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Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo Presents Highlights from The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIX
Sale on 23 and 24 November to Feature a Diverse Array of Significant and Highly Sought-after Timepieces
Partnering with The Lavish Attic to Showcase the Art of Independent Watchmaking
HONG KONG – 15 October 2024 – Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo is pleased to unveil highlights from the Hong Kong Watch Auction XIX. Comprised of over 200 lots, the sale will showcase a wide range of important timepieces from leading brands and independent makers, reflecting the rich history of watchmaking and its spirit of innovation. This season, Phillips is proud to collaborate with The Lavish Attic, one of the leading retailers in Asia of international independent watch brands, to present unique pieces created by talented watchmakers for this auction. Before the auction, a selection of sale highlights will go on an international tour, starting in Singapore (17-20 October) before visiting Taipei (2-3 November) and Geneva (6-10 November). The preview will then open in Hong Kong on 16 November, leading up to the live auction on 23 and 24 November at the company’s Asia headquarters in the West Kowloon Cultural District. Before The Hong Kong Watch Auction XIX, TOKI: Watch Auction, a thematic sale dedicated to the Japanese watch collecting world, will take place on 22 November.
Thomas Perazzi, Head of Watches, Asia, and Gertrude Wong, Head of Sale, jointly said, “We are thrilled to announce our upcoming watch auction in Hong Kong, featuring an exquisite collection of timepieces that span the ages. From elegant clocks and timeless pocket watches to sophisticated wristwatches crafted by renowned makers, this auction offers something for every collector and enthusiast. Each piece has been meticulously curated to showcase the artistry and precision of horology. Join us for an opportunity to acquire a unique addition to your collection and celebrate the enduring legacy of watchmaking.”
Cartier Clocks
This Spring, Phillips achieved remarkable results for unique, museum-quality Cartier Art Deco clocks from a prestigious private collection. Building on that success, Phillips is thrilled to offer more historically important Cartier clocks from the late 1920s–1930s in this season’s Hong Kong Watch Auction XIX.
Leading the sale is a unique Modèle A Mystery Clock created by Cartier France. The significance of this piece is confirmed by the brand, as the original drawing is documented in its official tome The Cartier Collection: Timepieces by Franco Cologni and François Chaille. Crafted in rock crystal, yellow gold, mother-of-pearl, onyx and diamonds, it is recorded in the Cartier Archives dating from 1929. Truly the first of its kind, the Modèle A Mystery Clock stands out for its innovative design, featuring hands that appear to float within a transparent, block-shaped rock crystal. These early creations were jeweled art pieces that showcased Cartier’s exceptional craftsmanship and design skills. Modèle A Mystery Clocks were acquired by glamourous celebrities and notable figures, such as banker John Pierpont Morgan, who purchased the second clock created in 1913. Each clock is uniquely sophisticated, with handmade variations in the type of base, as well as differences in the decorations on the frames and chapter rings. Extremely limited in production, scholarship suggests that only approximately 60 examples of the Modèle A were made.
Inspired by the Far East, the present La Pendule Art Deco Clock was made by Cartier Paris in the 1930s. Translucent with a soft pink hue, it is crafted from a massive block of rose quartz stone, with smooth, rounded corners. Anchored by a decorative base frame of black enamel and yellow gold, the motif further encircles the Cartier-signed dial of this desk clock. Set with rose-cut diamonds and Roman numerals, the five-minute markers are adorned with a five-petal Sakura flower graphic that harmonizes with the cherry blossom glow of the rose quartz. The fanned-out marquetry, crafted with mother-of-pearl, radiates an iridescent sheen, cleverly planned in symmetry to clearly divide the hours.
Inspired by Oriental screens, the Écran, a French term for panel, was first produced in 1923. Very few examples were ever made, making each one a rare collectible. Crafted with rich green jade and yellow gold, the arches are contrasted with translucent rock crystals, often used for Mystery clocks. The panels framing the clock are decorated with enamel and ribbed jade columns, adding a three-dimensional tactile quality to the overall smooth silhouette. Crafted by Cartier Paris, as denoted on the dial, the impressive marquetry mother-of-pearl floral motif contrasts beautifully with the dark green jade.
The ref. 1518 from Patek Philippe, introduced in 1941, was the Maison’s first perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch produced in series. This model established the manufacturer’s enduring legacy as the finest producer of complicated wristwatches. With only 281 examples produced from 1941 to 1954, ref. 1518 is exceptionally rare. Fresh to the market, this piece in yellow gold is preserved in attractive overall condition and represents an early first series example. Most notably, the dial is stamped with a long signature displaying ‘Patek, Philippe & Co’ and has aged to a warm ivory tone, exuding incredible charisma.
