watchmaking. He was also the first Asian member of the Académie Horlogère des Créateurs Indépendants (AHCI), a Swiss association dedicated to promoting art of independent watchmaking, joining the league of George Daniels, François-Paul Journe and Philippe Dufour as one of their earliest "Créateur Indépendent."
Kiu is most revered for his unique construction of the “mystery tourbillon” which appeared to rotate without the support of either a tourbillon cage or bridge. This was made possible by a clear sapphire plate that functioned as the upper bridge, while reducing the cage of the tourbillon to a fish-shaped platform underneath the balance wheel. It stunned the horological world when it was Introduced in 1993, and it later received patents in China, United States and Switzerland. Recognised worldwide for his artistic talent and technical prowess, he was the first Chinese watchmaker in the modern era to gain an international audience. In Kiu’s words, “I have my place in history, and that's the most important achievement.” Kiu Tai Yu’s timepieces embody his unwavering dedication to take watchmaking to the next level, representing a pioneering feat from a Chinese independent watchmaker that marks an important chapter in the history of watchmaking.
Sticking to his roots, Kiu’s watches fully encapsulates his Chinese cultural heritage. His works are distinguished by the use of smooth sensual shapes, iconic pagoda-shaped cases and signature enamelled details. Meticulously made by hand, Kiu’s designs are created in extremely small quantities, rendering each piece a rare collectible. Only a handful of Kiu’s timepieces have ever appeared in auction, including a white gold prototype Year of the Rooster Commemoration that was first offered at Only Watch in 2005. Phillips has the honour to offer the tremendously well-received Millenium “唯吾知足” (meaning Fulfilled and Content) reference 22 at the Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVI in 2023, likely the first example to surface since 2015.
In the late 1990’s, Kiu put his beloved tourbillons aside and diverted his attention to watches without complications. He presented the platinum “The Joy of the Millenium” in 1999, identified by its large gold sight balance bridge and the off-center time display. The rectangular-shaped New Millennium is another automatic time-only wristwatch created in 2000. The present Year of the Rooster Commemoration is a more accessible time-only wristwatch made for the Year of the Rooster in 2005. Numbered 1 out of a limited edition of 50 pieces, the present watch belongs to one of the annual limited editions with a Chinese zodiac theme. The zodiac editions are cased in either pink or white gold, and come with a black or white dial each with a different zodiac sign.
The dial of the present watch features a stylised rooster emblem, as well as five different types of indexes, including numerals in four different scripts plus batons for the quarters. Arabic and Roman numerals occupy half the dial, along with Chinese characters representing one, two, seven and eight o’clock. Kiu’s family name “矯”, is positioned in a red circle at 12 o’clock, while his first name, “大羽”, in a box at six o’clock. His Romanised name proudly adorns the case band at the 9 o’clock and the rotor at the back in his signature red enamel work. The pink gold case is equally iconic with the stepped bezel and elongated downturned lugs characterised by a beautiful scroll motif also in red enamel.
Turning the watch over, the sapphire caseback invites its wearer to admire the automatic movement of the watch, which is based on the robust ETA calibre 2836-2 that was launched in 1982, boasting up to 40 hours of power reserve. Offered in excellent overall condition, and accompanied with a Kiu Tai Yu fitted presentation box, this very rare and highly collectible timepiece is so much more than just a watch, but a unique work of art inspired by traditional Chinese culture and architecture, and a precious historical artefact representative of an important era. As we celebrate Kiu’s legacy as one of the most important Asian independent watchmakers of this generation, it is hoped that his creative spirit to insist on his own unique aesthetics and the finest craftsmanship will live on for the many generations to come.
Lot 903: A Circa 2022 Moritz Grossmann Date Turquoise
Estimate: HKD $200,000 - 400,000
Featuring a breathtaking turquoise guilloché dial made in partnership with Kari Voutilainen’s dial manufacture Comblémine SA, the dial radiates a stunning turquoise colour that vividly invokes the glittering summer sea. The dial is adorned with Voutilainen’s iconic flinqué which generates a stunning rippling effect, creating a dynamic interplay of subtle and iridescent hues of blue depending on the lighting.
Housing the Moritz Grossmann manual calibre 100.3, the timepiece boasts a distinctive patented crown-and-pusher system. The movement stops entirely when the crown is pulled out, at the same time activating the stop-seconds mechanism to allow for time-setting precision. Once the pusher beneath the crown is pressed, the movement is released, and it jumps back into action. This design can avoid unintentional adjustment of the hands and prevent dusts from entering the movement. The date-setting function is equally easy to use. Adjusted via a pusher at the 10 o’clock, the date can be set in both directions at any time of the day without hindering the movement. Numbered 16 out of a limited run of only 18 pieces worldwide, the present example is offered in excellent overall condition and accompanied with its set of certificate and presentation box.
Lot 904: A Circa 2023 J.N. Shapiro Infinity Series in Titanium
Estimate: HKD $160,000 - 310,000
This is a special order piece numbered S.11 from 2023. A charismatic example of his work, it boasts a 39mm titanium case, a more wearable size compared to Shapiro’s typical 42mm or 40mm cases. The blackened zirconium dial is adorned with silver inlays and blued steel hands. The hour and minute hands have skeletonized tips, while the second hand bears an infinity symbol as a counterweight, echoing the same symbol engraved on the crown.
The dial showcases three different forms of guilloché, with a barleycorn motif around the edge, the classic basketweave in the center, and the intricate "Infinity Weave" on the small-seconds sub-dial at 6 o'clock. The basketweave pattern, one of the most challenging to execute, speaks to Shapiro’s exceptional craftsmanship. The sub-dial alone takes about a week to complete, and any microscopic error means starting over from scratch.
