Outstanding Results for Unique Timepieces at Antiquorum Hong Kong October Auction
For Immediate Release
Oct. 26, 2011
October 26, 2011 -- Antiquorum's October auction of "Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces", held on October 23rd, 2011 at the Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong, totaled an outstanding HKD$53,295,000. Of the 384 timepieces offered, a remarkable 82% was sold by lot, representing 133.86% by value. In addition to the strong in-room attendance, the auction enjoyed highly competitive telephone and Internet bidding. International participation came from Switzerland, the Netherlands, the United States, China, Japan, Taiwan, as well as Hong Kong.
"As the final sale in Hong Kong for 2011, we are excited to see the tremendous success of today's auction," said Mr. Charles Tearle, Watch Director & Auctioneer Antiquorum USA & Asia. "The active participation of Chinese bidders confirms that collectors today are greatly interested in vintage and modern timepieces and their purchasing power is continuously increasing."
The highlight of the sale was undoubtedly "La Colère d'Achille" - an ivory fan features nine five-clawed dragons set with a watch, a gift given to the Emperor Qianlong (1711-1799) of the Qing Dynasty by King George III of England (Lot 379). Chinese bidders showed strong interest in the extremely rare work from the imperial family, which elicited a spirited bidding war among participants in the sale room, on the internet, and more than ten telephone bidders. Mr. Evan Zimmermann, President and CEO, Antiquorum noted,"We are thrilled by the spectacular results achieved for the fan watch that was originally gifted to Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty by King George III of England. This magnificent work of art sold to a Chinese buyer for an astounding HKD$6,020,000, nearly five times its pre-auction estimate." The unique and extremely rare fan was attributed to James Cox, the master of luxurious jewellery and timepieces in England, and was given by the Ambassador of England to the Emperor Qianlong as a gift to celebrate his 80th birthday in 1792.
Lot 379
Sold including Buyer's Premium: HKD$6,020,000
Patek Philippe aficionados from around the world competed for the highly sought after Patek Philippe Ref. 3939HP, a minute-repeating platinum wristwatch with tourbillion. After a spirited bidding war, the successful bid of the luxury modern wristwatch came at HKD$3,000,000. Sold in November, 2004, this lot is accompanied by a fitted box, Certificate of Origin, COSC certificate and an additional platinum case back.
Lot 384
Sold including Buyer's Premium: HKD$3,620,000
The remaining "Top Lots" of the sale are as follows:
"The Evening", an 18K gold, enamel and pearl set watch made circa 1800 for the Oriental market. This lot was once in the Lord Sandberg collection, and the same watch is in the collection of Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva.
Lot 376
Sold including Buyer's Premium: HKD$2,120,000
"The Theatre", a rare 18K yellow gold and enamel quarter-repeating musical watch with two erotic automaton scenes. Made circa 1815, this lot was attributed to Henry Capt.
Lot 159
Sold including Buyer's Premium: HKD$2,060,000
In this sale, the work by Charles Frodsham attracted a group of pocket watch collectors. This exceptional and highly important, large, 18K gold minute-repeating pocket chronometer with one-minute tourbillion regulator and spilt-seconds chronograph was made by Charles Frodsham and specially ordered by J. Pierpont Morgan.
Lot 315
Sold including Buyer's Premium: HKD$1,820,000
Patek Philippe 5970P, a key-winding water-resistant platinum wristwatch with square button chronograph, perpetual calendar, moon phases, 24 hour indication and a platinum Patek Philippe deployant clasp. Made in 2009 and sold on 21st July, 2009. Accompanied by a mahogany fitted box, Certificate of Origin, setting pin, additional solid platinum case back and instructions.
Lot 383
Sold including Buyer's Premium: HKD$1,580,000
"The Attributes of Love" - an 18K gold and painted on enamel necessaire with a scent bottle fitted with concealed watch from the Chinese Emperor's Summer Palace. Made in the beginning of the 19th Century, this very fine and rare necessaire made of 18K gold and enamel amazingly achieved a remarkable price including buyer's premium six times higher than its estimate. This lot is accompanied by the original fitted leather box, with old manuscript written in French attesting to its provenance from the Chinese Emperor's Summer Palace.
Lot 378
Sold including Buyer's Premium: HKD$1,220,000
Patek Philippe "The Flower Garden" (Le Jardin des Fleurs), is a very fine and unique solar-powered and electro-mechanical brass table clock with polychrome cloisonné enamel panels depicting flowers in bloom and a dragonfly. Made in the 1990's. Accompanied by a fitted service box and Patek Philippe service receipt
Lot 158
Sold including Buyer's Premium: HKD$1,040,000
Patek Philippe 3970EP, a platinum chronograph with perpetual calendar. Made in 2000 and sold in August, 2000. Accompanied by a fitted box, Certificate of Origin, setting pin, and an additional solid platinum case back
Lot 156
Sold including Buyer's Premium: HKD$980,000
Patek Philippe 5070P, a platinum wristwatch with square button chronograph and a platinum Patek Philippe deployant clasp. Sold on 21st July 2009, this lot is accompanied by a fitted box, Certificate of Origin and instructions.
Lot 382
Sold including Buyer's Premium: HKD$ 836,000
For enquiry:
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Antiquorum Hong Kong Suite 704, 9 Queen's Road Central, Hong Kong Tel: +852 2522 4168 Fax: +852 2522 4138 Email: hk@antiquorum.com |
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Antiquorum Shanghai Room 4106B, Bund Centre Office Tower, 222 Yan An East Road, Shanghai, China Tel: +86 21 6335 1268 Fax: +86 21 6335 1270 Email: shanghai@antiquorum.com |