Patek Philippe’s legendary ref.1463 is one of the most sought-after and collectible vintage chronograph wristwatches, renowned for its strong case proportions and prominent chronograph pushers. Nicknamed the “Tasti Tondi”, it was first released in 1940 as the brand’s first water-resistant chronograph. Patek Philippe commissioned the esteemed Geneva case maker Taubert, identifiable by Geneva Key number 11 stamped on the inner caseback. According to scholars, only about 61 examples in pink gold are known in the market, underscoring the rarity of this stunning piece.
Originally produced in 1911 as a minute repeater with a split-seconds chronograph, the present “Moderne” pocket watch ref. 850 was rediscovered decades later in Patek Philippe’s inventory. Between 1963-1966, it was enhanced with additional perpetual calendar and moon phase functions before being encased in a more modern, saleable design. Two similar examples are illustrated in the first edition of Patek Philippe Genève Wristwatches by Martin Huber and Alan Banbery. One of the two examples listed features a dial configuration similar to the present timepiece. Having resided in an important private collection for over 30 years, this remarkable example celebrates the rich heritage and vision that have defined the Maison for generations.
Sports Models
Boldly emblazoned in the upper center of the dial of the present stunning 18k gold Rolex Cosmograph Daytona is the red “Khanjar”— the national emblem of Oman, featuring a traditional dagger used for ceremonial occasions. When found on a watch, it signifies an important object of royal provenance. Such watches were made on commission for the Sultan of Oman, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said. An important collector in his own right, His Majesty’s passion for horology is well known. Watches with the Khanjar are extremely sought after, with extensive research showing that only four examples of ref. 6265 in yellow gold with the red Khanjar are known to scholars, making it exceptionally rare. The “Rolex Oyster” logo at 12 o’clock was repositioned higher on the dial to accommodate the Khanjar, demonstrating that this dial was custom designed for His Majesty.
The 11th anniversary of The Lavish Attic
In this season’s Hong Kong watch auction, Phillips is collaborating with The Lavish Attic, one of the leading retailers in Asia of international independent watch brands, to present unique pieces created by six independent watchmakers to celebrate the retailer’s 11th anniversary. Established in 2013, The Lavish Attic is committed to providing an intimate space for showcasing talented watchmaking artisans and their exceptional designs to a broader audience. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Albert Hausammann Foundation, which supports eligible students in Asia for training their skills in the art of watchmaking.
German independent brand Lang & Heyne is renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and distinctive designs. The Moritz was first created in 2005, and the present piece numbered 53, was made in 2015 under the leadership of co-founder Marco Lang. It comes with his personally signed certificate and the 2015 hang tags. The watch features a unique complication that reflects the Earth’s relationship with the sun. Originally crafted with a silver dial, the watch now features a distinctive salmon dial and purple hands, specially designed to commemorate the 11th anniversary of The Lavish Attic. This marks the first time a salmon dial has been produced in the Moritz collection, allowing the owner to switch dials whenever they choose.
In 2020, Louis Erard collaborated with Vianney Halter to create a new Régulateur for the brand’s 90th anniversary, aiming to make high horology accessible. Reflecting Halter’s unique aesthetics, the watch revisits the precision regulator clocks of the 19th century. Limited to 178 pieces, it sold out quickly. Phillips is honored to offer this unique example, crafted exclusively for this auction. The watch features Halter’s signature design elements, with a case back engraved “Limited Edition 1 of 1.” Powered by the automatic calibre Sellita SW266-1, it includes a premium satin finish and a unique oscillating weight with Halter’s signature. Accompanied by bespoke cufflinks designed and crafted by Vianney Halter, this piece stands out with its special modifications.
Founded in 2016 in Delft, Netherlands, by Michiel Holthinrichs, Holthinrichs Watches merges integral design architecture with watchmaking. Inspired by the Art Nouveau movement, the Ornament Nouveau collection has been evolving since 2017, culminating in the launch of the first Dutch-made serially produced mechanical watch movement this year. The open-worked dial showcases the intricate Cal. HW-M02, featuring stainless steel mirrored bridges, a variable inertia balance wheel within a 3D-machined glass bridge, and a grade 5 titanium ring with notched hour markers. The “Eclipse dial” transforms from transparent to solid black under UV light, protecting the movement’s oils from UV degradation. The movement is housed in a sculptural grade 5 titanium case with partially open-worked lugs, enhancing its visual appeal. This unique collaboration with The Lavish Attic marks the first iteration of the Ornament Nouveau, with a laser-engraved main plate commemorating the partnership.
Designed by renowned industrial engineer Marc Newson, who is celebrated for his iconic Lockheed Lounge chair and the Apple Watch, the present streamlined hourglass possesses an effortless appearance, yet its construction involves a surprisingly sophisticated process. Crafted from a single piece of glass, the hourglass is skillfully hand-blown in Switzerland by HG Timepiece. The walls of the hourglass are exceptionally thick, and unlike conventional glass, this borosilicate glass is resistant to high temperatures making it a highly durable material. More a sculpture than a mere timekeeper, this unique hourglass features iconic heat-treated purple stainless steel nanoballs, a striking alternative to the usual metal-coated nanoballs. This innovative color is derived from De Bethune’s distinct techniques. Additionally, this unique hourglass departs from the typical limited editions that measure 10 or 60 minutes; it records a duration of 20 minutes, in a new glass size.
