Open for bidding online from the 24th of March to the 9th of April 2021, Christie's in Dubai is holding one of the largest and most valuable auction ever held in Middle East. The auction features close to 200 lots and is estimated at USD 9 million to 15 million. The watches present at Christie's Watches Online: Dubai Edit ranges from one of the most demanded references of today to rare timepieces offered by Patek Philippe, Rolex and many independent brands. Bringing an international audience to the table with its online bidding platform, this auction is set to inaugurate an exceptional year for Christie's.

Remy Julia, Chief Watch Specialist at Christie’s Dubai, said “Watches Online: Dubai Edit is without precedent in the Middle East. This auction event is the perfect barometer for current collector demand, be it in the contemporary or the vintage watch space. It brings together into one place exceptional exemplars of watchmaking, in sync with the spirit and passion of the truly discerning collectors in the Middle East.”

One of the most popular timepieces at the auction is the exceptionally rare Patek Philippe Ref.5002 Sky Moon Tourbillon in platinum. With an estimated price of USD 1,000,000-1,800,000, it was one of the most complicated watches ever to be produced by the brand during that time. It houses 12 of the rarest complications that includes a tourbillon and a minute repeater. Additionally, further adding to its value is the face that this particular timepiece is also the brand's first ever double-faced wristwatch ever produced.

Additional entries to the Watches Online: Dubai Edit includes the Ref. 5074P minute repeater perpetual calendar (est. USD 400,000-700,000), the Ref. 5014P semi-skeletonised minute repeater perpetual calendar (est. USD 400,000-600,000), and the pink gold Ref. 5029 minute repeater (est. USD 250,000-350,000). Created to celebrate the anniversary of the manufacture in 1997, this timepiece has been made in 10 pieces each in yellow gold, pink gold, white gold and platinum. Furthermore the Patek Philippe Ref. 3990P with a light grey dial (Est. USD 200,000-300,000), the Ref. 5071P and Ref. 5971P are also a part of this selection of highly rare and impressive baguette diamond set watches that are up for auction.

Another brand to look forward to in the historical Christie's Watches Online: Dubai Edit auction is Rolex. Sitting at the top of the list is the Rolex Dato Compax Ref.6036 from 1952 that estimated at USD 100,000- 180,000). Under the 'Collectible Tool Watches', the auction offers a Rolex Submariner “Big Crown” Ref. 5510 (USD 125,000-200,000), a Rolex Sea-Dweller Ref. 1665 “Patent Pending” (USD 90,000-120,000), and a rare Rolex Ref. 3525 chronograph in astonishing condition (USD 150,000-300,000).

Making a surprise yet long-awaited appearance into the 2021 Watches Online: Dubai Edit is the range of independent watchmakers. The specially curated list includes 7 timepieces from F.P. Journe, Resonance (est. USD 150,000-250,000), a 150-piece limited edition Zodiac (USD 100,000-150,000) and Octa Automatique with an elegant pink dial (USD 100,000- 150,000).

While the above-mentioned timepieces primarily cater to an international audience, Christie's Watches Online: Dubai Edit also includes some unqiue timepieces that are reginally relevant. From the vintage Rolex Day-Date ref 1804 models with eastern Arabic numerals to the MB&F LM1 M.A.D Dubai and the Richard Mille RM 010 MBZ Abu Dhabi Grand Prix edition, prominent timepieces that have a strong link to the UAE are also available this year.

Apart from the online bidding platform, these watches will all be on view at Christie’s Dubai DIFC Gate Village 5, Podium Level, between 24th March and 8th April by appointment only.