Christophe Claret - RETROSPECTIVE: 2000 - 2020 Geneva Sunday, November 8, 2020 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Christophe Claret
    Year: 2015
    Reference No: MTR.PCK05.002-037TI
    Movement No: 005
    Case No: OR004PCK05
    Model Name: Poker
    Material: Titanium and 18k pink gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. PCK05, 72 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: PVD coated, stainless steel deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 45mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by original Christophe Claret International Guarantee dated 5th November 2015, production acceptance certificate, operating instructions, watch rate certificate, additional stainless steel pin buckle, silver lucky chip, Christophe Claret set of playing cards, set of dice, leather portfolio, microfibre cloths, travel watch pouch, outer packaging and fitted presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    It is believed that poker has ancient roots that go back nearly 1’000 years, crossing continents, cultures, and lifestyles. Historians say that the game can be traced to a domino-card game played around the 10th-century for a Chinese emperor, other claim originating from the Persian card game «As Nas» which would set us back to the 16th century. In Europe, it is though that poker originated in France during the 17th century and was named Poque. Whatever history and lineage you want to attribute to this historical game we can all agree that currently, the epicentre where this game has gained most of its popularity is Las Vegas. Historical hotels like The Flamingo remind us of how local and international gamblers loved the game during the 60’s and 70’s.

    The present limited-edition Christophe Claret Poker is playful cocktail of Swiss Haute Horlogerie, poker and roulette, that added together create a truly unique timepiece, a definite conversation starter and possible friendly gambling accessory.

    Such is the complexity and sophistication of the watch’s movement that it allows to faithfully replicate a Texas Hold’em poker game for up to three players, packing a total of 98’304 possible combinations on its dial, as well as in game features such as flop, turn and river to recreate a complete 52 card game.

    To play a poker game and commence each betting round, the center pusher located at 9 o’clock must be pressed, spinning its integrated four rotating discs on which the playing cards are printed. A signature element found in Christophe Claret’s poker watch is the chiming function, this cathedral gong is activated each time one of the three pushers are pressed. Friction dampers randomly abrupt the rotating discs, determining the combination each player is dealt with. As per strict traditional rules of Texas Hold, each player is dealt with two cards, ingeniously visible through a set of windows present on the dial that allow only the holder of said cards to see them. A total of five cards can be seen by all three players on the dial allowing for a sequence of flop, using the pusher located at 10 o’clock, and turn or river, using the pusher located at 8 o’clock. However, if a game of poker on a long flight was not exactly what one was hoping for, by simply turning the watch on its caseback sits a perfect example of a roulette wheel, where that complimentary in-flight lunch or dinner can be disputed over a red or black.

    Being a definite «game changer» this watch nicely merges playfulness and unusual complexity. Uniting other collectors together, this timepiece can be a perfect example of a watch that creates conversations, gives you a little sense of casino, and be used to solve some unfinished bets amongst collectors.


    The present watch is being sold to benefit The One Drop Foundation, a charity striving to provide safe drinking water to all communities.

  • Artist Biography

    Christophe Claret

    French • 1987 Renaud Papi Claret, 1991 renamed Christophe Claret

    For nearly 30 years Christophe Claret has been associated with high-grade complicated Swiss watch movements and cutting edge innovative designs. He is the artist behind the movements of some of Switzerland's most distinguished manufacturers. Partnering with Ulysse Nardin, Claret created the caliber CLA88 minute repeater for their San Marco jacquemart line. He was instrumental in the production of the caliber CHW97 Tourbillon Glissière, with its oscillating weight slide winding system, for Harry Winston. A member of an exclusive group of independent watch manufacturers, Claret impacts haute horlogerie with its three-dimensional works and innovative designs.

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Ref. MTR.PCK05.002-037TI
A very unusual limited edition pink gold and titanium wristwatch with poker, roulette game, guarantee and presentation box

2015
45mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF25,000 - 45,000 
€23,200-41,700
$27,200-49,000

Sold for CHF56,700

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East

41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

 

Thomas Perazzi

Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2031

WatchesHK@phillips.com

RETROSPECTIVE: 2000 - 2020

Geneva Auction 8 November 2020