Everything You Need to Know about Christie’s Forthcoming Dubai Edit Watch Auction

Christie’s is set to host Watches Online: The Dubai Edit, where some of the most exquisite luxury watches in the world will go under the hammer. The auction, which will be held from April 24 to May 4, will spotlight an impressive selection of modern and vintage collectible watches, curated by Christie’s expert team.

Founded in 1766, Christie’s has established itself as one of the leading art auction houses in the world. It is feted the world over for its expert live and online auctions as well as its bespoke private sales. 

 Speaking on Christie’s forthcoming Dubai Edit, Remy Julia, Head, Watches, Christie’s Middle East, India and Africa, said, “Dubai’s central role as a business hub and cultural crossroads strengthens its position as a gateway into the watch universe for collectors and aficionados, whether based in the region or passing through.” 

 Julia added, “The incredible diversity and energy is something you always see reflected in Christie’s watch sales in the emirate. The Dubai Edit, live for bidding from 24 April, is no exception with 138 lots for a total low estimate close to the US$ 10 million mark – and we are already far in the consignment process for the second edition in October.”

So, what is on offer? GMT India offers a sneak preview.

Lot 9: Richard Mille RM 69 Erotic Tourbillon

The luxury timepiece maker is known for its collaborations and use of avant-garde materials. Over the years, Richard Mille has collaborated with Rafael Nadal, Didier Drogba, Felipe Massa and Fernando Alonso to create some of the most iconic yet quirky watches. 

Richard Mille unveiled the RM 69 Erotic Tourbillon in 2015 as a 30-piece limited-edition collection. The timepiece offers a subtle take on the pocket watches that were prominent a few centuries ago. The skeleton-dialled watch came with three rollers at 12 o’clock, displaying erotic messages every time a pusher at 10 o’clock is pressed. Along with a tourbillon at 6 o’clock, the watch also has a power reserve indicator with it. 

Est: $800,000-$1,200,000

Lot 33: Patek Philippe 5711/111P-001 Nautilus

Patek Philippe introduced the Nautilus, often perceived as the ultimate sports watch, in 1976. Since then, it has become one of the brand's most sought-after watches. Ref. 5711 was introduced in 2006; the platinum watch was meant only for the exclusive clients of Patek Philippe. 

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The model to be showcased at the auction is a 40 mm platinum watch with 32 baguette-cut blue sapphires on the bezel and 12 sapphires on the black dial as hour markers. The watch comes with silver hour, minute hands with a blue second hand and a date window at 3 o’clock. The automatic, self-winding watch offers 45 hours of power reserve. Finishing the watch is an integrated platinum bracelet with a Nautilus double-fold clasp.

‍Est: $500,000-$800,000

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Lot 26: Rolex Daytona Ref. 6265 

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Designed to meet the needs of racing drivers, such as for measuring elapsed time and speed, the Rolex collection was named after Florida’s Daytona, where racing reached its pinnacle in the early 20th century.

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The Rolex Daytona chronograph that will go under the hammer is a 37 mm 18 ct yellow gold watch with a matte black dial. The 18 ct yellow gold bezel comes with a graduated scale of 200 units per hour with yellow gold hour markers, yellow gold hour, minute hands and black second hand. The chronograph gets golden counters for the 60-second counter at 9 o’clock, the 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock and the 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock. There are two chronograph pushers at 2 o’clock and 4 o’clock to start and restart the function.

Powering the watch is the manual winding mechanical Calibre 727 with 48 hours of power reserve. The model is finished on a black strap with the original Rolex golden buckle.

‍Est: $160,000-$240,000

Lot 57: Parmigiani Fleurier PF Tonda Split Seconds Chronograph Platinum

Making its debut in the auction, Ref. PFH916-2010001-200182 was introduced in 2021 for the brand’s 25th anniversary. Based on the GPHG winner, Parmigiani Tonda Chronor Anniversaire, this was the first watch from the Maison to get a platinum dial on a platinum case. What’s more, it is finished on a platinum bracelet and limited to only 25 pieces. Another striking feature of this 42 mm watch is the introduction of the Maison’s first integrated chronograph movement, hand-finished and crafted in rose gold.

The chronograph has delta-shaped hands in white gold and a gold flyback hand. The watch comes with a 12-hour subdial at 9 o’clock, a 30-minute subdial at 3 o’clock and a 60-second subdial at 6 o’clock with golden hands. This monochromatic watch also has two platinum pushers at 2 o’clock and 4 o’clock for the chronograph function. This manual-winding chronograph is also a rattrapante (split seconds).

Powering the watch is the manual winding Calibre PF361 automatic movement made of 18 ct rose gold with 65 hours of power reserve. 

Est: $120,000-$220,000

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