Hong Kong – Bonhams will present the live Hong Kong Watches: Rare and Iconic Horological Legends sale on 31 May 2026. This showcase highlights an extraordinary spectrum of horology, from notable and rare timepieces of exceptional technical mastery to the finest achievements in independent watchmaking, where bold creativity and uncompromising craftsmanship converge in designs that are both distinctive and visionary. The sale also presents a collection of special Hong Kong-themed watches from Horoverse, alongside a rare single-owner collection of Namiki fountain pens.

Leading the sale is an unprecedented pair of rare black dial minute repeaters by Patek Philippe: Reference 5016P-018 and Reference 5539G (pictured on p1). Each represents the highest technical and artisanal challenge that places them the absolute pinnacle of Patek Philippe's horological mastery.

• A Patek Philippe, Grand Complications, Reference 5016P-018, circa 2010. Introduced in 1994 and discontinued in 2010, it combines three grand complications: a minute repeater, a tourbillon, and a retrograde perpetual calendar. Fewer than 20 examples of this model have ever appeared at auction, with black dial examples even more rare. Estimate: HK$3,500,000 – 6,000,000

• A Patek Philippe, Grand Complications, Reference 5539G, circa 2014. A masterpiece of understated haute horlogerie, combining a minute repeater and a one-minute tourbillon, the two of the most revered complications in watchmaking. Its black enamel dial is exceptionally rare, reflecting the difficulty of enamel production at this level. Fewer than five known examples have appeared at auction, with early pieces attracting strong collector interest. Estimate: HK$2,800,000 –5,600,000.

Sharon Chan, Bonhams' International Director of Watches in Asia, commented: "This season's curation unites sought after watches distinguished by rare, hand crafted design, with many highlights being discontinued models that underscore their appeal. Standout lots include two Patek Philippe Grand Complications minute repeaters with black dials — an extraordinary rarity, as such dials were produced in limited numbers and seldom appear together in one single auction. The sale also spotlights independent watchmaking, showcasing designs defined by technical brilliance and exceptional artisanal finishing, including the Maîtres du Temps Chapter Three Reveal created with Kari Voutilainen. Collectively, these works create a dialogue between heritage and innovation, offering connoisseurs a rare opportunity to acquire the pinnacle of horological artistry."

The sale also celebrates the art and mastery of independent watchmakers, presenting a curated collection of timepieces distinguished by bold creativity and uniquely expressive designs within the world of horology. Sale highlights include:

• A Greubel Forsey, Balancier Contemporain, circa 2021. Created by master watchmakers Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey, this model was issued in a limited series of 33 pieces, with the calibre retired following final deliveries in 2025. The white gold wristwatch with power reserve indication reflects obsessive attention to detail that collectors associate only with this atelier. Estimate: HK$1,100,000 – 2,000,000.

• A Maîtres du Temps by Kari Voutilainen and Andreas Strehler, Chapter Three Reveal, circa 2013. Founded in 2005, Maîtres du Temps was conceived as a collaborative venture bringing together a small group of legendary watchmakers to create highly limited, chapter-based collections. This 42mm timepiece, cased in 18k white or rose gold, embodies refined restraint on the surface while concealing extraordinary mechanical artistry beneath: at the push of a button, hidden panels slide open to unveil rollers for GMT and day/night indications. Produced in only around 50 pieces per metal, this model is exceptionally rare. Estimate: HK$120,000 – 240,000.

• A Christophe Claret, Kantharos, circa 2013. An extraordinary limited production pink gold and PVD-coated titanium, this semi skelotonised single button chronograph is created by Christophe Claret, renowned for complicated movements and intuitive designs. It features a cathedral gong striking mechanism and constant force escapement, inspired by the ringside bell of boxing. Estimate: HK$80,000 – 160,000.

Hong Kong Watches also presents a collection of limited-edition watches from Horoverse, one of the region's largest horology media platforms. In collaboration with esteemed watchmakers including Czapek, Venezianico and Maen, Horoverse created a series of Hong Kong-themed limited editions, each defined by a distinctive deep green tone echoing the colour of the city's urban icons. In Cantonese, "green" carries the sound of "prosperity", giving the colour added cultural meaning and local resonance. The Czapek Quai des Bergues watch will be offered on 31 May, while the remainder of the collection will appear at the Luxury Online: Watches sale from 24 May to 2 June.

• A Czapek, Quai des Bergues, reference NO 25 M, circa 2025. This ultra-exclusive 2025 collaboration between Czapek & Cie and the Connoisseurs Club Macau celebrates the fusion of Swiss haute horlogerie with Macau's unique Portuguese-Chinese heritage. Limited to just 10 pieces, it stands as one of the rarest modern interpretations of Czapek's signature Quai des Bergues collection. The brand new, limited-edition stainless steel wristwatch features a "Grand Feu" enamel dial, with day and power reserve indications. Estimate: HK$190,000 – 380,000.

Additionally, the sale presents a rare single-owner collection of over 25 Namiki fountain pens in pristine condition. The collection features some of the most sought-after examples, each meticulously hand-painted by master artisans using time-honoured Japanese lacquer techniques, including Togidashi Taka Maki-e, in which metal powders are sprinkled onto wet lacquer to create highly detailed and intricate designs, culminating in mesmerising works of art.

Notable highlights include:

• A Namiki Emperor "Yabusame", Limited No. 93/99, rare, limited edition Togidashi-Taka Maki-e and lacquer fountain pen, by artisan Michifumi Kawaguchi, circa 2012. The pen depicts Yabusame – a traditional horseback archery in early spring with Sakura blooming. Estimate: HK$80,000 – 160,000.

• A Namiki Emperor Owl "Fukuru", a rare, limited production Rankaku, Togidashi-Taka Maki-e and lacquer fountain pen, by artisan Yutaka Sato, circa 2015. The pen depicts owls, a symbol of wisdom and vigilance in Japanese culture, perched on a tree and in flight. Estimate: HK$70,000 – 140,000.

(Press Release)