【Singapore】Rare Timepieces Under the Hammer – Jewelry and Gem

Editor’s Note

This preview underscores Southeast Asia’s rising influence in the global art market, as auction houses like Phillips tailor major showcases to the region’s growing collector base.

Phillips’ Largest Singapore Preview Showcases Autumn Auctions

Phillips auction house recently held its Autumn auction preview in Singapore, the largest such preview the auctioneer has ever staged in the city-state. This reflects the growing purchasing power and increasingly international collecting tastes of Southeast Asian buyers in the global auction market.
The preview featured a series of highlights from the upcoming autumn auctions in Hong Kong, Geneva, and New York. Alongside significant works of modern and contemporary art, it showcased the most rare and exceptional timepieces set to go under the hammer across five dedicated watch auctions this autumn, as well as magnificent jewelry from the Geneva sale.

“Relaunch: The Rebirth of Mechanical Watchmaking”

The period from 1980 to 1999 marked two decades of rebirth for mechanical wristwatches. Following the “Quartz Crisis” of the 1970s and 80s, which drastically altered the global watch industry, high-end watchmaking experienced a renaissance in the 1980s and 90s. Watchmakers and brands delved deep into craftsmanship, creating some of the most innovative and complicated mechanical timepieces in history. This thematic auction gathers iconic and distinctive watches that defined this era of watch manufacturing.
The leading lot is the first-ever Rolex “Cosmograph Daytona, Rainbow” reference 16599 in white gold. This watch, produced as a unique piece in the 1990s and previously preserved in an important private collection, will make its auction debut.
This thematic auction will be held in Geneva on November 8.

Watches Geneva XX

This auction comprises over 130 timepieces, covering rare and coveted models from the 20th and 21st centuries. The top lot is a Patek Philippe reference 2499/100, described as one of the finest examples to appear at auction.

“The current owner acquired this unworn watch from its original owner in 2015. Nearly a decade later, its condition remains pristine, identical to when it left the factory in the early 1980s. As a first-year production piece in exceptional condition, it is a true treasure.”

Another highlight is a highly sought-after Rolex reference 6264 in 18k yellow gold, featuring a “Paul Newman, Lemon” dial.
This auction will be held in Geneva on November 9-10.

“TOKI (刻)” Watch Auction

Dedicated to Japanese watch collecting, the “TOKI” auction (meaning “time” in Japanese) encompasses top-tier timepieces owned by Japanese collectors, milestone Japanese watch brands, and masterpieces from independent watchmakers.

“Timepieces from Japanese collections are highly sought after at auction for their rarity and excellent maintenance. Furthermore, Japanese watchmakers are renowned worldwide for their innovative approaches and ability to produce high-quality timepieces. This auction presents a series of renowned Japanese watches, comprehensively showcasing Japan’s fascinating watchmaking history.”

This thematic auction will be held in Hong Kong on November 22.

Watches Hong Kong XIX

This auction features over 200 lots. A highlight is the Richard Mille RM059-01, designed for Jamaican sprinter Yohan Blake and limited to just 50 pieces.

“The design of the watch’s movement bridges is inspired by the claws of Yohan Blake’s nickname ‘The Beast’ and incorporates the colors of the Jamaican flag. This lot also comes with a pair of Adidas running shoes signed by Yohan Blake.”

This auction will be held in Hong Kong on November 23-24.

Watches New York XI

Auction highlights include a well-preserved 1948 Patek Philippe reference 1518 perpetual calendar chronograph in 18k pink gold. Launched in 1941, the Ref. 1518 was Patek Philippe’s first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph.

“Between 1941 and 1954, the brand produced 281 Ref. 1518 watches, most in yellow gold. Pink gold versions are extremely rare, and only four were made in steel. The 1948 Patek Philippe Ref. 1518 offered here, crafted in 18k pink gold and kept in a European collection for 24 years, remains as new, a testament to it being almost unworn over the 76 years since its creation.”

This auction will be held in New York on December 7-8.

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⏰ Published on: February 20, 2026

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