Lot 100 entices with a unique Graff by Chopard bracelet watch from circa 1995 that is estimated to draw a bid of upwards of $25,000 in Dubai. Photos © Christie’s Images LTD. 2015.

This white gold and diamond Van Cleef & Arpels — with its lovely concealed shelf dial — makes an elegant selection.

BY KAREN AANONSEN

Christie’s first stand-alone timepiece sale was in 1960. Now, 55 years later, the auction house is kicking off the 2015 watch season with a spectacular 185-lot offering in Dubai. The largest collection of watches to go under the hammer in the Middle East, the March 19 Important Watches sale at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel will feature 48 brands from around the world, including Chaumet, Piaget, Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Van Cleef & Arpels. Of note for those drawn to the rare is a dazzling compilation piece from Graff and Chopard. Part of Chopard’s signature Happy Diamonds collection, the model boasts an 18k gold and diamond bracelet from the designer, while Graff contributes a signed dial that mesmerizes with floating diamonds. 

—March 2015

While its padlock design is classic, this Van Cleef & Arpels Cadenas timepiece circa 2000 is thoroughly modern compared to Important Watches‘s most vintage offering, a Vacheron Constantin dating from 1947.