Most Significant Watches and their Timeless Appeal
The luxury watch industry exerts a considerable influence on consumers’ lifestyle, as evidenced by the fascination that these timepieces generate worldwide, making a watch stand out from the crowd and become that highly sought-after collector piece.
The social and cultural significance of traditional and innovative watchmaking and the passion shared by manufacturers and watch lovers all over the world continue to be celebrated, with elegant pieces and rare collectibles gracing collectors’ treasure trove of valuables, as well as their wrists.
All of this led to greater public awareness of vintage luxury watches and an increased interest in high-end timepieces. Given the current availability of devices that indicate the time – from smartphones and computers to television sets and even microwaves – wearing a watch today is about expressing style, glamour, and personality more so than telling the time. Regardless, a rare watch is a statement piece in its own right.
Whether you're preparing for a formal event or simply want to add a touch of elegance to your wrist, a luxury watch is the perfect accessory. Crafted to captivate both seasoned watch enthusiasts and first-time buyers alike, it adds an undeniable touch of refinement to any ensemble.
Sotheby’s Rare Watches Exhibition Travels the World Over
Vintage and luxury watch collecting has been enjoying great popularity as collectors increasingly seek out unique pieces as a way to express themselves. This is not the first time such awareness prompted Sotheby’s to once again host an insightful event in the form of a world exhibition followed by an auction that will allow discerning audiences and local communities to explore the worlds of horology. The Treasures of Time exhibition will not only address the strong appetite for luxury watch consumers but will also offer a curated focus on rare watches that will excite new collectors everywhere.
The watches will be on exhibition across several continents and cities, starting with New York and Los Angeles, then moving to Tokyo, Singapore, and Hong Kong, before arriving in Dubai on 28th October and finally concluding in Geneva on the 7th of November, two days ahead of the auction sale on the 10th November.
Sotheby's arrival of Treasures of Time to Dubai showcases an extraordinary selection of the world’s most coveted timepieces, reinforcing the bright future of luxury horology in this dynamic region.
The exhibition will present a rare collection of horological pieces in the Dubai gallery, with iconic references from Patek Philippe, creations from A. Lange & Söhne, and rare Vacheron Constantin chronographs. The event is set to excite the world of vintage watch lovers with highly sought-after cutting-edge pieces on display in DIFC, at Level B2, Gate Village Building 3, from 28th October through 30th October.
Beyond pure aesthetics, the exhibition in Dubai will offer a platform to learn about everything, from the technical and historical aspects to the stories behind each watch.
Back in November 2018, Sotheby's held the first ever Watches auction in the Middle East, which took place in Dubai and fetched sales totalling $2.6 million, indicating the region's rising interest and high demand for valuable, rare watches.
Watch collecting has a centuries-long tradition in the Middle East, dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries all the way to the masterpieces of horology commissioned by Middle Eastern collectors in the 20th century.
Collectors’ Corner – Sotheby's Auction in Geneva
The Live Auction of Treasures of Time collection will take place in Geneva, on the 10th of November, extending the opportunity for collectors to experience firsthand the artistry that defines these pieces.
Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin are among the watch brands represented in this ensemble of rare models. The lots will include watches full of personality and originality, uncompromising in terms of quality of materials, craftsmanship, or technical proficiency. The selection of carefully curated vintage watches reveals exemplary pieces that have made history and are waiting for their time to be rediscovered and claimed.
The Lots
The lots participating in the Geneva sales auction are curated to respond to specific criteria, centred on rare materials, historical significance, notable ownership, and provenance, as well as remarkable craftsmanship. The Treasures of Time watch collection combines intrinsic value with a rich heritage that Sotheby’s says will add to its overall appeal.
Highlights include hard-to-find pieces such as A. Lange & Söhne Tourbograph's "Pour le Mérite" – a limited edition platinum split-second chronograph tourbillon wristwatch – with power reserve indication, silver dial, 43 jewels, and platinum and sapphire crystal display case back. The watch comes with A. Lange & Söhne Certificate and is estimated to sell for AED 1,745, 000.
Another highlight is a Patek Philippe unique yellow gold split-second chronograph wristwatch with luminous Breguet numerals and hands made in 1947 and adorned with 25 jewels and an 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle, estimated to fetch AED 1,306,908.
A rare entry is a Vacheron Constantin yellow gold mono-pusher chronograph wristwatch made for King Alexander of Yugoslavia in 1927, with an 18k gold case, snap-on hinged cuvette, and back with the crest of King Alexander, offered with Vacheron Constantin Certificate of Authenticity. This lot is expected to sell for AED 436,000.
Final Note
These fantastic timepieces not only tell the time but also tell a story of exemplary heritage and vintage style, celebrating the preciousness of time, and the importance of redeeming it.
Evoking authenticity and prestige, each watch is a work of art, a perfect expression of individuality. From sleek and minimalistic, to statement-making pieces, there is a watch for every taste and occasion waiting for its rightful owner.
As Sotheby’s continues to redefine luxury with statement accessories, its upcoming Treasures of Time exhibition and auction promise a timeless celebration of artistry and elegance.
