Auction Waqt Picks from the Hong Kong Watch Auction XVIII

After the success of The Geneva Watch Auction: XIX, featuring the Guido Mondani Collection and achieving CHF 35,959,720 with its presentation of truly rare timepieces, which we covered in detail in our videos and articles, Phillips is now moving on to the Far East.

 They have announced The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII, a live auction scheduled for 24-25 May. This event will be led by 283 high-end and rare timepieces, as is customary for the auction house. Highlights include the Patek Philippe Nautilus ref. 3700/1, made for the Sultan of Oman, as well as important timepieces from Patek Philippe, Rolex, F.P. Journe, Richard Mille, and De Bethune. The Waqt team will spotlight their favorite timepieces from the auction.

Patek Philippe World Time Chronograph, Singapore Edition Ref. 5930G-011

The Ref 5930, introduced in 2016, incorporated the famous world time complication along with a sophisticated flyback chronograph, marking a historic first for Patek Philippe's watchmaking. 

During its debut at Baselworld 2016, the reference featured a striking blue dial and held the distinction of being the thinnest world time chronograph movement ever produced by Patek Philippe. The redesign of the world time dial included the addition of a fifth-of-a-second division scale between the city and 24-hour rings. Additionally, the 30-minute counter was placed at 6 o'clock, enhancing both the legibility and overall balance of the dial.

With the growing popularity of the Ref 5930, Patek Philippe decided to release another eye-catching variant at the Singapore Grand Exhibition in 2019. Produced in a limited edition of 300 pieces, the current watch features a vibrant red guilloché dial reminiscent of Singapore's national flag while the smoky red guilloché added an extra layer of depth to the dial's aesthetics. Furthermore, the city between Bangkok and Tokyo was changed to Singapore and the caseback was written “Patek Philippe Singapore 2019” to align with the exhibition's theme. the case made of white gold measures 39,5 mm.

Combining rarity and exceptional aesthetics, the current reference is highly sought-after and rarely available in the market. It is now making its debut in the auction market and is considered one of the most collectible world time chronographs available, especially when accompanied by its full set of accessories. the estimated price $61,500-103,000. equivalent to 226,000 - 378,000 AED.

De Bethune DB28 Kind of Blue

The DB28 model was introduced in 2010 and went on in 2011 to immediately win the Aiguille d’Or at the GPHG, the most important awards in the world of watches. This highlights how strongly De Bethune focuses on innovation - in fact, they repeated the feat winning again the prize in 2014 - and how their technical approach to watchmaking reverberates from the movement to the case, with details such as the crown at 12 o’ clock and the innovative “floating” lugs. Extremely well-received by collectors, the DB28 has become the “signature” piece from the firm.

Incredibly blue, visually striking and masterful products in contemporary horology, the present DB28 "Kind of Blue" is part of the elite circle. Featuring a striking heat blued grade 5 titanium case with an impressive mirrored-polish and the brand's signature delta shaped bridge decorated coté de De Bethune, the hours are marked by arrow pointers in pink gold. The sense of detail can be found even on its pink gold back prong of the pin buckle. The blued balance wheel anchored by 6 white gold inserts of the calibre DB2115 animates this marvel. Featuring the brand’s signature spherical moon phase indication accurate to a degree of one lunar day every 122 years and the patented self-regulating twin barrel, triple pare-chute shock-absorbing system, the “Kind of Blue” has a power reserve of 6 days.

Nothing short of an excitement as always by Dennis Flageollet, the present example of the De Bethune DB28BTIBN is excellently preserved and is complete with its full set of accessories. This is a fantastic chance for admirers of innovative timepieces to acquire an award winning wristwatch from one of the most respected independent firms in the industry. estimated price $103,000-205,000. which is equivalent to 378,000 - 753,000 AED.

