Salvador Dalí, Persistence de la mémoire (Persistence of Memory), 1981. Editions Hong Kong.
As categories, editions and watches have much more in common than first meets the eye. They both emphasize exceptional craftsmanship, artistry, narrative, and technical achievement. They also both benefitted greatly from industrial advancements that began around the middle of the 20th century. The collectors who treasure each category often share similar passions as well — get a roomful of editions and watch enthusiasts together and you’re likely to hear detailed conversations about intricite machinery, refined handicraft, and numbers that seem to be part of a secret code.
This shared sensibility explains the frequent synergies between watch maisons and contemporary artists — for instance, the highly collectible Ikepod Horizon watches made in collaboration with KAWS in our upcoming sale. But beyond the obvious, this all has us wondering: What pairings would a watches specialist create between wrist and wall?
Gertrude Wong: Julian Opie and Patek Philippe
Julian Opie, Paper Head 7, from Paper Heads, 2019. Editions Hong Kong.
Gertrude Wong, Head of Sales, Specialist, Watches Hong Kong
Julian Opie has become synonymous with a visual language that strips portraiture down to its most essential elements — bold outlines, flat planes of color, and a clarity that feels almost digital. His work draws on traditions of classical portraiture while embracing the aesthetics of contemporary design and signage, creating images that are instantly recognizable yet deeply rooted in art history.
Paper Head 7, from Paper Heads exemplifies this approach. The simplicity of the lines and the economy of detail are what drew me in — it’s a portrait that feels both personal and universal. Coming from a graphic design background, I appreciate how Opie’s work speaks to the power of reduction: by removing complexity, he reveals character in its purest form. There’s a precision here that resonates with me, much like the elegance of a finely crafted watch.
Patek Philippe, Ref. 3802/200J-012 Calatrava, Circa 2007. The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XXI.
I find the boldness of the numerals on this Patek Philippe Calatrava pairs well with Opie’s style.
Yunyi Xu: Robert Rauschenberg and Glashütte Original
Robert Rauschenberg, Blue Lady; Lily Pads; and Tea Pots, from Studies for Chinese Summerhall (Large), 1983. Editions Hong Kong.
Yunyi Xu, Cataloguer, Watches Hong Kong
Robert Rauschenberg is a towering figure in postwar art, and this work carries a fascinating historical weight. Created during his landmark trip to China in 1982, Studies for Chinese Summerhall reflects a pivotal moment when East and West were beginning to engage in new cultural dialogues. For me, the fact that these works are being offered in Hong Kong—just as M+ opens its major exhibition, Robert Rauschenberg and Asia—feels incredibly timely. It’s a reminder of how art can bridge worlds.
What surprised me most was the scale. We often think of Polaroids as intimate, handheld images, but here Rauschenberg expands the format into something monumental, transforming snapshots into immersive compositions. That ambition speaks to his restless creativity — always pushing boundaries, whether in material, technique, or geography. This piece isn’t just a photograph; it’s a document of exchange, curiosity, and global vision.
This lot is particularly special because it includes three large-format Polaroid photographs, each part of an edition of 30, making them rare opportunities for collectors. Together, they form a cohesive narrative of Rauschenberg’s experience in China, offering not just a glimpse into his process but a tangible connection to a historic cultural moment.
Glashütte Original, Ref. 49-08-06-11-06 Horse & Wagon, Circa 2006. The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XXI.
The ancient Chinese horse chariot porcelain dial is both unconventional subject and material used in traditional watchmaking, which reminds me of Rauschenberg's creative and collaborative approach to art.
Alvin Lau: Mayuka Yamamoto and Naoya Hida
Mayuka Yamamoto, Cake Hat; and Penguin Boy, 2019. Editions Hong Kong.
Alvin Lau, Specialist, Watches Hong Kong
I’ve always admired Mayuka Yamamoto’s work. There’s something quietly surreal about her figures — children in animal masks — that feels both tender and mysterious. This piece, Cake Hat; and Penguin Boy, is a perfect example of her style: soft, dreamlike colors paired with an image that makes you pause and wonder about the story behind it.
It’s a signed and numbered print from an edition of 50, making it a rare opportunity to own a work by an artist whose popularity has grown steadily in Asia and beyond. For me, it’s simply about the connection — I like her world, and this piece captures it beautifully.
Naoya Hida & Co., NH Type 2C, Circa 2023. The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XXI.
Naoya Hida is an up-and-coming independent watchmaker from Japan, and his watches reflect Mayuka Yamamoto's painting style through their shared emphasis on understated Japanese aesthetics and exceptional craftsmanship, evoking a quiet and timeless beauty.
Jonathan Siu: Rashid Johnson and F.P. Journe
Rashid Johnson, Untitled (Large Anxious Red), 2021. Editions Hong Kong.
Jonathan Siu, Specialist, Perpetual Hong Kong
What drew me to this work is its energy. At first glance, it feels chaotic — marks layered and overlapping — but then you notice the rhythm, the movement that gives it a sense of order. It’s like watching thoughts spill onto paper, raw and unfiltered, yet somehow harmonious. That tension between disorder and structure really speaks to me.
Johnson’s Anxious Men series has become iconic for capturing the emotional intensity of our times, and this piece is a powerful example. It’s a unique work on paper, not part of a large edition, which makes it even more special for collectors. The scale amplifies its impact — you can feel the urgency in every gesture.
F.P. Journe, Centigraphe Sport, Circa 2011. The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XXI.
I picked the F.P. Journe Centigraphe Sport to echo the painting’s energy. At first, the dial feels busy—sub-dials, scales, layers—but then the rhythm emerges. There’s a clear order beneath the complexity, a precise choreography of time that mirrors the artwork’s balance of disarray and harmony.