One of the best auction results in Hong KongAntiquorum auction results in Hong Kong confirm increasing strength of Asian Market
Antiquorum's fall auction of "Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces" held at the Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong on Saturday, October 9, 2010, achieved outstanding results totalling HKD 43'538'750, one of the best auction results in Hong Kong since July 2007. A total of 84 percent of the auction was sold by lot, with 115.54 percent sold by value. The auction room was full and enjoyed a lively and competitive atmosphere, with many lots being sold in the room. International bidding came from across the globe including France, England, Indonesia, Martinique, Switzerland and the United States.
"The strong in-room presence and the outstanding results achieved today confirm the ever increasing strength of the Asian market, especially mainland China and Hong Kong" said Julien Schaerer, Auctioneer and Watch Director.
The highlight of the sale was the Audemars Piguet Cabinet Watch No. 5, "Millenary Perpetual Calendar with Deadbeat Seconds, Power-Reserve Indication" (lot 327). This extremely rare platinum wristwatch with perpetual calendar, leap-year indications and deadbeat seconds sold for an impressive HKD 2'780'000. Another highlight of the sale, unquestionably was the Les Freres Rochat gold and mother pearl singing bird jewel box that belonged to the Empress Josephine. This magnificent and exceptionally rare piece drew of lot of interest especially among the Asian collectors and reached a remarkable HKD 2'120'000.
In addition, the Cartier Petite Sonnerie Gold & Nephrite Comet Clock (lot 426), the second most complicated Comet clock made by Cartier and the only example with petite sonnerie to be offered at auction sold for HKD 1'520'000.
Furthermore, very good results were achieved for unique and rare Patek Philippe enamel timepieces, with the Patek Philippe, unique watch with enamel miniatures on both sides "Chasse a Courre, le Debucher et le Bien Aller" by Madame Bischoff (lot 427). This 18K yellow gold, hunting cased keyless dress watch with both covers with polychrome painted on enamel miniatures of hunting scenes after Carle Vernet signed M. Bischoff brought a noteworthy HKD 1'100'000. The Patek Philippe Watch with unique enamel miniature "La Cervara" (lot 428), 18k yellow gold keyless dress watch with an exceptional polychrome painted on enamel miniature depicting part of Corot's "La Cervara" by Suzanne Rohr, was acquired for HKD 872'000.
In addition, the Longines - Magnificent Sculptural Watch Specially made for Russia (lot 122) was also part of the selection of exceptional and rare pocket watches offered at auction. This 14k pink gold and cast silver keyless exhibition-type watch with chronograph and minute repeater, especially made for the Russian market and one of the fewer than five pieces made, sold for HKD 800'000.
"We are very pleased that many bidders from all regions of China were in the auction room and on the phone. There was fierce competition among people from Beijing, Hangzhou, Dalin and Shanghai. Our customers are loyal to us and we appreciate it greatly" said John Tsukahara, Managing Director of Asia
Patek Philippe wristwatches raised a lot of interest among the collectors with the Ref. 3971, 1st generation (lot 429), in 18k yellow gold that obtained HKD 884'000; and the Ref. 130 in steel (lot 425), which sold for HKD 824'000. Finally, the Richard Mille 'PERINI NAV I CUP' RM014 (lot 270) and the Daniel Roth Baguette and Brilliant Diamond Bracelet Watch no. 1 (lot 418) both realised an impressive HKD 800'000.