At the intersection of mechanical virtuosity and artistic expression, a new class of collectors is reshaping the high horology landscape—seeking pieces not just for their pedigree, but for their soul. Christie’s Hong Kong responds in kind with “Stories in Time: A Collection of Exceptional Watches”, a focused session within the “Important Watches” auction, taking place May 28–29, 2025, at 2PM HKT.
This curated offering reads like a manifesto for contemporary independent watchmaking. From the architectural audacity of the MB&F Horological Machine No.11 to the celestial minimalism of the Credor Eichi, and from Urwerk’s UR-120 “SpaceBlack” —a sci-fi reimagining of time—to the visceral chime of the F.P. Journe Sonnerie Souveraine, each piece transcends traditional categories.
Anchored by mechanical milestones like the Grönefeld 1941 Remontoire, Greubel Forsey’s Double Tourbillon 30° Technique Blue, and Voutilainen’s 217QRS, alongside sculptural marvels like the Bovet Fleurier Tourbillon Baguette and H. Moser & Cie’s Streamliner Tourbillon, this session doesn’t just celebrate horology—it reframes it.
(LOT 2615) Bovet Fleurier Tourbillon Baguette
Ref No: Case No. 008196 / 8/59 | Circa Unknown | 18 K White Gold
Why It Matters
Bovet’s Fleurier Tourbillon Baguette is a quintessential showcase of the maison’s dual commitment to haute horlogerie and high jewelry. Crafted in 18 K white gold and adorned with baguette-cut diamonds, it combines a flying tourbillon complication with a hand-decorated mother-of-pearl dial. Limited to just 59 pieces, this reference sits at the intersection of mechanical excellence and decorative art—a rare convergence that speaks to collectors who value both movement architecture and visual opulence.
Key Technical Talking Points
| Feature | Detail | Why It’s Special |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | Manual-wind tourbillon movement with extended power reserve (approx. 7 days) | Combines chronometric precision with long autonomy, fully hand-finished in Bovet’s traditional decorative style. |
| Dial | Mother-of-pearl base with visible tourbillon aperture and power reserve indicator | The delicacy of the dial material is matched by its complexity—offering visual contrast to the mechanical depth of the tourbillon. |
| Gem Setting | Bezel and lugs set with baguette-cut diamonds | Transforms the case into a radiant jewel while maintaining the timepiece’s classical symmetry and balance. |
| Case | 18 K white gold, individually numbered (e.g., 008196, 8/59), signed Bovet Fleurier | Limited edition of 59 ensures exclusivity; each piece hand-assembled with unique attention to detail. |
Market Snapshot (Recent)
Though infrequently seen at auction, recent private sales confirm collector interest remains strong, especially among clients seeking gem-set haute horlogerie with independent brand prestige.
Collector Angle
Haute Joaillerie Meets Mechanics: Seamlessly combines luxury gem setting with serious horological pedigree.
Artisanal Finish: Every surface—from movement to case—is hand-decorated in keeping with Bovet’s boutique production standards.
Strictly Limited: Just 59 examples make this a standout rarity, with case-specific numbering confirming its exclusivity.
(LOT 2536) Urwerk UR-120 “SpaceBlack”
Ref No: UR-120 | Case No: G22060 | Circa 2024 | Titanium
Why It Matters
Nicknamed the “Spock” by Urwerk themselves, the UR-120 “SpaceBlack” represents a radical evolution in the brand’s already iconoclastic design language. With its sleek titanium case coated in SpaceBlack DLC and a novel orbital time display that splits mid-rotation, this automatic satellite timepiece is less of a traditional watch and more of a mechanical sculpture. Released in 2024, it continues Urwerk’s mission of redefining how we read time through micro-engineering wizardry.
Key Technical Talking Points
| Feature | Detail | Why It’s Special |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | Calibre UR-20.01 automatic with three-satellite wandering hours and a split-open indication | Features Urwerk’s signature orbital display, now enhanced with a bifurcating “Vulcan salute” mechanism that separates and reforms during time transitions. |
| Display | Satellite hour modules rotating along a carousel with minute track display | Highly legible despite complexity; the transformation effect is theatrical and mechanical in equal measure. |
| Case | Lightweight titanium with SpaceBlack DLC finish; case no. G22060 | Strikingly futuristic and stealthy, yet ergonomic enough for daily wear. |
| Case Size | Width: 44mm × Height: 47mm × Thickness: 15.8mm | Compact by Urwerk standards, maintaining boldness while enhancing wearability. |
Market Snapshot (Recent)
Still fresh to market, early sales of the UR-120 SpaceBlack suggest strong enthusiasm from seasoned collectors and next-gen enthusiasts alike. Expect demand to grow as Urwerk continues its expansion into wearable kinetic art.
Collector Angle
Next-Gen Display: A new level of mechanical storytelling that literally splits time apart.
