March 13, 2017: To be put under the hammer soon, Sotheby’s is presenting the legendary Patek Philippe Yellow-Gold Calibre 89 for auction at the Important Watches sale in Geneva on May 14, 2017. Nearly a decade of craftsmanship and refinement made the Calibre 89 the most complicated watch ever created when Patek Philippe unveiled it in 1989 to mark their 150th anniversary. Offered with an estimate of $6.4-9.9 million, this horological masterwork is one of the most important watches ever to be offered at auction.
The Calibre 89 has 33 complications, nine more than the Graves’ 24, sold at Sotheby’s in 2014 for a record-breaking $24 million. The pocket watch remains a tour de force in innovation and importance to this day. A prototype of the watch is also displayed at the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva.
Weighing 1100 grams (2lbs 6.4oz) and measuring 88.2 mm in diameter (with the case) and comprising 24 hands, 2 dials, 8 disks, 61 bridges, 129 jewels, 184 wheels, 332 screws, 415 pins and 429 mechanical components, the watch is comprised of an astonishing 1,728 parts. In addition to the complex calendar functions, including a tourbillon escapement and an astronomical sun hand, the watch features a unique calendar which displays the date of Easter every year.
Exhibition dates
Dubai: March 14-18, 2017
Hong Kong: March 31 – April 4, 2017