The story of the present Panda Piece Unique watch by Konstantin Chaykin began in Spring 2023 when Chaykin drew attention to the 60th anniversary of the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 6239 Panda dial. This watch is a blend of West meets East, and horological icon meets nature. The Panda Piece Unique features a faceted bezel with its model name “PANDA” encircling its whimsical dial. The upper lugs, crafted in black carbon fiber, resemble the animal’s ears. The dial’s white and black areas are decorated with a sandblasting finish, while the silver-plated convex nose is vertically brushed. Instead of numbers, white dots indicate the hours and minutes. Through the sapphire caseback, people can admire the La Joux-Perret G200-based automatic movement, which boasts a power reserve of 68 hours.
Reservoir honors the harmonious blend of French craftsmanship and Oriental aesthetics with a unique commemorative timepiece, “The Panda Edition,” with the renowned miniature artist Philippe Jacquin-Ravot bringing charm and vitality to the piece. The dial captivates with the artist’s masterful brushwork, depicting a hand-painted panda within a lush bamboo forest, while Reservoir’s signature retrograde minute 240° arc and jumping hour add technical intrigue. Collectors will be delighted to know that the panda is painted with Superluminova and will completely light up in the dark. Delivered in a prestigious wooden presentation box with an additional leather strap, “The Panda Edition” represents the convergence of creativity, craftsmanship, and nature.
Global Preview
Singapore: 17-20 October Artyzen Singapore, 9 Cuscaden Road, Level 4, Singapore 249719 Opening Hours: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Taipei: 2-3 November Hotai Insurance Dazhi Building, No. 55, Jingye 2nd Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City Opening Hours: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Geneva : 6-10 November Hotel President, Quai Wilson 47, 1201, Geneva Opening Hours: Wednesday to Thursday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM | Friday to Sunday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Hong Kong: 16-24 November 1/F, WKCDA Tower, West Kowloon Cultural District, No. 8 Austin Road, West Kowloon Opening Hours: 11:00AM – 7:00PM
Auction: 23 - 24 November 2024 Location: G/F, WKCDA Tower, West Kowloon Cultural District, No. 8 Austin Road West, Kowloon, Hong Kong Find out more: https://www.phillips.com/auctions/auction/HK080524
ABOUT PHILLIPS IN ASSOCIATION WITH BACS & RUSSO The team of specialists at Phillips Watches is dedicated to an uncompromised approach to quality, transparency, and client service. Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo holds the world record for the most successful watch auction, with its Geneva Watch Auction: XIV having realized $74.5 million in 2021. 2023 marked the second most successful year for Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo with an annual total of $215.8 million.
Record–breaking prices include:
1. Paul Newman’s Rolex “Paul Newman” Daytona reference 6239 (CHF 17,709,894 / US$17,752,500) – New York Auction: Winning Icons – 26 October 2017 – Highest result ever achieved for any vintage wristwatch at auction.
2. Patek Philippe reference 1518 in stainless steel (CHF 11,020,000 / US$11,112,020) – Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR – 12 November 2016 – Highest result ever achieved for a vintage Patek Philippe wristwatch at auction.
ABOUT PHILLIPS Phillips: where the world’s curious and bold connect with the art, design, and luxury that inspires them. As a leading global platform for buying and selling 20th and 21st century works, Phillips offers dedicated expertise in the areas of Modern and Contemporary Art, Design, Photographs, Editions, Watches, and Jewels. Auctions and exhibitions are primarily held in New York, London, Geneva, and Hong Kong, with representative offices based throughout Europe, the United States, and Asia. Phillips offers a regular selection of live and online auctions, along with items available for immediate purchase. Phillips also offers a range of services and advice on all aspects of collecting, including private sales and assistance with appraisals, valuations, and financial planning. Visit phillips.com for further information.*Estimates do not include buyer’s premium; prices achieved include the hammer price plus buyer’s premium.
PRESS CONTACTS: HONG KONG – Ingrid Hsu, Head of PR and Corporate Communications, Asia ingridhsu@phillips.com GENEVA – Asta Ponzo, PR Consultant aponzo@phillips.com LONDON – Alexandra Bradley, Head of Press, Europe abradley@phillips.com NEW YORK – Jaime Israni, Head of PR and Corporate Communications, Americas jisrani@phillips.com NEW YORK – Paul Lerner, Consultant plerner@optimistconsulting.com
PHILLIPS NEW YORK – 432 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022 PHILLIPS LONDON – 30 Berkeley Square, London, W1J 6EX PHILLIPS HONG KONG – G/F, WKCDA Tower, West Kowloon Cultural District, No. 8 Austin Road, West Kowloon PHILLIPS GENEVA – Rue de la Confédération, 7 Geneva 1204 |
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