Christie’s is set to auction eight watches from iconic Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher’s collection. After three previews in Taiwan, New York and Geneva, the watches will highlight Christie’s auction of rare watches on May 13 at Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues in Geneva.
Legendary racing driver Michael Schumacher first became Formula One world champion in 1994, making this year the 30th anniversary of that achievement. In honor of the occasion, Schumacher fans and watch collectors alike will be given the opportunity to own a piece of history and take home a timepiece once worn by the man himself.
“What an exciting moment it is for all of us at Christie’s to share these masterpieces of horology with passionate collectors around the globe,” said Rémi Guillemin, Christie’s head of watches Europe and US.
“We are thrilled to present these iconic and unique timepieces belonging to one of the most celebrated Formula 1 legends of all time, and we invite collectors and fans to personally view and experience these watches in Taiwan and New York, ahead of our final preview and auction of the collection on May 13 in Geneva.”
Of the eight-watch collection – all of which are being auctioned individually as separate lots – two watches are completely unique, having been custom-made for Michael Schumacher. Both were presented to Schumacher by Ferarri team principal Jean Todt following world championship victories in the 2003 and 2004 seasons.
The first unique piece, given to Schumacher following his sixth world championship in 2003, is an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph Model REF. 25960BC, NO. E73509. This unique piece features the Ferarri logo and Schumacher’s racing helmet on two of the sub-dials, in addition to six stars on the minutes sub-dial, representing Schumacher’s six world championships. This timepiece is expected to fetch between $180,000 and $280,000 at auction.
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The second one-of-one timepiece is the F.P. Journe, Invenit Et Fecit, Piece Unique, Vagabondage 1 Model, given to Schumacher following his most dominant season in Formula One and final world championship in 2004. This watch also features a reference to Schumacher’s seven world titles and is expected to fetch between $1.2m and $2.3m at auction.
The remaining six pieces include an iconic and much-lauded Paul Newman Daytona and a full five-watch F.P. Journe Ruthenium Collection.
Few watches carry the motor racing heritage of the Paul Newman Daytona, so one previously owned by Michael Schumacher is a special piece indeed. This model, ref. 6262, is one of the rarest vintage Rolex Daytonas available, the manually winding Cosmograph was only produced between the years of 1970 and 1972. The Daytona is expected to fetch between $230,000 and $460,000 at auction.
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Finally, the set of five F.P. Journe Ruthenium timepieces is particularly special, given these watches are rarely seen as a full set with matching serial numbers. Each of Schumacher’s is numbered 92/99.
The ‘Octa Jour et Nuit’ model is particularly sought after, given this piece was only available as part of a complete Ruthenium Collection set. The Tourbillon Souverain is thought of as one of F.P. Journe’s most recognizable models. While the Chronomètre à Résonance is a clear example of F.P. Journe’s capabilities, as the only wristwatch in the world to have a movement based on resonance.
All eight watches will be available for auction in Geneva on May 13, with each piece making an excellent addition to the collection of any motor racing or horology enthusiast.
View the full list of lots here: christies.com