Coded Rarity: Case-numbered and limited in production, it appeals to those hunting the latest frontier of independent horology.
Wearable Sci-Fi: No other watch captures the essence of futuristic design like the UR-120, earning it a place in modern collecting lore.
(LOT 2543) Voutilainen 217QRS
Case No: 8/10 | Circa 2022 | Platinum | Limited to 10 Pieces
Why It Matters
Kari Voutilainen’s 217QRS is a quiet monument to his artistry in independent watchmaking, merging a unique retrograde date complication with the finishing excellence for which his atelier is celebrated. Limited to just 10 pieces in platinum, the 217QRS showcases Voutilainen’s devotion to traditional Swiss craftsmanship — guilloché, black polishing, and in-house movement construction — while delivering tactile ingenuity through its pusher-adjusted date mechanism.
Key Technical Talking Points
| Feature | Detail | Why It’s Special |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | Voutilainen in-house calibre with manual winding, retrograde date, and Geneva stripes | Mechanically elegant and gorgeously hand-finished, it balances traditional horology with modern refinement. |
| Complication | Retrograde date adjusted via integrated pusher in the crown | Simplifies user interaction while maintaining a clean dial, emphasizing Kari’s focus on functionality through beauty. |
| Dial | Engine-turned guilloché dial with concentric patterns and minimal printing | Visually hypnotic and made entirely in-house — a hallmark of Voutilainen’s old-world craftsmanship. |
| Case | 39 mm platinum with teardrop lugs and case no. 8/10 | Perfectly sized for elegance; the lugs are individually soldered and hand-shaped, emphasizing artisanal detail. |
Market Snapshot (Recent)
Sales of the 217QRS remain rare and closely watched. Platinum variants, especially those numbered within the 10-piece series, command a premium due to their exclusivity and Kari’s growing stature among collectors of independent haute horlogerie.
Collector Angle
Micro-Edition Appeal: One of just 10 examples worldwide — each tied to Kari’s personal oversight.
Horological Purity: No branding excess, just quiet mastery in finishing and movement design.
Living Legacy: Kari Voutilainen continues to represent the gold standard in 21st-century handmade watchmaking.
(LOT 2542) H. Moser & Cie Streamliner Tourbillon
Ref No: 6804-0406 | Case No: 200’137’388 | Circa 2023 | 18K Pink Gold
Why It Matters
The H. Moser & Cie Streamliner Tourbillon ref. 6804-0406 redefines the integrated-bracelet sports watch by fusing minimalist elegance with mechanical audacity. Housed in a bold 18K pink gold cushion case, it pairs the signature HMC 804 flying tourbillon movement with Moser’s instantly recognisable fumé dial—free of indices, logos, or superfluous decoration. This watch exemplifies the Streamliner philosophy: radical simplicity wrapped in horological sophistication.
Key Technical Talking Points
| Feature | Detail | Why It’s Special |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | HMC 804 automatic calibre with one-minute flying tourbillon and double hairspring | Delivers chronometric precision while offsetting gravitational errors, fully visible through the openworked dial. |
| Dial | Signature fumé dial, minimalistic with no logo or indices | A study in restraint; lets the dial colour and tourbillon dominate the visual narrative. |
| Case | 40 mm cushion-shaped in 18K pink gold; case no. 200’137’388 | Brings Streamliner’s bold curves and fluid lines into precious-metal territory, with perfectly integrated ergonomics. |
| Bracelet | Integrated pink gold bracelet with articulated, fluid links | Exceptional comfort and visual flow; one of the most acclaimed bracelet designs in modern watchmaking. |
Market Snapshot (Recent)
Pink gold Streamliner Tourbillons have seen increasing demand in the private and auction markets, with limited production and rising brand visibility contributing to consistent value retention. Rarely offered publicly, these references are often secured directly through collectors or by request.
Collector Angle
Minimalist Power: A technical heavyweight disguised in design purity.
Wearable Sculpture: The organic flow of case to bracelet elevates luxury sports aesthetics.
Rarity in Gold: While steel dominates the integrated-bracelet genre, this pink gold execution offers a warmer, less common take.
(LOT 2291) F.P. Journe Sonnerie Souveraine
Circa 2008 | Stainless Steel
Why It Matters
Widely considered one of the most challenging complications in horology, the Sonnerie Souveraine represents the apex of François-Paul Journe’s mechanical genius. Developed over six years and protected by multiple patents, the timepiece combines a Grande and Petite Sonnerie with a Minute Repeater in an unusually robust stainless steel case—selected for its superior acoustic properties. This landmark watch is not only a technical tour de force but also a deeply philosophical expression of time, sound, and restraint.
