HONG KONG, China (Reuters) — The most complicated Patek Philippe watch has been previewed at Sotheby’s in Hong Kong ahead of its auction in Geneva.
With 33 complications, the Calibre 89 is a leader in innovation and importance.
After research began in 1980, Patek Philippe unveiled the Calibre 89 in 1989 to mark their 150th anniversary.
The horological masterwork is one of the most important watches ever to be offered at auction according to Sotheby’s, and is being offered with an estimate of CHF 6.5-10 million.
A prototype of the watch is displayed at the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva.
Speaking at the preview in Hong Kong, Sotheby’s International Watch Division Chairman, Daryn Schnipper described the watch as a ‘trophy piece’ and added “it is going to appeal to the person who is a collector in principle, but who wants to have the best of the best”.
The timepiece will lead Sotheby’s auction of Important Watches on 14 May in Geneva.