In mid-May, a special watch collection will go under the hammer: The Schumacher family is putting eight watches from the private collection of Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher up for sale. There is also another watch that no longer comes directly from the family safe, but was there a few years ago before it was sold by Corinna Schumacher to a private collector in 2021.
Auction house expects up to five million euros
If the Christie’s auction house reaches the maximum estimated prices at the auction in Geneva, the nine watches would be worth a total of just over five million euros.
The collection theoretically includes a suitcase full of watches from the Swiss manufacturer FP Journe. Theoretically, because the auction house wants to give bidders the chance to purchase individual watches from the actually related collection. This consists of five ruthenium-coated brass watches, each of which highlights a different complication. These include a flyback chronograph and a tourbillon. According to Christie’s, the set is a rare opportunity as it is rare “for a complete set of matching numbers to survive intact in the possession of the original owner.”
If someone buys the entire collection, there is also a suitcase with tools that bears the name of the original owner.
Unique pieces for Michael Schumacher
Perhaps the most expensive watch in the collection is also an FP Journe. This is the Vagabondage 1 model, a unique piece that former Ferrari and FIA boss Jean Todt presented to Michael Schumacher at Christmas 2004. The dial of this watch is decorated with Schumi symbolism, such as his helmet, the Ferrari logo and the number 7, which represents the world championship titles he won. Christie’s expects this watch, which is difficult to read, to fetch up to two million euros.
Among the watches available are two Rolex models from the Daytona line: a Daytona 6262 “Paul Newman” made of stainless steel and a yellow gold Daytona 6241. The latter is only unofficially part of the Schumacher collection, as it was already sold in 2021 and was contributed by the current owner becomes.
The model offered by Audemars Piguet, a Royal Oak Chronograph with the reference 259602BC, is also highly individual. Schumacher received this watch for Christmas in 2003 – also from Jean Todt. The watch has three typical Schumi symbols on the dial: his helmet, the Ferrari horse and the number 1 with six stars. A laurel wreath with six dates and a dedication from Todt to Schumacher were engraved on the caseback.
The auction will take place on May 13th, and anyone who wants to bid must first register with Christie’s.
Source: Stern
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
