As the date for Phillips’ 2021 New York Auction in December approaches, the auction house made history with its first ever World Tour stop in Riyadh that started on Thursday and ends today at Tuwaiq Palace.
Saudi watch enthusiasts will get to see and handle some of the fine timepieces coming up for sale on December 11th and 12th in New York, watches from brands such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Richard Mille. This exhibition was part of Phillips’ World Tour featuring nearly 100 exceptional watches visiting cities including London, Geneva, and Hong Kong, with Riyadh being included for the first time.
Paul Boutros, Phillips’ Head of Watches for the Americas said, “Phillips is honored and proud to partner with the Fashion Commission of Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Culture for this exclusive exhibition. We are dedicated exclusively to the world’s finest collectors’ watches, and Saudi Arabia is an extremely important region for this growing field.”
Phillips’ team will be on hand to walk watch enthusiasts and collectors through their most exquisite pieces. “The exhibition in Riyadh will provide an exciting opportunity for collectors to meet our specialists, see some of the rarest and most exclusive collectors’ watches in the world, and receive free valuations for their own timepieces,” added Boutros.
Edward Hornby Tourbillon Pocket Watch by George Daniels / Credit: Sotheby’s
Timepieces on display include the Edward Hornby Tourbillon Pocket Watch by George Daniels, considered the father of modern independent watchmaking. This is a pocket watch he made for Edward Hornby in 1971. A 1969 Rolex ‘Paul Newman’ Daytona ‘John Player Special’ ref. 6241 and an extremely rare vintage Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ‘The Doctor’ ref. 6239, that features a pulsations dial is on view. In platinum with an enamel dial, one of only five known Patek Philippe Calatrava ref. 2526 models was not to be missed, along with the equally rare Richard Mille RM 022 Tourbillon Aerodyne Dual Time Carbon watch – one of only five ever made.
Other brands on view will include Vacheron Constantin, A. Lange & Söhne, Cartier, and several independent brands. The watch industry has seen a lot of growth in recent years. As demand for high-value collectables increased during the pandemic, secondary sales of watches saw in-demand models selling for 60% or more above their retail value.
Illustrative of the luxury fashion market’s recent growth, this first-time event puts Riyadh on the horological map.
By: Andres Ibarguen