Some of the most unattainable timepieces in the world are up for grabs in Dubai during a two-day, invite-only preview, headlined by the legendary Rolex Split-Seconds Chronograph and a trio of Patek Philippe treasures. No waiting list required.
The international auction house FutureGrail is bringing a collection of ultra-rare timepieces to the Bvlgari Yacht Club for a special, two-day luxury preview on November 12 and 13.
It will be a rare chance for watch fans to jump the historically long waiting lists to get hands-on with what can only be described as museum-worthy pieces before the items go under the hammer in two major online sessions (running November 8 to 14 and November 15 to 21).
The undisputed star of the showcase is a watch that represents the absolute pinnacle of Rolex collecting: the 1942 Rolex Antimagnetique Reference 4113 (Lot No. 147). This is the first and only split-seconds chronograph wristwatch ever produced by Rolex, uniting technical mastery with immense historical prestige. Only twelve examples were ever made—most of which were gifted to racing drivers and team managers, forging a deep link to the golden era of motor racing like the prestigious Giro Automobilistico di Sicilia. At a gargantuan 44mm, its stainless-steel case remains the largest vintage case ever produced by the manufacturer, a massive statement of its singularity. Bidding for this icon will commence at a cool US$1.5 million.
Beyond the crown, FutureGrail is presenting a masterclass in Patek Philippe rarity. Among the treasures is a trio of exceptional pieces that prove why Patek is the ultimate store of value. Lot No. 151 features a Patek Philippe Reference 96 in platinum—already a highly sought-after reference—but in this instance, uniquely configured with a salmon dial and elegantly set with diamond hour markers. It is the only known example of its kind, with bidding starting at US$80,000.
Also on view is Lot No. 152, a 1960 Patek Philippe vintage Calatrava (Ref. 2585A), which is another piece of history, as only three examples of this watch are known to exist, with one permanently housed in the Patek Philippe Museum. Lot No. 153, titled the ‘Venus of Love,’ offers a different kind of horological artistry—a unique 1964 gilded brass and cloisonné polychrome enamel Dome desk-clock. Solar-powered and decorated with Italian Renaissance panels, this is an art object as much as a time-keeper.
In a nod to the region’s sophisticated collector base, the auction includes a special piece by independent master watchmaker F.P. Journe. The Chronomètre Bleu ‘Byblos’ (Lot No. 148) was created in a limited run of just 99 pieces to commemorate the opening of the brand’s 10th boutique in Beirut, Lebanon, in 2014. It honours the ancient coastal port of Byblos, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, ensuring it will generate significant interest among Dubai’s large Lebanese diaspora.
This exclusive preview, featuring expert insight from FutureGrail’s in-house horologists, will be held in the sophisticated library on the upper level of the Bvlgari Yacht Club lounge. With over 20 luxury timepiece manufacturers represented across the two auctions, this is one event you won’t want to miss.
Attendance to the Bvlgari Yacht Club preview requires advanced registration – contact [email protected] for more information. To view the auction items online, visit futuregrail.com.
