Highlights: Cool Cases at Phillips Hong Kong
Phillips' Hong Kong Watch Auction: XXIII features several notable timepieces with unique case designs and complications. The auction includes a Vacheron Constantin Medicus skeletonized doctor's watch, a De Bethune Kind of Two Tourbillon reversible watch, a Harry Winston Opus 9 with a sapphire and white gold tank-like case, a Gérald Genta Grand Complication with a coral dial, and a Roger Dubuis Sympathie Bi-Retrograde Calendar Minute Repeater.
- Vacheron Constantin Medicus estimate: HK$200,000 – 400,000 (US$25,600 – 51,300)
- De Bethune Kind of Two Tourbillon estimate: HK$750,000 – 1.5 million (US$96,200 – 192,000)
- Harry Winston Opus 9 limited to 100 examples
- Harry Winston Opus 9 estimate: HK$350,000 – 600,000 (US$44,900 – 76,900)
- Gérald Genta Grand Complication estimate: HK$250,000 – 500,000 (US$32,100 – 64,100)
- Roger Dubuis Sympathie Bi-Retrograde Calendar Minute Repeater estimate: HK$320,000 – 640,000
The Vacheron Constantin Medicus skeletonized watch revives a cushion-shaped case and preserves a pulsometer scale, using a Lemania 1872 movement.
The De Bethune Kind of Two Tourbillon features an inventive reversible design with a Breguet-inspired reverse dial, powered by the in-house calibre DB2579.
The Harry Winston Opus 9, developed with Eric Giroud and Jean-Marc Wiederrecht, has a large sapphire and white gold case resembling a tank, displaying time via diamond-set chains.
The Gérald Genta Grand Complication features an octagonal 33mm case housing a thin self-winding minute repeater and perpetual calendar, with a unique coral dial and lapis lazuli moon phase.
The Gérald Genta Grand Complication movement is custom-engraved with 'LG' initials instead of the usual 'GG', suggesting a special client.
The Roger Dubuis Sympathie Bi-Retrograde Calendar Minute Repeater uses an Agenhor perpetual calendar module paired with a Lemania minute repeater bearing the Geneva Seal.
The Roger Dubuis Sympathie is described as 'possibly unique' and is the fifth watch of a 24-piece limited edition that may not exist, sharing its case and caliber with an earlier nine-piece limited edition.