Christie’s Hong Kong Sets Record Watch Estimates
Christie’s is marking its 40th anniversary in Asia with two live watch auctions featuring a combined low estimate exceeding HKD 330 million ($42 million), representing the highest-ever seasonal total estimate for the watches category in Asia. The sales take place during Hong Kong Luxury Week and comprise more than 300 vintage and contemporary timepieces from major houses including Patek Philippe, Rolex, Audemars Piguet, Cartier, F.P. Journe, and Richard Mille.
The auctions are anchored by the “Kronos: Titans of Time” collection, which Christie’s describes as one of the most important single-owner watch collections ever offered by the auction house. Following a debut during Christie’s Spring Luxury Week in May 2026, the remaining 18 masterpieces from the 23-piece collection go under the hammer this November.
The Iconic 40 Watches Evening Sale
The Iconic 40 Watches Evening Sale opens on November 25. A Patek Philippe Sky Moon Tourbillon leads the catalog with a high estimate of HKD 43 million ($5.3 million). The timepiece features an 18-karat white gold double dial with 12 complications, including a perpetual calendar, tourbillon, and sky chart phases.
According to press announcements from Christie’s, the evening sale also marks the first time two landmark Patek Philippe Grand Complications appear together at auction: the Sky Moon Tourbillon Ref. 6002G and its predecessor, the rose gold Ref. 5002R. The Ref. 5002R is one of only 25 examples produced. Another Patek Philippe lot featuring a baguette-cut ruby-set bezel with automatic astronomical sky charts carries an upper estimate of HKD 24 million ($3 million).
Important Watches Sale and Independent Masterpieces
The Important Watches sale follows on November 26, showcasing a second Patek Philippe Sky Moon Tourbillon in an 18-karat pink gold double dial configuration with 12 complications, carrying an estimate between HKD 8 million and HKD 16 million ($1 million to $2 million). Independent watchmaker F.P. Journe also features prominently across the November lineup.
The F.P. Journe highlights include a platinum Tourbillon Souverain with a ruby hardstone dial, limited to 20 examples, carrying a price range of HKD 16 million to HKD 32 million ($2 million to $4 million). Additional F.P. Journe lots include an early Chronomètre à Résonance “Pre-Souscription”, a transitional Octa Lune 05L, and a boutique-exclusive Centigraphe Souverain “Black Label”. A platinum dual-time wristwatch from the maker carries an upper estimate of HKD 16 million ($2 million).
Jeweled Clocks and Rare Gem-Set Timepieces
Beyond complications, the auctions feature high-jewelry items and unique configurations. Christie’s is offering a Cartier clock featuring a panther adorned with emeralds, blue sapphires, chalcedony, grey diamonds, and brilliant-cut diamonds, with an upper estimate of HKD 12 million ($1.5 million). The Cartier selection also includes three Crash watches, a Tank Normale with a lapis lazuli dial, and a Tank Américaine set with a buff-top sapphire bezel.
Additional Patek Philippe pieces include a white gold Celestial Ref. 6104/12G-010 with a ruby-set bezel, an emerald-set World Time Ref. 5130P/13P-010 appearing at auction for only the second time, and a platinum perpetual calendar chronograph Ref. 5271/13P-001 set with 80 baguette-cut emeralds.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Auctions
Where do the Hong Kong auctions take place?
The two auctions take place in Hong Kong during Hong Kong Luxury Week on November 25 and November 26, though specific venues and viewing dates have not been announced.
How many total timepieces are offered across the two sales?
The sales comprise more than 300 exceptional vintage and contemporary timepieces.
What is the total estimated value of the watches?
The combined low estimate for the two auctions exceeds HKD 330 million ($42 million), marking the highest-ever seasonal total estimate for the watches category in Asia.
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