At the auction house, the value of a wristwatch isn’t merely derived from its brand name. What’s truly being redefined is the story behind its rarity, the spirit of the era it embodies, and the logic behind the choices made. This autumn, Christie’s will host a special auction on November 26 in Hong Kong, showcasing an impressive collection of 60 high-end Patek Philippe wristwatches from the private collection of John Shaw. Many of these pieces have never appeared in the public market before and include highly representative complex models such as minute repeaters, world time watches, perpetual calendars, and tourbillons, making it one of the highlight events in Asia’s autumn auction season.
John Shaw hails from the culturally rich Shaw family of Hong Kong, known for their contributions to film and the arts. His collection spans a diverse range, including antique furniture, purebred dogs, art, and race cars, but he is most recognized in the auction world for his decades-long dedication to Patek Philippe. Shaw doesn’t chase fleeting trends; instead, he makes systematic choices based on watchmaking craftsmanship, historical significance, rarity of production, aesthetic proportions, and preservation condition, ultimately creating a clear and layered collection structure.
The 60 pieces up for auction this time aren’t just about the sheer number; each one signifies a confluence of watchmaking techniques, cultural aesthetics, and market evolution. Christie’s has curated this collection as an independent special event, perfectly reflecting its integrity and historical significance.
Estimated price: HK$3,000,000 – 6,000,000.
Among the highlights is the model 5016R, which combines a minute repeater, retrograde perpetual calendar, moon phase display, and tourbillon—features that symbolize the brand’s flagship wristwatch from the early 1990s. This presentation showcases the rose gold version made in 1997, featuring Breguet numerals and a white dial design, complete with the original certificate and accessories, making it a piece with significant long-term value potential.
Estimated price: HK$2,400,000 – 4,800,000.
Another highlight is the model 2524/1J, featuring a gold case and equipped with a movement modified by Louis Cottier, along with an enamel dial. This piece is a precious result of Patek Philippe’s collaboration with the legendary watchmaker. Produced in extremely limited quantities during the 1950s, this model boasts museum-level collectible value.
Estimated price: HK$800,000 – 1,600,000.
Also on display is the model 542J, one of the classics among the brand’s early three-question watches. Its design is minimalist and understated, with a mature and practical case ratio. Such pieces are rarely found in circulation, belonging to a category that collectors pursue discreetly, making them a rare sight at auction.
On the right is the gold version 1463J, estimated price: HK$1,200,000 – 2,400,000.
In the realm of antique chronographs, John Shaw has unveiled two models of the 1463, namely the stainless steel 1463A and the gold 1463J. The steel version features sleek round pushers and a tachymetric scale, showcasing both functionality and distinctiveness, while the gold variant displays elegant lines and a classic design—making it the ultimate dual-version collectible of this model.
John Shaw’s philosophy of collection reflects aesthetic and technical standards through careful selection: it’s not just about possession, but about creation. Each piece has been filtered through the collector’s time, knowledge, and judgment, resulting in a manifestation of values rather than a mere accumulation of items. As the auction market discusses Rare, John Shaw’s collection redefines the term: it’s no longer about scarcity, but about works that possess historical significance, complete provenance, and a clear aesthetic language.
When auction bidding no longer just reflects supply and demand, but begins to respond to the depth of collections and the layers of works, value is redefined. This auction at Christie’s coincidentally becomes a market Value Anchor: the collection by John Shaw could potentially elevate the benchmark for Patek Philippe in the auction market.
Auction Information:
Auction Title: John Shaw Patek Philippe Collection
Auction Date: November 26, 2025 (Wednesday)
Auction Location: Christie’s Hong Kong Asia Pacific Headquarters
Address: One Exchange Square, Central, Hong Kong
Preview Arrangement:
Taipei: October 18-19, 2025
Dubai: October 28-30, 2025
Bangkok: October 30-31, 2025
Beijing: November 3-4, 2025
Shanghai: November 7-8, 2025
Geneva: November 7-10, 2025
Hong Kong: November 20-26, 2025
The preview is open for free public viewing, inviting collectors and investors to contact Christie’s in advance to arrange guided tours and gain insight into the bidding process and details of the auction items.
