Christie’s Dubai to conduct Middle East’s most valuable watch auction this month

Auction house Christie’s will be conducting the Middle East’s most valuable watch auction to date this month.

Nearly 200 lots estimated at between $9m-$15m will be auctioned virtually as part of the Watches Online: Dubai Edit which will take place from March 24-April 9.

“Watches Online: Dubai Edit is without precedent in the Middle East. This auction event is the perfect barometer for current collector demand, be it in the contemporary or the vintage watch space,” said Remy Julia, chief watch specialist at Christie’s Dubai.

Among the watches which will be on auction are those from Patek Philippe, Rolex and independent watchmakers like MB&F as well, among others.

One of the top selling pieces at the auction is expected to be the double-dialled Patek Philippe Sky Moon Tourbillon Ref 5002 in platinum from 2004, which at the time was the most complicated watch produced by the Genevan watchmaker, and is now expected to auction for between $1m-$1.8m.

The other prominent Pateks to watch out for at this action are the Ref 5074P minute repeater perpetual calendar ($400,000-$700,000), a pink gold Ref 5029 minute repeater limited to just 10 pieces ($250,000-$350,000) and the Ref 3990P with a light grey dial ($200,000-300,000)

For Rolex enthusiasts, there is the Rolex Dato Compax Ref 6036, produced around 1952, and one which Christie’s says is “extremely well preserved.” It has an estimated auction value of between $100,000-$180,000.

The Rolex Submariner “Big Crown” Ref 5510 ($125,000-$200,000), a Rolex Sea-Dweller Ref 1665 “Patent Pending” ($90,000-$120,000), and a Rolex Ref 3525 chronograph ($150,000-$300,000) are the other noteworthy Rolexes that will be a part of this auction.

As for independent watchmaking, they include 7 F.P. Journe watches. Of these, 3 were made before 2004: Resonance ($150,000-$250,000), Zodiac ($100,000-$150,000) and Octa Automatique ($100,000-$150,000).

For those who are looking for timepieces with a regional connect, and especially one with Dubai, they can consider the MB&F LM1 M.A.D. Dubai limited edition and also the Richard Mille RM 010 MBZ Abu Dhabi Grand Prix edition.

The watches will be on display and available to view, by-appointment only, at the Christie’s Office in Dubai from March 24–April 8.