To mark the 30th anniversary of Michael Schumacher’s first victory, international auction house Christie’s will offer for sale several watches from the German driver’s personal collection.
The auction, which will be held next May 13 in Geneva at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues, will feature some of the multi-time Formula 1 champion’s most important watches, including an exclusive Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chrono as well as an incredible F.P. Journe Vagabondage 1 unique piece.
All that remains now is to take you on a tour of discovery of these two incredible watches, which are sure to be hotly contested during what promises to be one of the most anticipated auctions of the entire spring.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chrono Michael Schumacher
The first of Michael Schumacher’s watches we discuss is a special Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. It is a white gold, chronograph version of the brand’s undisputed icon, the Royal Oak. Looking closely at the dial, it is immediately clear that we are not looking at a “traditional” version of the model.
Commissioned and given to Schumacher by Jean Todt to commemorate the six F1 victories achieved by one of the most famous drivers in history, this watch features different details above the white dial with the iconic Tapisserie pattern.
First, above the continuous seconds counter at 6 o’clock, it is possible to notice Ferrari’s famous Prancing Horse logo. Shifting attention to the 30-minute chronograph counter at 3 o’clock, it is possible to notice the number “1” in the center, with 6 stars around it, representing the German driver’s individual victories in the F1 World Championship between 1994 and 2003. Finally, in the center of the counter at 9 o’clock, Schumacher’s red helmet worn during his races aboard the single-seater stands out
It doesn’t end there, a final reminder of the driver’s winning career, and an element of incredible uniqueness, is also present on the case back. Here is a personal dedication from Jean Todt, as well as an indication of the six years of the six F1 Championship victories by the German driver, surrounded by the laurel crown, the symbol of success.
The estimate for this Royal Oak is between CHF 150,000 – 250,000, corresponding to approximately EUR 158,000 – 263,000.
Michael Schumacher’s F.P. Journe Vagabondage 1
The second Schumacher watch we considered, among those going up for auction at Christie’s next May 13 in Geneva, is a fantastic and unique F.P. Journe Vagabondage 1 made entirely of platinum. Produced in 2004 by one of the most skilled watchmakers of the modern era, it features a personalized dial and an engraved dedication on the movement made entirely of 18-karat gold.
This watch arrives a year later than the previous Audemars, and in the meantime, Schumacher had already enriched his palmares with a new world championship, thus reaching 7. For this reason, Above the dial of this timepiece with its unusual time reading, symbols representing the German driver’s 7 victories stand out, immersed in the typical Scuderia red.
In addition to these elements, we once again find Schumacher’s personal helmet along with the iconic prancing horse. Finally, taking center stage on the dial is the balance wheel of the movement in the center of the watch.
The estimate for this fantastic F.P. Journe is between CHF 1 million – 2 million, corresponding to about EUR 1.0 million – 2.1 million.
Final Thoughts
The auction of these incredible timepieces owned by the most famous driver of all time certainly represents a more unique than rare opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts, not only of watches, to take home an object related to one of the strongest drivers of all time.
Given the importance of the history behind it, we are sure that these watches will reach incredible figures and there will definitely be fun to be had inside the hall next May 13. One offering after another, I truly believe we will witness a breathtaking challenge where collectors from all over the world will try to take home real pieces of history, not only of watchmaking.
On a par with a thrilling Sunday F1 race, we are certain that this auction will be similarly charged with adrenaline from the beginning until the infamous checkered flag, which, in this case, will correspond to the hammer beaten to award the lucky buyer with pieces that are more unique than rare.
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