Dubai – Christie’s announces its bi-annual Watches Online: The Dubai Edit comprising 129 lots, a curated Middle Eastern horology sale offering the finest timepieces in the secondary market from the most desirable and sought-after references in Swiss watchmaking and independent brands. The online auction is live for browsing on 17 April and for bidding 22 April – 1 May.

The sale is led by 45 lots from Stories in Time: A Collection of Exceptional Watches, a collection that represents the culmination of 30 years of passion and dedication to acquiring the rarest of horology timepieces. Curated by a distinguished private collector with a discerning eye for excellence,  this extraordinary collection features notable names such as Greubel Forsey (illustrated above and below centre), Ferdinand Berthoud (illustrated below left), Gerald Genta and De Bethune.  Notwithstanding their diversity, the watches in this collection are united in one aspect - they represent the very pinnacle of watchmaking.  Christie’s Dubai is proud to present a selection of the independent watch brands from the collection for sale in the Middle East whose collectors are well known for their expert knowledge and interest in acquiring the very finest examples of the independent horological brands. (Pieces from Stories in Time: A Collection of Exceptional Watches are also being offered in auctions throughout 2025 in Hong Kong, Geneva and New York.)  

The highlight lot, a unique and impressive Greubel Forsey, is a titanium semi-skeletonised world time Tourbillion wristwatch with a rotating globe and capable of displaying UTC Universal and Summer Time for 24 cities in major time zones. Engraved on the case back ‘1 of 1’.  Circa 2023. Estimate: US$150,000-350,000. Greubel Forsey is an independent Swiss watchmaking company specializing in complicated, high-end timepieces. The brand is considered a maker of some of the most exclusive, desirable, and finely crafted watches, creating horological art and artisanship in the purest form.

This season the sale also offers men’s and ladies timepieces with estimates starting from US$1,000 to in the region of $350,000.  Fine vintage and modern watches from Patek Phillippe, Rolex, Audemars Piguet and Vacheron Constantin are on offer alongside further luxury and niche independent watch-making brands, include De Bethune, MB&F, H. Moser & Cie, and Laurent Ferrier.

Nitin Nair, Associate Director and Specialist, comments, ‘It is extremely rare to be able to offer such a prized number of rare independent watches as we have in this auction from Stories in Time. The 45 lots in the online sale represent a private collector’s passion, which extends beyond acquiring outstanding pieces of horology; he is a patron of the art, having been inspired by the mechanical craftsmanship behind each timepiece.   For our dedicated collectors in the region whose passion is independent watch brands, this sale offers the opportunity to choose from the pinnacle of  collections.’

Nitin continues, ‘The secondary watch market has seen a correction in estimates, especially for some sought-after modern references - now is a good time to be buying at auction to secure timepieces. Bidding and buying at auction presents an opportunity to purchase a dream watch not available or accessible at retail price points for a new buyer or collector.’

Highlights
Watches Online: The Dubai Edit
Stories in Time: A Collection of Exceptional Watches

Further Highlights
Watches Online: The Dubai Edit

An exhibition of the timepieces offered in Watches Online: The Dubai Edit will take place from 22 April - 1 May at Christie’s, DIFC, Dubai, open to the public and free to attend.

Note to Editors:

Christie’s celebrates its twentieth anniversary in the United Arab Emirates this year, having established an office in Dubai in 2005, with the first auction taking place in 2006.  2025 marks a significant milestone for the business in the region, reflected in a growing team of experts, who serve our existing and new clients across the region. A series of exhibitions, international tours of artworks, events, and sales are taking place throughout 2025 to mark this anniversary.

For more information, please see www.christies.com

(Press Release)