Stricken F1 hero Michael Schumacher’s eight-watch collection realised £3.5 million at auction in Geneva on Tuesday, May 14.
Schumacher’s family made the sale. The German driver has been in private care since suffering a catastrophic brain injury while skiing in 2013.
The watches were by the finest makers, and some carried personal and sporting significance.
Schumacher’s custom-made F.P. Journe Vagabondage was an engraved gift from Ferrari boss Jean Todt. It made around £1.3 million.
Ferrari branding and a 7 for Schumacher’s title total make this watch completely unique.
An Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, customised for the 7-time F1 champion by Todt, realised £364,000, comprehensively beating its top estimate.
The sale was due to take place on Monday, May 13 but was delayed by a cyber attack on Christie’s, the auction house hosting the sale in Geneva.
The Schumacher sale was part of a 164-lot auction that was 96% sold, realising around £20 million).
The top lot was a Patek Philippe ref 1518 made in 1948 that achieved £2.2 million.
Remi Guillemin of Christie’s said: “These results demonstrate the passion of international collectors for exceptional timepieces.”
A set of 5 F.P Journe watches from the Schumacher collection was sold individually to a single buyer for 1.7 million Swiss francs (around £1.5 million). His rare Rolex Daytona ref 6262 realised £275,000.
