Works by the painter, owned by the controversial "playboy" socialite, were offered at Christie's New York this month
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In a dazzling display of horological excellence, Bonhams Hong Kong Watches auction witnessed a spectacular moment on May 28 as a rare Richard Mille Rafael Nadal RM27-01 carbon skeletonized tourbillon wristwatch set a new record. Fetching an astonishing $1,170,000 US ($9,148,000 HK), this exclusive timepiece has become the highest value wristwatch ever sold at Bonhams.
The RM27-01, a prototype from 2014, is the result of a groundbreaking collaboration between Richard Mille and tennis legend Rafael Nadal that began in 2008. This partnership has produced some of the most sought-after watches in the world.
The extraordinary value achieved at the auction highlights the watch’s unique appeal, underscored by the “PROTO-06” engraving, indicating its status as one of the very few prototypes made for VIP clients before the final limited edition went into production.
Sharon Chan, Head of Department and Director of Watches in Asia, expressed her delight: “Our Hong Kong Watches auction showcased highly desirable pieces from independent watchmakers, which clearly resonated with the market. The exceptional prices achieved, including the record-breaking Richard Mille Rafael Nadal tourbillon wristwatch, reflect the strength and depth of our curation and market insights. The demand for this rare prototype underscores the robust and growing interest in high-end, unique timepieces in Asia.”
The auction also featured other remarkable highlights, including a limited-edition Jacob & Co. Bugatti Chiron tourbillon wristwatch from 2020. This watch, inspired by the aesthetics of hypercars, boasts an automotive-inspired case design and a see-through casing that mirrors the curves of the Chiron’s chassis. It sold for $195,000 US ($1,528,000 HK), illustrating the fusion of automotive engineering and high watchmaking.
Additional Standout Sales
A rare Cartier Crash, a design icon first created in 1967, known for its asymmetric, twisted case. This yellow gold manual wristwatch achieved $146,700 US ($1,147,000 HK).
An Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 from 2019, featuring a white gold case and a blue enamel dial with the brand’s patented supersonnerie technology, sold for $127,000 US ($994,600 HK).
An F.P. Journe Octa Reserve ‘Brass Movement’ from 2006, a limited production piece crafted in platinum with a power reserve indicator, date, and rare pink gold dial, fetched $89,000 US ($702,500 HK).
A rare Corum Heritage Taiwan yellow gold coin wristwatch from 1981, ingeniously incorporating the front and back faces of a coin, achieved $29,500 US ($230,400 HK), eight times its pre-sale estimate.
An Otsuka Lotec No.6, a stainless-steel wristwatch with retrograde hours and minutes from 2019, which drew intense competition and sold for $26,200 US ($204,800 HK), ten times its pre-sale estimate.
This auction underscored the dynamic interest and high demand for exceptional and rare timepieces in the Asian market, cementing Bonhams Hong Kong Watches as a premier destination for collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.
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