While the dial design pays homage to 17th-century watchmaking, the movement is thoroughly modern, sourced from Uhren-Werke Dresden (UWD), a sister company of Lang & Heyne. With the discontinuation of the Infinity series, only around 100 pieces were produced over five years. This particular example, preserved in "like-new" condition and accompanied by its complete set of box and papers.
Lot 905: A Circa 2023 Christiaan van der Klaauw Real Moon Joure Horizon
Estimate: HKD $100,000 - 200,000
Founded in 1974 by A.H.C.I. member Christiaan van der Klaauw, the brand initially focused on astronomical clocks before expanding into watchmaking, becoming a leader in astronomical horology. In collaboration with artist Gaël Colon, the brand has transformed the Real Moon Joure into a special edition, featuring a miniature painting of a "new" horizon.
The dial, already impressive in its design, has been transformed to depict a sunrise over a lunar landscape. The miniature oil painting portrays a bright white moonscape, with the sun’s rays peeking over the horizon and bursting toward the heavens. In the delicate blue sky behind the rays, stars twinkle softly, enhancing the overall composition.
This exquisite painting beautifully complements the three-dimensional moon, renowned for its vertical axis of rotation, which accurately displays the moon's changing phases. This moon is celebrated as the most precise three-dimensional representation in a watch, with an error rate of just one day in 11,000 years. Produced in a limited series of only eight pieces, this particular example, numbered 5, is preserved in "like-new" condition and comes complete with all its accessories.
Lot 906: A Circa 2023 Benzinger GAP-1 “Golden Blue”
Estimate: HKD $50,000 - 100,000
Jochen Benzinger, based in Pforzheim, Germany, is renowned for his intricate engravings and Breguet-style dials, crafting timepieces that celebrate nearly forgotten hand-finishing techniques. Habring, an Austrian brand founded by Richard and Maria Habring in 2004, is a multi-time GPHG award winner, known for creating unique complications.
In 2022, the two brands collaborated to release the Jochen Benzinger GAP 1 ("German Austrian Partnership"). This model features a newly developed manual movement designed specifically for Benzinger, not found in any other watch from either maker, marking a significant milestone for the brand. Unmistakable and bearing signature Benzinger details, the present example is part of a special collaboration of 8 pieces with Independent Watcher made for the Greater China market. Named the “Golden Blue”, the artistic guilloché dial contrasted with Fortuna Gold and the Chinese Imperial blue is created by antique rose engines. A handmade marvel that wears vibrantly on the wrist, the present timepiece is in unworn condition.
Lot 972: A Circa 2023 De Bethune DB28XP Steel Wheels
Estimate: HKD $400,000 - 800,000
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the original DB28, Denis Flageollet again pushed the limits of his design genius, and released three DB28XP models in 2020, including the XP Starry Sky, XP Tourbillon, and the present XP Steel Wheels. XP is short for “extra flat” in French, and the design of all three timepieces stay true to the DNA of the DB28 yet demonstrate a masterful reinterpretation of the classic reference.
The semi-skeletonized dial showcases a breathtaking layering of shaped parts with different finishes, rendering a stunning interplay of light and shadow. Flipping the watch over a power reserve indicator is visible on the movement through the sapphire case back. Powered by the manual calibre DB2115V11 beating at 28,800vph with a 6-day power reserve. Sized at 43mm diameter, the timepiece wears with extreme comfort thanks to the clever design of the iconic floating lugs.
Numbered 8 out of a limited edition of only 25 pieces, the present timepiece is an example that comes from the original owner, who has preserved it in exceptional condition and kept its full set of accessories.
Lot 973: A Circa 2017 Pascal Coyon Chronomètre Series 1
Estimate: HKD $50,000 - 100,000
The construction of Coyon’s manual calibre 1900B was inspired by the Longines pocket watch calibre 19.70 and utilises the Unitas 6498 as the base movement. It is beautifully modified to resemble an early 20th century pocket watch movement, featuring elegantly curved bridges, polished angles, a distinctive comma-shaped regulator index for micro-metric setting and a sand-blasted finish for the whole movement. The viper head stamped adjacent to the regulator index indicates that the watch had undergone the Besançon Observatory trials. Coyon created 60 movements in total, 20 with yellow finish, 20 with pink finish and 20 with rhodium finish like the present example.
Proudly “Fab. En France”, the present timepiece is offered in excellent overall condition, and complete with its full set of accessories, including the Besançon Observatory Chronometer Certificate dated June 2017, attesting to the chronometric quality of the watch, and a “The Besançon Observatory: Keeping time by the stars” booklet introducing the rich architectural and instrumental heritage of the Besançon Observatory.
Please note that part of the proceeds of the sale of the present watch will be given by the Consignor to the Husaini Yateem Khana Waqf Orphanage Trust.
Lot 977: A Circa 2010 Urwerk UR-103T Mexican Fireleg
Estimate: HKD $240,000 - 400,000
The Tarantula returns with the irresistible UR-103T Mexican Fireleg in 2010, to celebrate the 7th anniversary of the Urwerk 103 collection, which also happened to be the last anniversary as the production of the collection was ceased at the end of 2010.
The daring UR-103T Mexican Fireleg embodies a bold grand finale, fully capturing the spirit and innovation of the UR-103 collection. Inspired by the Mexican Fireleg Tarantula, the watch stands out with its sleek, aggressive, and dangerous design distinguished by the fiery orange hour markers and numerals treated with orange Super-Luminova, culminating a phenomenal sight as each satellite orbits across the minute track from east to west. Limited to a production of only 60 pieces and available in either AlTiN (Aluminium, Titanium, Nitride)-treated stainless steel or 18K gold, the UR-103T Mexican Fireleg was extremely popular when it was originally launched.
Rarely encountered in the market, this specimen is preserved in excellent condition and accompanied by a fitted presentation box.