This rare watch is surely one that could change the market, which is set to make between £6-8 million at an auction in May and it will certainly be the star of the auction.
(images sourced from www.sothebys.com)
It was created from a project dating back to the 1980’s around the time of Patek Philippe’s 150th anniversary and was made to express watchmakers art. The watch has a record breaking 33 complications, which is nine more than the Graves watch that was sold by Sotheby’s in 2014 for $24 million dollars. It is not a lightweight timepiece as its 4cm thick and 9cm in diameter, weighing 1.1kg. The functions of telling the time, sonnerie and date set use 1,728 components in total, 24 hands, 2 dials, 8 disks, 61 bridges, 129 jewels, 184 wheels, 332 screws, 415 pins and 429 staffs, pinions and other parts.
There are four timepieces in total ranging in yellow, white, rose gold and platinum. The original set was sold to Prince Jefri Bolkiah, after which the watches were all sold separately. The white gold timepiece was sold for 6.6 million in April 2004, therefore there are high hopes for this timepiece to make the same, if not more than the other timepieces in this collection.
(image sourced from www.sothebys.com)
Daryn Schnipper, the chairman of Sotheby’s International Watch Division, said, “This is undoubtedly one of the most extraordinary timepieces we’ve ever had the privilege to offer. Having set a world record for any timepiece with the sale of Patek Philippe Henry Graves Supercomplication, it is wonderful to have the opportunity to offer yet another unique piece of such horological genius and importance.
The auction takes places on the 14th of May, for more information or to keep updated on the event visit www.sothebys.com.
