A standing-room only crowd at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel competed against more than 250 internet bidders from over 40 countries at Antiquorum’s 2009 Hong Kong auction. The sale brought a total of HKD 45,453,120 ($5,864,199). 82% of the 479 lots offered were sold, representing 115% of the estimated value. The top price was paid for a rare Patek Philippe Ref. 3974 made in 1990. The astronomic, minute-repeating, self-winding, 18K yellow gold wristwatch with perpetual calendar, leap year indication and moon phases achieved HKD 3,000,000 ($387,049).
Also making strong showing was a platinum, diamond-set Franck Muller Caliber 97 Grande et Petite Sonnerie Minute-Repeater, Perpetual Calendar made in 1997. This piece also incorporated equation of time, moon phase, and 24 hour display complications. It brought HKD 2,820,000 ($363,826). Richard Mille “Tourbillon RM002” No. 57. in 18K white gold with visible one-minute tourbillon regulator, torque indicator and power reserve achieved HKD 816,000 or $105,227. A Rolex “Comex” Sea Dweller Ref. 1665 sold for HKD 768,000 or $99,084.
All prices include buyer’s premium. Antiquorum’s next auction starts the new season on September 16 and 17 in New York.