Key Technical Talking Points
| Feature | Detail | Why It’s Special |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | Manual-wind calibre 1505, featuring Grande Sonnerie, Petite Sonnerie & Minute Repeater, with 912 components | Among the most complicated wristwatch movements ever made; fully safety-integrated and uniquely intuitive to use. |
| Acoustic Design | Stainless steel case chosen for optimal sound transmission | Unusual material choice that prioritizes sonic performance over precious metal cachet—true to Journe’s philosophy of function-first innovation. |
| Safety Features | Innovative mechanisms prevent damage from user error or time-setting during chiming cycles | A landmark in practical high complication—safe and durable enough to wear daily, which is rare for sonneries. |
| Dial & Display | Clean, classical Journe layout with power reserve and mode indicators | Balances the mechanical complexity with legible elegance; understated design hides immense ingenuity beneath. |
Market Snapshot (Recent)
The Sonnerie Souveraine has become a grail-level reference among collectors, with its stainless steel construction and ultra-limited production contributing to meteoric secondary market value. Offered sparingly at auction, each appearance generates major interest and commanding prices.
Collector Angle
Mechanical Mastery: A peerless execution of three chiming complications in one movement.
Philosophical Horology: Elevates functional sound to poetic expression—no superfluous luxury, only purpose.
Cult Legacy: Stainless steel Journes are exceedingly rare, and this piece sits at the summit of that already rarefied tier.
(LOT 2538) MB&F Horological Machine No.11
Circa 2024 | Case No. 11T135 | Titanium
Why It Matters
The Horological Machine No.11 (HM11) exemplifies MB&F’s fearless innovation in avant-garde watch design. Launched in 2024, HM11’s biomorphic shape, inspired by a shark, merges organic aesthetics with cutting-edge mechanical complexity. Crafted in lightweight titanium, this timepiece is a sculptural kinetic art piece with a distinctive flying tourbillon and an unconventional display of time, pushing horological boundaries while retaining wearability.
Key Technical Talking Points
| Feature | Detail | Why It’s Special |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | Automatic winding calibre with a flying tourbillon and date indication | Innovative movement architecture with a rapid rotor and optimized power delivery for precise timekeeping and strong torque. |
| Case & Design | 44 mm x 53 mm x 17.5 mm, titanium case with a biomorphic, aerodynamic form inspired by a shark | Striking organic form sets it apart from traditional watches; titanium provides strength with featherlight comfort. |
| Time Display | Hours and minutes displayed via two rotating cones on either side of the case; central flying tourbillon | Non-traditional, highly legible 3D display combining technical mastery and futuristic aesthetics. |
| Crystal | Domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating | Provides panoramic visibility of the complex inner workings and tourbillon cage. |
Market Snapshot (Recent)
Since its 2024 debut, HM11 has captivated collectors for its bold design and technical refinement, with demand consistently outstripping supply, making it a coveted piece in MB&F’s Horological Machine series.
Collector Angle
Design Innovation: Combines organic inspiration with avant-garde watchmaking.
Mechanical Excellence: Flying tourbillon movement architecture blends precision with art.
Exclusivity: Limited production and unique design ensure strong desirability.
(LOT 2277) Credor Eichi
Ref No: GBLR999 | Circa 2009 | Case No. 950’005 | Platinum
Why It Matters
The Credor Eichi, introduced in 2009, represents the pinnacle of Japanese artisanal watchmaking under Seiko’s elite Micro Artist Studio. Crafted in platinum and hand-finished to near-perfection, the Eichi (meaning “wisdom” in Japanese) marries minimalist aesthetics with an astonishing level of detail and craftsmanship. With only a handful of pieces created annually, each dial is hand-painted with porcelain enamel and hand-applied indices, embodying a quiet, profound reverence for time.
Key Technical Talking Points
| Feature | Detail | Why It’s Special |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | Calibre 7R08, Spring Drive manual wind with 60-hour power reserve | Combines traditional mechanical architecture with Spring Drive’s high-precision glide motion—delivering a seamless seconds hand sweep with quartz accuracy. |
| Dial | Porcelain enamel, hand-painted Roman numerals, minimalist blue hands | Each dial takes weeks to create, with unmatched subtlety in the enamel and brushwork—executed by a single craftsman. |
| Case | 35 mm platinum 950 case with polished surfaces and simple lugs | Understated form hides extraordinary attention to proportion, weight, and finish, reflecting the Japanese philosophy of restraint and refinement. |
| Finishing | Fully hand-finished bridges and anglage, with signature tone-on-tone beauty | The finishing rivals that of the greatest Swiss maisons, but is executed with uniquely Japanese techniques and aesthetic values. |
Market Snapshot (Recent)
Examples of early Credor Eichi models such as this 2009 reference rarely appear at auction. When they do, they command substantial premiums, especially for pristine early specimens with known case numbers—reinforcing the growing international reverence for the Micro Artist Studio’s legacy.
