Christie’s Rare Watches auction returns to Geneva on 13 May. Curated by an international team of specialists, the sale includes icons of Rolex, Patek Philippe, F.P. Journe, Cartier and more.
And, marking the 30th anniversary of Michael Schumacher’s first Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship win in 1994, the sale also features timepieces from the legendary driver’s private collection, a number relating to key moments in his career.
Highlights of the sale include:
Rolex reference 6062, named Stelline
For over a decade the yellow gold reference 6062 ‘Stelline’ Rolex was part of one of the greatest collections of vintage wristwatches in the world and previously owned by Gordon Bethune, former CEO of Continental Airlines 1994-2004, also a world-renowned watch collector.
Following the launch of the waterproofed ‘Oyster’ case in the mid-1940s, Rolex introduced a variety of different models of which reference 6062 was the most prestigious version, upgraded with a full calendar and moon phase. Introduced at the Basel Fair of 1950, ref. 6062 was produced for approximately 10 years. The ‘Stelline’ dials are distinguished by their blue date scale and pink gold stars with either luminous accents or separate luminous dots next to the stars (estimate: CHF350,000-700,000 | US$400,000-790,000).
Patek Philippe reference 2526
A great mid-century classic the first automatic wristwatch by Patek Philippe in pink gold, with black enamel dial and applied gold indexes, this reference 2526 is only one of eight examples to have appeared in public to date. The watch is fitted with a black enamel first series dial which are distinguished by the fact that the numerals are not glued to the enamel, as seen with second series dials. The most distinguishing features of the 2526 case are its domed screw back for water-resistance and the beautiful cast gold crown with opposing ‘PP’ design (estimate: CHF350,000-700,000 | US$400,000-790,000).
Rolex Paul Newman reference 6262
The Rolex reference 6262 Daytona ‘Paul Newman’, made for the Peruvian Airforce, was one of the stars of the now legendary Christie’s 2013 auction ‘Rolex Daytona – Lesson One – 50 exceptional examples of the world’s most celebrated chronograph wristwatch’. It appears to be the only FAP – Fuerza Aerea del Perù – reference 6262 with Paul Newman dial known to exist. Between 1962 and the late 1970s, FAP is thought to have received around 700 watches including Daytonas, Submariners and GMT’s which were intended for high-ranking officials (estimate: CHF245,000-500,000 | US$280,000-560,000).
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak reference 25960BC
Commissioned as a personalised gift for Michael Schumacher from former Ferrari CEO Jean Todt, the watch was presented to Schumacher at Christmas 2003 and it celebrates the six F1 World Championship victories the legendary driver had achieved at that point. Featuring a number of special features incorporated within the watch’s dial along with an engraving of the six victories, this is a truly historic and personal piece of F1 memorabilia (estimate: CHF 150,000 – 250,000).
Christie’s Rare Watches including the Property of Michael Schumacher sale takes place on 13 May at the Four Season’s Hotel des Bergues, Geneva. For further information: christies.com
Smith Greenfield is an independent insurance broker specialising in insurance for exclusive lifestyles and collectors of valuable objects including: watch insurance, art insurance, antiques insurance, jewellery insurance, vintage car insurance, fine wine insurance and more. To discuss specialist insurance for your lifestyle, please contact our Premier Client Adviser, Imran Moideen: imran.moideen@smithgreenfield.co.uk
Image: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak reference 25960BC from the private collection of Michael Schumacher (estimate: CHF 150,000 – 250,000) credit CHRISTIE’S IMAGES LTD. 2024