Story Highlight
– Sotheby’s launches online luxury auction in Abu Dhabi.
– Auction runs from June 23 to July 10, 2023.
– Estimated total value: $6.6 million to $9.7 million.
– Features 13 high-end timepieces from renowned brands.
– Includes luxury handbags, jewelry, and collector automobiles.
Full Story
Sotheby’s is set to host Abu Dhabi Collectors’ Edit: Materiality, an online luxury auction featuring over 30 exclusive collectible items. The sale, which runs from 23 June to 10 July, showcases a diverse range of high-value items, including rare watches, fine jewellery, luxury handbags, and automobiles, with a total estimated value between US$6.6 million and US$9.7 million. This auction is part of Sotheby’s broader strategy to strengthen its foothold in the Middle East, following the successful debut of its Abu Dhabi Collectors’ Week.
Notably, the watch category will feature 13 exceptional pieces from renowned brands. Among them is the striking Richard Mille RM35-03 Rafael Nadal wristwatch, anticipated to fetch between US$350,000 and US$600,000. Other prestigious brands such as Patek Philippe, Rolex, F.P. Journe, Urwerk, and Audemars Piguet will also be represented, including a black ceramic Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar.
Josh Pullan, Sotheby’s global head of Luxury Division, emphasized the importance of seizing the momentum gained from recent efforts in Abu Dhabi. He stated, “Abu Dhabi Collectors’ Edit: Materiality represents the ideal next step…reflecting our continued focus on the Middle East…as a centre of gravity in our global expansion across luxury markets and collectors’ communities.”
In addition to the timepieces, the auction will showcase five unique jewellery pieces from Hemmerle, all debuting for the first time at auction, alongside a remarkable 199.75-carat Mozambique Paraiba tourmaline and exquisite creations from Bulgari and Van Cleef & Arpels.
The auction’s broader catalogue will include a limited-edition Hermès Midas Sellier Kelly 25 handbag, a Bugatti Factor ONE bicycle made from advanced materials, and various collector vehicles from Bugatti and Mercedes-Benz, as well as a Ferrari 126C4 children’s car.
Katia Nounou Boueiz, head of Sotheby’s UAE and chair of Middle East operations, remarked on the underlying theme of the auction: “Seasoned collectors have always been driven by an appreciation and understanding of materials…With a fast-growing number of luxury collectors in the Gulf…this auction is a reminder of what matters.”
This auction follows a series of significant Sotheby’s events in Abu Dhabi, including the inaugural Collectors’ Week in December, which coincided with the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix and achieved over US$133 million in sales across its luxury auctions.
For further details, visit sothebys.com.
