DUBAI: Set to open to bidders on Oct. 15, Christie’s upcoming online watch sale “The Dubai Edit” features a host of luxury timepieces with historical links to the Middle East.
Some of the timepieces up for auction were made specifically for collectors from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan.
Remy Julia, Head of Watches at Christie’s Middle East, commented: “The regional and global demand for rare and limited-edition watches remains robust, and we have sought a range of pieces that have specific relevance to Middle East collectors for this online sale. The MENA region is one of our fastest-growing markets globally, and we anticipate a strong outcome from emerging as well as established collectors.”
Set to run from Oct. 15-29, the watch sale includes a rare Rolex Gold Day-Date, reference 18038, with a blue dial embellished with a red khanjar, made for a collector in the Sultanate of Oman.
Reference 116610LV is the Rolex Steel Submariner, also made for a collector in the Sultanate of Oman, with stainless steel and a royal khanjar engraving. Meanwhile, reference 1803 is a Rolex White Gold and Diamonds Day-Date also made for a collector in the Sultanate of Oman. Made with 18k white gold, it is distinguished by its elegant burgundy lacquered dial with an oxblood and green khanjar, diamond indexes, and Arabic scripture calendar indications.
A Rolex Oysterdate crafted in stunning stainless steel with a champagne dial features the UAE crest and signature of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum. Another highly collectible Rolex is the Oyster Perpetual, reference 1002, one of the only three models known enhanced by the gilt signature of Sheikh Abdullah Al- Jaber Al-Sabah, a member of Kuwait’s ruling family and the country’s first Minister for Education after independence in 1961.
Reference BB 166.010 is an Omega Pink Gold and Diamonds Seamaster, made as part of a small series commissioned with the portrait of Sheikh Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa of Bahrain. Specially curated for the Royal Jordanian Air Force as part of a small order of personalized wristwatches for pilots and high officials, the Omega Speedmaster — reference ST 375.0032 — is a well-preserved example of a military chronograph.
As demand surges for vintage Patek Philippe pieces, reference 2481 is a Pink and Gold Rubies Patek Philippe made in homage of King Saud bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. With white ruby-set hour markers and an enamel painting, the watch was ordered as a series of 150 watches in commemoration of his accession in the throne in 1953.
“The provenance of these watches enables the collecting community to own a piece of history from the Middle East, and this curated section of the upcoming sale underscores the demand for timepieces that reflect the tastes and value that collectors in the MENA region places on vintage watches,” added Julia.