The world’s leading auction house, Christie’s presents a curated edit of rare and desirable wristwatches and clocks of the highest quality, encapsulating the rich heritage of the time-honoured craft. Alexandre Bigler, senior vice president and head of watches at Christie’s Asia Pacific, takes us through his favourite pieces of the season 

Patek Philippe Pocket Watch Ref. 865/32

This piece titled “The Triumph of Neptune” is a rare masterpiece among Patek Philippe artisan pocket watches, distinguished by its decoration on both sides of the case. The hand-engraved work is simply magical, telling a timeless story which transforms the watch into an emotional masterpiece. Upon observing it, one can feel the engraver’s chisel that meticulously, over hundreds of hours, carved Neptune’s tableau into a block of gold on one side (inspired by the famous painting today showcased at the Philadelphia Museum of Art), and a scene with Aphrodite on the other. In my opinion, this piece represents an exceptional object and the quintessence of hand-decorated watches by Patek Philippe artisans. 

Cartier Crash

The famous and instantly recognisable Crash enchants with its distinctive, softly contoured, asymmetrical form evoking a sense of motion and grace, and setting it apart from conventional designs. While the Crash is currently a huge success on the auction market, it is very rare to see examples like this one, made from the noblest of metals, platinum, and enhanced with burgundy-coloured indexes and red cabochon especially made for the Asian market, which add a touch of “exotic” sophistication. 

Rolex Daytona Rainbow

If the Rolex Daytona Rainbow is a masterpiece in itself, then this special one previously owned by Eric Clapton and showcasing a black dial carries an additional layer of rock legend mystique, making it a coveted piece among collectors and watch enthusiasts alike. 

Patek Philippe Gold Dual-Crown World Time Ref. 2523J

This wristwatch with a 24-hour indication and stunning polychrome cloisonné enamel dial (circa 1953) stands as a horological masterpiece. It features not only stunning mechanics but also a map of Eurasia showcasing extraordinary craftsmanship. Appearing in the auction world for the first time in over two decades, this watch is one of only three examples known to still exist today. The unparalleled rarity, pristine condition, captivating colour play and perfect contemporary diameter of 36mm showcase the unique allure of the watch. We were extremely privileged to present it last May in Hong Kong, setting a world record with HK$65 million, equivalent to US$8.4 Million. 

Patek Philippe Ref. 3974

The Patek Philippe ref. 3974 is a pinnacle of horological artistry, introduced in 1989 to celebrate the company’s 150th anniversary. This extraordinary timepiece is renowned for its remarkable complications, combining a minute repeater with a perpetual calendar. The minute repeater chimes the hours, quarters and minutes with a crisp, melodious sound, showcasing Patek Philippe’s exceptional craftsmanship and acoustic mastery. The case has been made by Jean-Pierre Hagmann and the dial is a pure work of art, featuring perfectly balanced subdials in a timeless, very elegant diameter of 36mm that makes the watch extremely desirable. 

Cartier Mystery Clock

The mystery clock by Cartier is one of the objects that reawakens the fascination for magic we felt as children. Beyond the fact that this piece is a breathtaking fusion of artistry and luxury, with the soft iridescence of the mother-of-pearl, the emerald and the clarity of the rock crystal creating a mesmerising visual effect, its hands seem to levitate in the centre of the dial, as if by magic. It’s Cartier’s talent and imagination that make us dream. 

Also see: Artistic work fused into luxury watches