In a dazzling display of horological excellence, Bonhams Hong Kong Watches auction witnessed a spectacular moment on May 28 as a rare Richard Mille Rafael Nadal RM27-01 carbon skeletonized tourbillon wristwatch set a new record. Fetching an astonishing $1,170,000 US ($9,148,000 HK), this exclusive timepiece has become the highest value wristwatch ever sold at Bonhams.
The auction was a resounding success, generating a total of ยฃ713,344. An impressive 91% of the lots were sold, with 97% sold by value, reflecting the strong demand and competitive bidding. The star of the auction was a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, stainless-steel automatic chronograph bracelet watch, reference 116500LN, circa 2019. Known as the LN reference ‘lunette noir’ due to its black Cerachrom bezel and white dial, this sought-after piece surpassed its pre-sale estimate, fetching ยฃ20,480.
The highlight of the auction was an extraordinarily rare Meissen group of lovers with a birdcage, which sold for โฌ171,850, more than quadrupling its low estimate. This piece, first documented in the work records of J.J. Kaendler in March 1741, captivated bidders with its historical significance and intricate craftsmanship. Another standout item was a rare Meissen crinoline figure of a lady from around 1737, which fetched โฌ127,400, exceeding its low estimate by over six times.
A remarkable find in the world of antique firearms, a cased 15-bore percussion four-shot superimposed load officerโs pistol, believed to be the only one of its kind, will take center stage at Bonhamsโ upcoming auction of Antique Arms & Armour in London. The auction, which will also include items from the esteemed Per T. Norheim Collection and Modern Sporting Guns, is scheduled to run online from May 13 to May 22 on Bonhams.com
In New York, during Bonhams Fine Books and Manuscripts sale on April 10, a significant highlight emerged as a rare Gimbels Department Store version of the M101-4 1916 Babe Ruth Rookie Card fetched an impressive $762,500, surpassing its initial estimate. This particular card, renowned as one of the most sought-after trading cards in existence, carries historical significance dating back over a century.
In a surprising turn of events at Bonhamsโ Important Instruments of Science and Technology Sale in London on April 24th, a remarkably rare 15th-century astrolabe soared past its pre-sale estimate, fetching an impressive ยฃ508,400 ($635,000). Jon Baddeley, a specialist at Bonhams, expressed his astonishment at the outcome, stating, โThis is one of the strongest results weโve seen at auction at Bonhams Knightsbridge in the past decade.โ Describing the astrolabe as an “early smartphone of sorts,” Baddeley emphasized its multifaceted utility, noting its significance in timekeeping, navigation, celestial observation, and even decision-making.
Racing aficionados and collectors are gearing up for an electrifying moment at The Bonhams|Cars Monaco Sale, ‘Les Grandes Marques ร Monaco’, on May 10th, as one of the most historically significant Formula 1 cars makes its way to the auction block. The 1957-58 Lotus-Climax Type 12 chassis โ353โ, estimated at โฌ290,000 โ โฌ390,000 ($308,000 โ $415,000), is poised to steal the spotlight, offering enthusiasts a chance to own a piece of motorsport history.
Mika Hรคkkinen, the renowned two-time Formula 1 World Champion and McLaren Brand Ambassador, is set to offer a unique piece of automotive history to the wealthiest car collectors in the world. Bonhams|Cars will present Hรคkkinen’s 2013 McLaren P1 Coupรฉ Validation Prototype 3 (VP3) at The Monaco Sale ‘Les Grandes Marques ร Monaco’. This event, scheduled for May 10, will witness the auctioning of this exceptional vehicle, making it the only Validation Prototype ever to grace such an occasion.
Admiral Lord Nelson’s indelible mark on British history extends far beyond his iconic victory at the Battle of Trafalgar. His naval prowess, coupled with his captivating personal life, continues to captivate the public imagination. This April, Bonhams Knightsbridge is set to showcase a remarkable collection of memorabilia celebrating Nelson’s legacy in two distinct sales: Nelson Forever! A Naval Legacy in Ceramics and Glass on April 23, followed by the Marine Sale on April 24.
Zdzislaw Beksinski (1929-2005), the renowned Polish artist, continues to captivate art enthusiasts worldwide as one of his significant pieces, an oil on panel, soared to a remarkable โฌ91,840 at the recent Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr Surrealist Sale in Paris on March 27, 2024. The painting, which had a pre-sale estimate ranging from โฌ50,000 to โฌ70,000, emerged as one of the highlights of the event, drawing attention for its profound artistic expression.
