Patek Philippe Watch Belonging to China’s Last Emperor Sells for $6 Million

Patek Philippe Watch Belonging to China's Last Emperor Sells for $6 Million

Patek Philippe Watch Belonging to China’s Last Emperor Sells for $6 Million.

  • The historic timepiece surpasses expectations with its remarkable sale price at a Hong Kong auction.

Patek Philippe Watch Belonging to China's Last Emperor Sells for $6 Million

In a remarkable display of historical significance and collector’s fervor, a Patek Philippe wristwatch that once graced the wrist of China’s last emperor, Aisin-Gioro Puyi, has shattered records at a recent auction in Hong Kong.

The auction, held by renowned British auction house Phillips, witnessed spirited bidding as the Ref 96 Quantieme Lune timepiece found its new owner at a staggering price of over $6 million.

Emperor Puyi, who ascended the throne at the tender age of two in 1908 and gained international fame through Bernardo Bertolucci’s film “The Last Emperor,” left an indelible mark on history.

Despite a complex legacy that saw him forced to abdicate and later installed as a puppet leader in Japanese-occupied Manchuria, the allure of his personal belongings remains undiminished.

The Patek Philippe watch, adorned with a crown-like moon phase, held deep sentimental value for Emperor Puyi. Unearthed documents from Phillips established that he had brought the timepiece with him to a Soviet prison camp. Originally anticipated to fetch around $3 million, the bidding frenzy that ensued within the auction hall propelled the price to unprecedented heights.

Under the gavel of Phillips’ head of watches in Asia, Thomas Perazzi, the Ref 96 surpassed all expectations, setting a new benchmark for any Patek Philippe reference 96 ever sold. This groundbreaking sale not only underscores the unique historical value of the timepiece but also reaffirms the enduring allure of Patek Philippe watches in the world of luxury timekeeping.

What sets the Ref 96 apart is its understated elegance, a departure from the opulent extravagance commonly associated with high-profile auctions. As the first “complication wristwatch” serially produced by Patek Philippe, this rare timepiece holds significant historical importance and now joins an elite group of only three known examples worldwide.

Stories surrounding the watch’s journey over the years add to its mystique. Aisin-Gioro Yuyuan, the nephew of Emperor Puyi, disclosed that his uncle had considered the timepiece a personal item and entrusted it to his Russian interpreter, Georgy Permyakov, for safekeeping during his internment. It was only recently that Permyakov, unaware of its substantial value, revealed the treasure hidden within his drawer.

In addition to the watch, another remarkable artifact caught the attention of collectors. A red paper fan, inscribed with a poem dedicated by Emperor Puyi to his comrade Permyakov, captivated bidders and fetched an astounding price of over $77,800, six times its initial estimate.

While the Patek Philippe watches owned by China’s last emperor have made headlines with their impressive sale, it falls short of claiming the title for the most expensive timepiece ever sold at auction. The honor remains with the Patek Philippe “Grandmaster Chime,” which achieved a jaw-dropping sale price of $31 million in 2019. Known for its complexity and boasting an astounding 20 complications, the Grandmaster Chime is a testament to the pinnacle of horological craftsmanship.

The sale of the Patek Philippe watch, steeped in historical significance and bearing the mark of China’s last emperor, has captivated the world of watch collecting and reaffirmed the enduring appeal of extraordinary timepieces. As the story of this remarkable auction unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the allure of rare artifacts.


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