Collector Angle
Quiet Perfection: Eschews flash for a meditative design ethos centered on purity and process.
Rare Mastery: Very low production—often fewer than 20 per year—makes each piece incredibly rare.
Historical Milestone: As the first Eichi model, this watch laid the foundation for what would become one of the most respected lines in contemporary haute horlogerie.
(LOT 2544) Grönefeld 1941 Remontoire
Case No: 19’561 | Circa 2020 | Stainless Steel
Why It Matters
The Grönefeld 1941 Remontoire is a mechanical tribute to consistency, both in timekeeping and craftsmanship. Designed by Dutch brothers Tim and Bart Grönefeld, the watch features an 8-second constant force mechanism—a rare complication that ensures stable power delivery to the escapement regardless of winding state. Introduced in 2016 and awarded the GPHG prize for Best Men’s Watch in 2016, the stainless steel versions are among the most sought after due to their technical integrity, distinctive aesthetics, and limited production run.
Key Technical Talking Points
| Feature | Detail | Why It’s Special |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | Grönefeld G-05, manual wind, 8-second remontoire, 36-hour power reserve | Uses a constant force mechanism that ‘recharges’ every 8 seconds—enhancing accuracy by stabilizing energy delivery. |
| Case | 39.5 mm stainless steel, polished and brushed finish | Elegant, mid-century inspired case design with contemporary finishing, suited for both collectors and daily wear. |
| Dial | Multiple options including frosted, salmon, or guilloché dials with recessed sub-seconds | Highly legible and artfully layered, with subtle nods to classical Dutch architecture and design aesthetics. |
| Finishing | Mirror-polished steel bridges, hand-beveled anglage, gold chatons | Immaculate traditional finishing—widely regarded as among the best in contemporary independent watchmaking. |
Market Snapshot (Recent)
Prices for the Grönefeld 1941 Remontoire in stainless steel remain strong, especially for early case numbers like 19’561. With the model no longer in production and rising recognition of the Grönefeld brothers’ craftsmanship, demand has consistently exceeded supply in private sales and auctions.
Collector Angle
Mechanical Honesty: Celebrates true horological engineering through its rare remontoire mechanism.
Low Production: With only around 188 pieces made across all metals, stainless steel examples are especially desirable.
Award-Winning Legacy: Its GPHG recognition places it among the most decorated indie watches of the 21st century.
(LOT 2527) Greubel Forsey Double Tourbillon 30° Technique Blue
Case No: 1/11 & 01 957 | Circa 2019 | Titanium
Why It Matters
The Double Tourbillon 30° Technique Blue represents Greubel Forsey at its most unapologetically technical. As a showcase of both mechanical mastery and contemporary aesthetic daring, it combines the brand’s signature inclined double tourbillon system with a skeletonised architecture that exposes the movement’s complexity in full view. Produced in an ultra-limited run of 11 titanium pieces for the U.S. market, this reference fuses innovation, legibility, and visual drama in a way only Greubel Forsey can achieve.
Key Technical Talking Points
| Feature | Detail | Why It’s Special |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | Calibre GF02s, manual wind, 396 components, 72-hour power reserve | Features a double tourbillon system with a 30° inclined inner cage—one of the most sophisticated in contemporary horology. |
| Tourbillon System | Inner tourbillon rotates every 60 seconds, outer cage every 4 minutes | Engineered to average out positional errors more effectively than traditional tourbillons, improving chronometric precision. |
| Case | 47.5 mm titanium, sapphire crystal caseband, blue chapter ring | High-tech construction in lightweight titanium enhances wearability while showcasing full 360° movement visibility. |
| Display & Dial | Sapphire dial with applied indicators and power reserve at 3 o’clock | Transparent dial architecture invites viewers into the depth of the movement, blurring the boundary between display and mechanism. |
Market Snapshot (Recent)
Limited to just 11 pieces and tailored for the North American market, the Technique Blue remains a trophy watch for collectors of ultra-high-end independents. Private sales suggest values well above $500,000 USD, buoyed by rarity, Greubel’s reputation, and its horological depth.
Collector Angle
Engineering Exhibition: Functions as an open-worked demonstration of what 21st-century haute horlogerie can achieve.
Titanium Exclusivity: One of the lightest and most wearable Greubel pieces ever, with only 11 produced in this execution.
Movement in Motion: The interplay of two tourbillons, clearly visible from all angles, is both hypnotic and mechanically complex.
As the “Stories in Time” auction unfolds at Christie’s Hong Kong, collectors have a rare opportunity to acquire not just watches, but legacies—pieces that embody decades of craftsmanship, innovation, and vision. Whether you’re drawn to the pioneering spirit of independent watchmakers or the timeless allure of mechanical mastery, this curated collection promises to captivate and inspire.
Explore the full auction catalogue and join the journey at Christie’s Hong Kong Important Watches Auction.
