From Space Pirates to Birds of Paradise, the upcoming Antiquorum watch sale in Hong Kong offers something for everyone.
The auction on March 19 at The Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong will feature more than 270 vintage and modern timepieces, from some of the world’s most sought-after watchmakers.
Leading the sale is a set of four colourful Patek Philippe Ref. 5075 Birds of Paradise wristwatches, made in white gold with cloisonné enamel dials. With just 15 sets ever produced, this limited-edition collection is expected to sell for HK$1.5-$2 million (US$193,000-$257,000).
Further notable Patek Philippe highlights include a Ref. 5131 World Time wristwatch in 18K yellow gold, estimated at HK$775,000-$1,100,000 (US$100,000-$140,000); a Ref. 5975, 175th anniversary chronograph in pink gold valued at HK$580,000-$660,000 (US$75,000-$85,000); and a Ref. 550P Advanced Research Platinum wristwatch estimated at HK$860,000-$1,250,000 (US$110,000-$160,000).
One of the most striking examples on offer is the MB & F Horological machine No.6 Space Pirate, a futuristic watch inspired by a 1970s space cartoon.
Originally based on the 1940s pulp magazine hero Captain Future, the dubbed Japanese cartoon was highly successful in France as Capitaine Flam, and caught the imaginations of designers who created this futuristic, limited-edition timepiece. As one of only 50 examples produced in 2014, the self-winding titanium wristwatch with visible /concealed one –minute tourbillon regulator comes with an estimate of HK$930,000-$1,400,000 (US$120,000-$180,000).
Elsewhere, significant examples include a Chopard Ref. 4250 Imperiale Tourbillon Baguette Diamond wristwatch in pink gold, made circa 2010 and estimated at HK$1,160,000-$1,950,000 (US150,000-$250,000); and a Rolex Ref. 116599 Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona wristwatch in white gold set with baguette diamonds and rubies, estimated at HK$560,000-$640,000 (US$72,000-$82,000).