F.P. Journe Vagabondage III

The Vagabondage III is the culmination of Mr. F. P. Journe’s relentless spirit of innovation and dedication to horological excellence. Released in 2017 in an exclusive limited edition of 68 pieces in rose gold and 69 in platinum, it is the final installment in the groundbreaking Vagabondage series, first introduced in 1995.
Journe redesigned the movement entirely for this last iteration of the Vagabondage series. To power the digital jumping seconds display, which requires an immense amount of energy, he ingeniously incorporated his signature remontoir d'égalité mechanism to ensure a consistent amplitude in the balance wheel. Two discs, visible through the smoked sapphire dial, spin hypnotically at 6 o’clock, allowing the wearer to appreciate each leap of the seconds.

Framed in a traditional tortue-shaped case, measuring 45mm in length by 37.5mm in width, the Vagabondage III is aesthetically modern thanks to its deceptively complex yet elegantly minimal pared-down dial.

The present example, paired with a blue strap, is numbered 37 of the 69 pieces made in platinum. It is in exceptional condition and is further accompanied by its original accessories and an additional black strap. The estimated price of this watch is $100,000 to $200,000. equivalent to 367,000 - 735,000 AED.

H. Moser & Cie Streamliner Tourbillon Rainbow

H. Moser & Cie's Streamliner collection is the brand's interpretation of the 21st-century sports watch. With fluid forms, an incredibly ergonomic design, and a sleek satin-finished integrated bracelet, the design has won the hearts of many collectors. this Streamliner Tourbillon takes design to another level, 60 baguette-cut sapphire gemstones are invisibly set into the bezel. Demonstrating H. Moser & Cie’s watchmaking prowess alongside its gem-setting mastery is the one-minute flying tourbillon, rotating above the sunburst grey fumé dial.

Powered by the self-winding caliber HMC 804, featuring the patented double hairspring for precision, this watch provides a substantial 72-hour power reserve. With demand escalating among collectors and limited annual production, the Streamliner Tourbillon Rainbow presents a fantastic opportunity to acquire one of Moser's most compelling sports watches. Exceptional in its condition and complete with all accessories, it stands as a testament to the manufacture's innovation and horological mastery. The estimated price is $44,900 - 59,000. equivalent to 165,000 - 217,000 AED.

Urwerk UR-103.08

At first glance, the timepiece immediately captivates with its intriguing case color. Measuring 45mm in length by 36mm in width, it is coated in cutting-edge titanium aluminum nitride, surpassing even DLC in hardness and providing enhanced resistance against scratches, shocks, oxidation, and even acids. This ultra-thin coating bestows the watch with a unique and charismatic polished hue, ranging from deep purple to brown depending on the lighting.

The timepiece showcases Urwerk's distinctive design language through its three-dimensional orbiting and revolving satellite hours display, powered by the manual caliber UR3.03. Controlled by an oversized crown positioned at 12 o'clock, the control board is located on the reverse side of the watch. It features a 43-hour power reserve indicator, a display of minutes and seconds for precise time-setting, and an adjustment screw that allows for fine-tuning. Rarely encountered in the market, this timepiece, numbered “08,” presents an opportunity that should not be overlooked. Estimated price $23,100-35,900. equivalent to 85,000 - 132,000 AED.

MB&F  Legacy Machines X

Dressed in a golden finish, the LMX is a limited edition of just 33 pieces released in 2022. This watch combines a fresh steel exterior with a brass dial. The battle-axe-shaped escapement bridge and gear-train components are visible through the three large wheels next to each winding crown. Two of these wheels are set in motion when setting the time, while the gear at 6 o’clock serves as the common seconds’ wheel. A notable feature is the new bespoke 13.4 mm balance wheel, which hovers above the dials and includes inertia blocks for more precise regulation.

The watch also boasts a three-dimensional spherical power reserve indicator (168 hours). Two markers are positioned on opposite sides of a hemisphere: one framed by an arched scale numbered 1 to 7, and the other showing the days of the week. This complex and novel interplay of components adds an additional level of intricacy, with the entire power-reserve display rotating. Wearers can choose their preferred mode of power-reserve indication by continuing to wind the crown even after the power reserve is fully replenished, adjusting the orientation to make either the day-of-the-week or numeric scale more visible when the LMX is on the wrist.

