The Shanghai preview will take place from 7 – 8 November at Lotus Automobilia's flagship store in Shanghai, showcasing the timeless relationship between watches and racing
Highlights of the Shanghai preview include the F.P. Journe's five-piece stainless steel watch and the "Tourbillon Souverain" China limited edition from the original owner, as well as the Paul Newman dial on the Rolex Ref. 6265 Oyster
Phillips will hold the Autumn Auction of Watches Hong Kong XVII from 24 to 25 November at the auction hall in the West Kowloon Cultural District of Hong Kong, China. The auction features more than 200 lots and features important timepieces from renowned watch brands and independent watchmakers. Among the outstanding lots, the highlights include the previously unknown and potentially unique Patek Philippe Ref. 3974 in platinum, the Rolex Ref. 6062 "Stelline" antique gold watch, and a selection of vintage Rolex watches with "Paul Newman" dials. In addition, the auction will feature a set of five F.P. Journe's collection of stainless steel watches, as well as the exclusive China limited edition "Tourbillon Souverain" released to celebrate the opening of its boutique in Beijing in 2010. Watches and racing have been linked for a long time, and the pursuit of precision and state-of-the-art technology coincides with watches. This month, Phillips will join hands with the world-renowned sports car brand Lotus to hold a preview of the Hong Kong Watch Autumn Auction in Shanghai, showcasing the fruitful achievements of mechanical manufacturing, showcasing the continuous improvement of the craftsmanship and the spirit of challenge in watches and racing cars. The preview will be held from 7 to 8 November at the Lotus Shanghai Lujiazui flagship store and is open to the public.
Thomas Perazzi, Head of Phillips Watches Asia, said: "Our first auction of watches at Phillips' new headquarters in Asia this spring was a great success, with a strong participation from collectors from all over the world, including the sale of the relics of the last emperor of the Qing Dynasty. As a result of this achievement, we are proud to have acquired a collection of rare antiques and contemporary watches from the 20th and 21st centuries. Most importantly, this season will feature a number of top-notch watches that have never been seen at auction, including the perhaps unique Patek Philippe Ref. 3974 in platinum, the 1969 Rolex Ref. 6241 in yellow gold, and the F.P. in a 38 mm case. Journe stainless steel watch set and F. P. Journe's China limited edition to commemorate the opening of its boutique in Beijing, among others. In the lead-up to the auction, we will be holding a preview in Shanghai with our motorsport brand Lotus, and we look forward to sharing these timepieces with Chinese collectors face-to-face, as well as sparking new sparks with Lotus customers, watch and sports car enthusiasts. ”
Probably unique model 3974P
In 1989, Patek Philippe celebrated its 150th anniversary with the launch of the reference 3974, one of the most complicated watches in the world at the time. This model was produced between 1989 and 2002 and according to research, a total of about 120 pieces were produced, made of different metals. According to Phillips' research, only 10 of these platinum models have ever appeared on the market. Ref. 3974 made its debut on the auction floor this season, becoming the 11th Ref. 3974 in platinum to appear on the open market. However, this lot is even more valuable than the previous models of its kind, as it is the only known model with a white Breguet numerals dial. This dial configuration was confirmed by a Patek Philippe certificate in 2001 and was sold in the same year, at the end of the production phase of this model.
Antique Rolex model 6062 "Stelline"
First introduced at Baselworld 1950, the reference 6062 was the first self-winding wristwatch with a waterproof case and date and moon phase displays. This model is available in a variety of dial styles, the most coveted of which is the one with eight faceted stars in place of the numerals. Collectors call it "Stelline", which means "little star" in Italian. The "Stelline" presented at this season's Hong Kong auction is one of the best examples of this model, and it is in excellent condition. In 2016, the watch was sold at Phillips' "Witness to History - Rolex" sale. The exterior of the watch, although slightly rusted, gives it a unique personality and historical significance, which is enough to prove that the lot has never been polished. The "Super Oyster" crown and "Jubilee" bracelet are original models with the logo of the third quarter of 1952.
Rolex "Cosmograph Daytona" Ref. 6265 stainless steel chronograph watch with "Paul Newman" dial
The original Rolex Daytona was designed for endurance racers with racing pedigree in its design, with a bezel with a tachymeter scale to calculate the average speed, and contrasting dials and subdials in white or black on white to facilitate clear readings during high-speed driving. Daytona was not an instant hit when it first debuted, but was named after the late American actor and racing driver Paul Newman, who loved to wear it for performances and races.
Around 1969, Rolex introduced the Model 6265, which ceased production in the late 1980s. This model has screw-down pushers, hence the "Oyster" inscription on the dial. The connection between Rolex and racing is a constant and the late racing legend Carroll Smith once owned and wore the Model 6265. Produced circa 1971, the Ref. 6265 in this season's auction features an Oyster case in stainless steel with an "MK II" II "panda" dial, with an illuminescent display intact and over time evolving into an ideal warm yellow, presenting a subtle colour balance between cream and black, complemented by the "MK II" screw-down pushers, bezel and bracelet. Ref. 6265 is a masterpiece that has stood the test of time and is the icing on the cake for watch collectors' collections
F. P. Journe rare limited edition timepiece
F. P. Journe launched a 38 mm case between 1999 and 2015 to commemorate the end of this generation, with 38 commemorative collector's sets. This season's collection is part of this commemorative collection set that includes five iconic pieces of the Maison, including the Tourbillon Souverain, Chronomètre à Résonance, Octa Automatique, Octa Calendrier and Chronomètre Souverain, all with a now-discontinued 38mm stainless steel case and bronze dial. Accompanying this collection is a limited edition of original wooden collector's boxes that showcase the sublimation of luxury horological craftsmanship.
The watches in the set are often sold separately after they are manufactured, so it can be difficult to reassemble the complete watch set. Today, with the demand for independent watchmaking brands strong, F.P. Journe is the leader in the field of independent watchmaking in the pre-owned watch market. His creations are a testament to how watchmakers can transform complex techniques into the ultimate in art, and are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for watch collectors.
· Tourbillon Souverain 38毫米精钢腕表估价:1,200,000 - 2,400,000港元
· Resonance Chronometer 38毫米精钢腕表估价:950,000 - 1,550,000港元
· Octa Calendrier 38 mm stainless steel Estimate: HK$480,000 - 960,000
· Octa Power Reserve 38毫米精钢腕表估价: 320,000 - 640,000港元
· Sovereign Chronometer 38毫米精钢腕表估价: 320,000 - 640,000港元
· Wooden Presentation box Estimate: HK$80,000 - 160,000
In 2010, F.P. Journe celebrated the opening of its Beijing boutique. To commemorate this milestone, F.P. Journe has created an exclusive limited edition "Tourbillon Souverain", produced in just five pieces, with a constant-force mechanism, jumping seconds, a power-reserve display, and a brightly colored red lacquered dial with the Chinese flag as a design element. The F.P. Journe "Tourbillon Souverain, China 2010", the only known model with a 38mm platinum case, has made its debut on the auction market and has been commissioned by the original collector to further enhance its rarity and appeal.
A selection of other highlights from the Shanghai Preview
Watches Hong Kong XVII Shanghai Preview
Location: Lotus Shanghai Lujiazui flagship store, 800 Century Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
Time: 7-8 November 2023, 11am – 7pm
Watches Hong Kong XVII auction
First half: November 24, 3 p.m. China time
Second half: November 25, 3 p.m. China time
Hong Kong Preview: 18-25 November, 10am – 7pm
Location: Phillips Asia Headquarters, Ground Floor, West Kowloon Cultural District Authority Building, 8 Austin Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China