Exquisite jewels and rare watches from Phillips make top-drawer gifts
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Connoisseurs should place their bids for Phillips’ carefully curated collectables from its upcoming Hong Kong Auctions that will bring much more than festive cheer to loved ones.
Christmas will come early
For successful bidders, Christmas will come early on November 26 and 27 at the Jewels and Jadeite Auction and Hong Kong Watch Auction: SEVEN respectively. Your prized jewels and timepieces will not only make perfect top-drawer gifts for someone special this holiday season but are luxury assets that are good alternative investments for the long term.
A treasure trove of precious gemstones and lustrous pearls
Only the best will do when it comes to gifting or collecting jewels. For a lady starting her jewellery collection, aim for the big three jewels - ruby, sapphire and emerald - that top the list of precious gems.
The fiery and captivating ruby is the king of gemstones. Since it symbolises energy, passion, power, and a zest for life, Lot 606, a 1.44-carat Burmese Ruby and Diamond Ring, estimated at HK$200,000 to 280,000, should be among your top picks.
The exquisite beauty and vivid colour of the sapphire long regarded as the stone of wisdom, love and commitment are captured in Lot 603, a 3.42-carat Kashmir Sapphire and Diamond Ring estimated at HK$590,000 to 750,000, making it a treasure to bid for.
The fascinating emerald brings vivacity and many positive attributes. A fine addition to your collection is Lot 604, a 2.77-carat Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring estimated at HK$320,000 to 480,000.
All three gemstones were excavated from the most revered mining locations and are entirely natural and free from any heat and oil enhancements, making their stunning colour and clarity a real wonder of Mother Nature.
Since ‘a diamond is forever’, profess your love with Lot 623, a pair of Fancy Yellow Diamond, Pink Diamond and Diamond Pendent Earrings with an estimate of HK$1,500,000 to 1,800,000. Sleek and modern in design, these gorgeous earrings are set with two vibrant yellow diamonds with a touch of pink on top to give a dazzling accent to a smart casual outfit.
For a more precious gift that has an enduring fashion appeal, Lot 597 comes in the form of a Very Fine Natural Pearl and Diamond Triplestrand Necklace, with the clasp signed Verdura Paris, and estimated at HK$3,300,000 – 4,000,000. As Coco Chanel famously said, “A woman needs ropes and ropes of pearls”. You don’t have to wait till the 30th anniversary to present your beloved with this beautifully lustrous necklace that is a keepsake for all ages.
Investment watches that will stand the test of time
For gentlemen, Phillips’ offering of collectable watches are second to none. The timepieces to watch out for that will impress even the most discerning collectors include some of the rarest wristwatches from Patek Philippe and Rolex. Not only do they make great gifts and investments, but they also provide plenty of pleasure on the wrist.
Fresh to the auction market is Lot 834, a Patek Philippe very fine and rare white gold perpetual calendar wristwatch with moon phases and inverted date numerals (Ref. 3448). Nicknamed the “Padellone” by Italian collectors, reference 3448 was first introduced into the market in 1962 with only 586 pieces manufactured until it was discontinued in 1981. Beautifully kept, this “Padellone” on offer features elements of early 1970s production runs and comes with a pristine provenance. Estimated at HK$1,600,000 - 3,200,000, this is an iconic watch that should not be missed.
Another Patek Philippe that is even rarer is Lot 919, an extremely fine, large, rare and elegant yellow gold “Cathedral” minute repeating wristwatch with enamel dial, box and certificate of origin (Ref. 5079J-001). A prime example of Swiss Haute Horlogerie, the reference 5079 was launched in 2001 and produced for only five years, with only 70 pieces ever made. The understated watch, estimated at HK$2,000,000 - 4,000,00, conceals its very complicated movement within a case of elegant simplicity, making it a much sought-after collectable among aficionados.
Vintage Rolexes are incredibly desirable, and one of the world's most highly coveted vintage watches is the Rolex Paul Newman Daytona. Lot 875, estimated at HK$1,200,000 - 2,400,000, is a rare, very well-preserved and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with black "Paul Newman" dial, bracelet and guarantee (Ref. 6241). With the original guarantee stating the watch was sold on December 18, 1973 in La Coruna, Spain, this timepiece is as collectable as it gets.
Up close and personal
Make a point to visit the public viewing of the two auctions which will be held at the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong from November 22 to 25, before the hammer goes down on your coveted lots on November 26 and 27. In case you are not able to bid in person, download the Phillips app and bid from anywhere in the world via their mobile live-bidding platform. You could be the proud owner of these treasures and have a merry little Christmas. Find out more at phillips.com
