The Christie’s Rare Watches auction, to be held at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues in Geneva on May 13, will be led by two timepieces from Michael Schumacher’s private collection. The sale coincides with the 30th anniversary of Michael Schumacher’s first Formula 1 Drivers Championship win in 1994.
The career of one of the most successful drivers in F1 history began with the Jordan team at the Belgian Grand Prix in 1991. He won his first Drivers’ Championship in 1994, driving for Benetton. After moving to the Ferrari team in 1996, Schumacher went on to win five consecutive titles from 2000 to 2004, including an unprecedented sixth and seventh title, breaking several records. The two watches on offer highlight key moments in Michael Schumacher’s career.
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph to be offered is particularly notable. It was commissioned as a gift for Michael Schumacher from Jean Todt, his early mentor at Ferrari, to commemorate the then 6 F1 victories achieved by Schumacher.
The bespoke dial features Ferrari’s famous prancing horse emblem on the subsidiary seconds dial at 6H. In the 6H subdial, the numeral ‘1’ is surrounded by six stars representing Michael Schumacher’s 6 World Championship victories between 1994 and 2003. At 9H, is depicted Schumacher’s red racing helmet. This incredibly personal piece of F1 memorabilia also bears an engraved personal gift dedication on the back of the case, recording the six F1 World Championship wins achieved.
This white gold Royal Oak chronograph is the ultimate trophy for AP collectors and for Formula 1 fans alike and will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to possess one of the most distinctive individual Royal Oak chronographs with remarkable direct and storied provenance.
The second watch on offer, a unique F.P. Journe Vagabondage 1 Model, is also a very personal piece of Formula 1 memorabilia. This 2004 timepiece features a bespoke dial and bears an engraved personal gift dedication on the 18k gold movement.
The stunning red dial immediately captures attention. Around its circumference are symbols representing Michael Schumacher’s seven F1 World Championship victories achieved by 2004, and includes Schumacher’s racing helmet together with the Ferrari emblem.
The origin and story of the ‘Vagabondage’ wristwatch is a fascinating one. As early as 1997, François-Paul Journe had made a unique automatic wristwatch called the ‘Carpe Diem’ with wandering jump-hours around a central visible balance.
However, the catalyst for the series production of a similar watch was the request to provide a unique timepiece to be sold for the benefit of the ICM Foundation in 2003. Now christened the ‘Vagabondage’ in homage to its wandering hours display, the first commercial series of wristwatches was manufactured in 2006.
Commenting on the sale, Rémi Guillemin, Christie’s Head of Watches Europe and US, said: “Christie’s expresses sincere thanks to the Schumacher Family for their trust in us and their wish to share these masterpieces of horology with other passionate collectors around the globe.
“We are proud to present these iconic and unique timepieces belonging to one of the most celebrated Formula One legends. An exceptional moment, for watch and F1 enthusiasts alike.
Prior to the sale on May 13 in Geneva, the two Schumacher watches along with the other pieces will be on display at these six locations around the world: Christie’s Los Angeles (20-22 March), Christie’s Hong Kong (04-07 April), Marriott Hotel Taiwan (20-21 April), Christie’s Dubai (27-30 April), Christie’s New York (03-05 May), and finally in Geneva (10-12 May).
