Bonhams' director of watches on her favourite timepieces
May 13, 2025
Holding a wealth of technical knowledge acquired over more than a decade in the industry, Sharon Chan, director of watches in Asia at auction house Bonhams, highlights some of her favourite pieces from among all the lots
Patek Philippe Ref. 5033/100P
This is one of just three known examples of the Patek Philippe Ref. 5033P with a black dial and diamond-set platinum case. Only about 80 pieces of this model were ever made, mostly with silver dials, making this black-dial version exceedingly rare. I’ve been fortunate to facilitate the sale of this exclusive black-dial edition on three occasions.
Cartier Model A Mystery Clock
Now a museum-quality classic, the Model A is the first mystery clock created by Cartier in 1912. It’s a collaboration between Louis Cartier and clockmaker Maurice Couët, who designed the mystery clock for Cartier based on the clocks invented by famous illusionist and magician Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin. The name “mystery clock” refers to its secret movement, with bejewelled hands appearing to float in a crystal-clear case. In 2022, Bonhams Hong Kong sold a piece dated circa 1928, setting the auction record for a Cartier Model A clock.
Richard Mille RM 27-01
As a tennis fan, this is one of my favourites. Richard Mille partnered with tennis legend Rafael Nadal in 2008 to launch one of the most iconic collaborations in watchmaking history. The groundbreaking RM 27-01, weighing just 19 grams, became the world’s lightest tourbillon upon its release. It captivated audiences with its innovative technology and materials, withstanding shock and force levels previously unseen. Last May, Bonhams Hong Kong sold a highly rare limited-production prototype from circa 2014 for HK$9,148,000, setting a new record for the highest-value wristwatch sold at Bonhams.
Cartier Pebble Turtle
This simple yet iconic design was produced at Cartier’s renowned London workshops, where some of the most interesting and now sought-after designs of the vintage watch world, such as the Maxi Oval and the Crash, were born. A variant of the Cartier London Pebble watch, the Turtle earned its name from the unique turtle-feet lugs surrounding its distinctive case, featuring a square with softened edges within a circle. A 1975 model was sold at Bonhams in 2021, sparking a neo-vintage trend among collectors.
Chopard and Moussaieff The Magnificent Ice Cube
As a female watch expert, I find myself utterly captivated by haute joaillerie timepieces despite not wearing diamond watches myself. The design of the Magnificent Ice Cube, circa 2000, draws inspiration from frozen cubes, with a square case adorned in baguette-cut white and pink diamonds. It’s complemented by a meticulously crafted bracelet from the house of Moussaieff, featuring nearly 40 carats of white diamonds and 14 carats of pink diamonds. The collaboration between the two iconic high-luxury brands showcases the pinnacle of craftsmanship, where exceptional design meets opulent materials in a breathtaking masterpiece.
Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300
I hold deep respect for Patek Philippe’s craftsmanship, particularly in its creation of minute repeaters. The Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300 is a true masterpiece, standing as the world’s most complicated wristwatch and embodying the pinnacle of horological excellence – which I’ve had the privilege of selling a few pieces of over the past years.
Also see: From cockpit to contemporary icon: The Rolex GMT-Master’s ongoing journey revealed in exhibition
