Christie’s Celebrates 40 Years in Asia With a Rare $12.8 Million USD Watch Auction

To mark its four-decade milestone, the iconic auction house is showcasing the "Kronos" collection, an extraordinary 23-piece horological lineup led by a highly coveted Patek Philippe.

Christie’s

In anticipation of its significant 40th anniversary in Asia, Christie’s is orchestrating a sale of extraordinary magnitude. The "Kronos: Titans of Time Collection," aptly named after the Greek god of time, comprises an extraordinary assemblage of 23 master-tier clocks from a single owner. The collection, meticulously curated for uniqueness and provenance, boasts a remarkable low estimate over HK$100 million, resulting in one of the greatest average lot values recorded in global watch auction history.

The centerpiece of the forthcoming spring auction for aficionados of fine horology is the Patek Philippe “Sky Moon Tourbillon” (Ref. 5002P-001). The double-dial platinum masterwork, regarded as one of the most significant modern wristwatches, boasts an impressive 12 complications, including a retrograde perpetual calendar, a celestial map of the northern hemisphere, and a “Cathedral” minute repeater. The item is so unique that first purchasers were required to undergo a stringent in-person interview with Patek Philippe only to be considered for the waiting list. An estimated 40 pieces were created in platinum, with just 17 currently recognized in the market.

Christie’s

The Patek Philippe Ref. 5207P is equally remarkable. This platinum Grand Complication, a testimony to contemporary horological ingenuity, required five years for its development. It incorporates some of the most intricate mechanisms in horology, flawlessly combining a minute repeater, a tourbillon, and an instantaneous perpetual calendar within a highly legible, gorgeously crafted display. Completing the foremost spring highlights is a timepiece that seamlessly integrates high horology with high jewelry: the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref. 26334OR. This 18k pink gold automatic chronograph, produced in 2017 for the Italian shop Dobner, is completely adorned with exquisite diamonds. The Royal Oak features a distinctive octagonal bezel adorned with 32 baguette-cut rubies, totaling roughly 3.42 carats, establishing it as a unique masterpiece.

By acquiring this significant collection, Christie’s is both commemorating its forty-year legacy in Asia and unequivocally reinforcing its status as the region’s preeminent market leader in luxury watches. The initial five clocks from the “Kronos” collection will be auctioned on May 27 and 28, 2026, during the Spring Hong Kong Luxury Week, while the remaining 18 lots are scheduled for the Autumn sales in November of this year.