Unique collection of Swatch watches sold for astonishing HK$ 51’707’500 (CHF 6’049’800)

Hong Kong, China and Biel / Bienne, Switzerland, November 24, 2011 – Unique collection of Swatch watches sold to a very important mainland Chinese collector for astonishing HK$ 51’707’500 (CHF 6’049’800)  in sensational Hong Kong auction. 

Something truly amazing happened in Hong Kong! One of the most complete collections of Swatch watches in the world, which reflects the outstanding story of Swatch, was sold at a historical amount of HK$ 51’707’500. The Blum Collection was assembled over many years by Swiss businessman Peter Blum and his wife Linda, passionate collectors of Swatch watches since the brand’s early days. The exceptional assembly comprises some 4’363 watches, including a large number of prototypes, hybrids and production variants never brought to market. Many of the prototypes date from the extraordinary period prior to commercialisation of the first Swatch watches in the early 1980s, and are thus extremely rare. Among the most interesting and sought-after by collectors are a number of prototypes designed by the American artist Keith Haring, as well as the artist’s legendary Swatch watches Modele avec Personnage, Milles Pattes, Serpent and Blanc sur Noir. Additional rarities include Swatch watches created by artists Mimmo Paladino, Alfred Hofkunst and Sam Francis.

Handled by the noted art auction house Phillips de Pury & Company, this one-of-a-kind auction attracted considerable interest during pre-sale showings in New York, London and Shanghai, where it was exhibited at the Swatch Art Peace Hotel, the restored cultural landmark and art hotel on the Bund. Art auction expert Simon de Pury set the stage for a highly emotional Swatch event with the choice of a prestigious venue in one of China’s most dynamic and spectacular cities. With its own long-term relationship and commitment to art, Swatch is proud to have seen today’s auction hosted in China, a country with a notable artistic heritage and a vibrant relationship to the arts today. The Four Seasons Hotel in Hong Kong formed a perfect setting for what turned out to be the most amazing sale of Swatch watches ever sold as single lot for HK$ 51’707’500.