Emperor Puyi's watch sells for record $6.2 million

VHO- A Patek Philippe watch once owned by the last Emperor of Aisin Gioro Puyi (Qing Dynasty, China) was sold for a record price of 49 million HKD (6.2 million USD) in an auction held by Phillips Asia Auction Company in Hong Kong (China) on May 23.

Emperor Puyi's Patek Philippe Reference 96 Quantieme Lune Photo: PHILIPPS

According to the auction house, an Asian collector residing in Hong Kong called to bid for the watch for HK$40 million (US$5.1 million) excluding the buyer's premium; plus the auction house's fees, the total amount he paid was HK$49 million (US$6.2 million). "The watch was estimated at US$3 million. This is the highest price for a wristwatch that belonged to an emperor," Thomas Perazzi, head of watches at Phillips Asia, told Reuters. In addition to the watch, a red paper fan with the emperor's handwriting given to his interpreter in Tokyo was also sold at the auction for HK$609,600.

The auction house said it took three years to investigate the watch’s origins with experts, historians and scientists . In addition to its historical value, the watch itself is a precious masterpiece. It was completed in 1937 and is one of eight models of the 96 Quantieme Lune.

TL (According to Reuters)

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