A true gem of horological design and technical prowess, this LMX in golden brass is numbered 18 from the collection. Its estimated price ranges from $38,500 - $76,900.  equivalent to 142,000 - 282,500

Breguet Heures Sautantes

The introduction of the jumping hour mechanism is broadly attributed to Austrian engineer Josef Pallweber in 1883. The jumping hour was very fashionable in the mid-18th century and later during the Art Deco period. During the Roaring Twenties, these watches were produced by eminent names in watchmaking, including Breguet. However, the fashion declined with the Great Depression and ended definitively by World War II, only to see a rebirth in the early 1990s. The present Breguet reference 3420 BA from circa 1992 marks a continuation of this tradition and is a splendid display of technical mastery with the jumping hours movement.

The timepiece boasts a very simple dial design. The only graphic details are the signature at 6 o’clock, discreet dotted minute divisions, and the black Breguet numerals. The hour is subtly indicated in red through an aperture positioned at 12 o’clock. A hidden Breguet signature is delightfully revealed under the 60-minute mark when the dial is viewed under specific lighting conditions. Complementing the minimalistic dial design, the watch has retained familiar characteristics emblematic of Breguet’s timeless elegance, including the "Breguet" blued steel minute hand, Breguet-style lugs, caseband fluting, and a winding crown with a sapphire cabochon.

Preserved in excellent condition and accompanied by the original Breguet certificate of origin dated December 1992 and stamped Friedrich Haute Joaillerie, Frankfurt, this timepiece is numbered 260 of a limited edition of 800 pieces. The estimated price is $14,100 to $23,100. equivalent to 52,000 - 85,000 AED.

Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time “Everest”

In 2019, Cory Richards embarked on his third ascent of Mount Everest. During this expedition, he wore a prototype of the Overseas Dual Time watch, specially developed by Vacheron Constantin, featuring a two-tone titanium and tantalum case. This unique timepiece was later auctioned at the "Game Changers New York" auction in December 2019, achieving a price of $106,250. The design and aesthetic elements of this special watch now serve as the inspiration for the limited edition Overseas "Everest" watches, with production limited to 150 pieces released in 2021.

The current watch boasts a captivating grained finish dial in anthracite grey, providing a striking contrast against the 41 mm titanium and stainless steel case. To differentiate it from regular production models, the bezel, crown, and pusher guards are crafted from titanium. The dial also incorporates vibrant orange accents, adding a dynamic touch that complements the sporty and adventurous aesthetic.

Turning the watch over reveals the caliber 5110 movement, coated with an anthracite grey NAC treatment, giving the timepiece a contemporary character. The 22K gold oscillating weight is adorned with an engraving of Mount Everest, inspired by a photograph taken by Cory Richards.

This particular timepiece, numbered 131 out of the 150 pieces produced, is well-preserved and accompanied by its full set of accessories. Its estimated price ranges from $39,700 to $80,800. equivalent to 146,000 - 297,000 AED.

Cartier La Pendule Magnétique "Water Clock"

One of the most significant horological rediscoveries of the 21st century, the present Water Clock by Cartier, crafted of marble, silver, lapis lazuli, nephrite, coral, mother-of-pearl, enamel and jade, is a study in ingenuity, precision and sheer creativity. Having originally appeared on the market three decades ago, its reappearance at auction marks an important moment in the auction. So rare are these clocks that a cursory search does not yield many results; in fact further research reveals that only one bearing the chimera was ever made.

The Cartier water clock, also known as “La Pendule Magnétique” is among the most exotic and prestigious creations by La Maison. Made by Maurice Couet who established the Cartier horological workshop at 30 rue Lafayette in Paris in 1919, it is the most sophisticated of all clocks, along with a hallowed Mystery Clock model.

Between 1927 and 1930, Maurice Couet manufactured only one of the Chimera water clock. This creation may well constitute the apex and pinnacle of Cartier’s production, representing the golden years of its creativity. the estimated price is US$250,000. equivalent to 918,000 AED.

For more information please visit Phillips official website.