Editor’s Note
This article previews Christie’s inaugural luxury auction in Hong Kong, featuring nearly 400 items. It highlights a notable trend: the growing influence of dedicated collector communities, often termed the ‘otaku spirit,’ in driving high-end markets.
A large-scale auction of jewelry, watches, and wine, reflecting the trend where the ‘otaku spirit’ is driving the growth of luxury consumption culture, is set to take place. The global auction house Christie’s will hold its inaugural luxury auction event from the 27th to the 30th at ‘The Henderson’ in Hong Kong to commemorate its opening.
Starting with the watch auction on the 27th, followed by the handbag and accessories auction on the 28th, the jewelry auction on the 29th, and the wine sale on the 30th, the events will proceed consecutively. Notably, the luxury jewelry and watch lots alone amount to 398 pieces, with a total low estimate reaching the 100 billion won range. This auction is drawing attention as it offers affluent ‘otaku’ deeply immersed in jewelry, watches, handbags, accessories, and wine, as well as luxury enthusiasts, an opportunity to bet on these items as investment assets.
Prior to the Hong Kong auction event, Christie’s Korea will hold a two-day preview of the jewelry and watch auctions at the House of Shinsegae in Seoul on the 17th and 18th. Approximately 50 items will be showcased in advance, including a 5.02-carat Fancy Deep Blue diamond ring, a 12.55-carat Harry Winston ring, various Cartier Panda brooches, and an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept watch notable for its rainbow setting.
The standout piece Christie’s is previewing in Seoul is the 5.02-carat Fancy Deep Blue & Flawless diamond ring, which embodies the essence of craftsmanship. Its estimated price ranges from approximately 9.46 billion to 13.8 billion won.
This gemstone, containing trace amounts of boron, exudes a captivating wonder with its deep blue color. Christie’s Korea stated, “Blue diamonds over 5 carats are extremely rare, and fierce bidding competition from collectors worldwide is anticipated.”
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept wristwatch, notable for its rainbow setting, will also visit Seoul before going on the Hong Kong bidding block. It features a rare 18K gold case with diamonds and a rainbow-colored bezel. Its estimated price is approximately 280 million to 550 million won.
Audemars Piguet is a Swiss luxury watch manufacturer founded in 1875. Its representative collection is the ‘Royal Oak,’ known as a luxury sports watch that expanded the concept of high-performance sports watches. First launched in 1993, this watch is characterized by setting new standards for extreme sports watches. Christie’s Korea explained that the combination of innovative case materials and bold design served as a stepping stone that propelled Audemars Piguet into a global company.
For this preview, Ronnie Shu, Head of Jewelry at Christie’s Hong Kong, and Jill Chen, Deputy Director of Watches, will visit Korea to interact with domestic collectors.
