Historical Patek Philippe Watch Owned by Last Emperor of China Sells for Record $5.1 Million

In a momentous auction held in Hong Kong, a historic timepiece once worn by the last emperor of China’s Qing Dynasty, Aisin-Gioro Puyi, has fetched an astounding HK$40 million ($5.1 million). The rare Patek Philippe watch, which has a fascinating provenance tied to the life of the emperor, surpassed all expectations and set a new record for any wristwatch formerly owned by an emperor.

The Patek Philippe Reference 96 Quantieme Lune watch, one of only eight known to exist, was acquired by an Asian collector residing in Hong Kong, who placed the winning bid over the phone, as announced by the auction house. This exceptional timepiece was personally gifted by Puyi to his Russian interpreter during his imprisonment by the Soviet Union. The final price achieved at the auction exceeded the estimated value of $3 million, solidifying its status as a highly coveted collector’s item.

Renowned watch specialist Thomas Perazzi, head of watches at Phillips Asia, described this sale as “the highest result” ever achieved for a wristwatch with imperial provenance. The remarkable history and rarity of the Patek Philippe timepiece undoubtedly contributed to its exceptional value.

Born in 1906, Aisin-Gioro Puyi ascended to the throne as the last Emperor of China’s Qing dynasty at the tender age of two. His life and reign have since captivated the world, even inspiring the Oscar-winning film “The Last Emperor.” However, Puyi’s tumultuous journey took a dramatic turn during World War II when he was captured by the Soviet Red Army at Shenyang Airport in 1945. He spent five years detained as a war prisoner in a camp in Khabarovsk, Russia.

The watch’s fascinating backstory, meticulously researched and verified by the auction house, sheds light on its historical significance. Puyi presented the timepiece to his Russian interpreter, Georgy Permyakov, on his final day in the Soviet Union, just before his extradition back to China. This act exemplified Puyi’s gratitude and deep connection with those who held a special place in his life.

A Patek Philippe Reference 96 Quantieme Lune and a leather-bound printed edition of Confucius’ Analects formerly from the collection of Aisin-Giro Puyi.jpg

The auction house dedicated three years to collaborate with experts in watchmaking, historians, journalists, and scientists to unravel the watch’s provenance and authenticate its historical importance. According to Perazzi, the Patek Philippe timepiece is considered one of the finest creations of its time, further enhancing its desirability and collector’s value.

The sale of this remarkable watch follows in the footsteps of other historical timepieces once owned by emperors, which have also fetched significant sums at auction. Notable examples include a Patek Philippe watch belonging to the last Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie, sold for $2.9 million in 2017, and a Rolex watch once owned by the last Emperor of Vietnam, Bao Dai, which achieved $5 million in 2017.

As the gavel fell on this historic auction, the extraordinary Patek Philippe watch embarked on a new chapter in its illustrious journey. Its record-breaking sale highlights the enduring allure of timepieces with rich historical connections, captivating collectors and enthusiasts alike. The watch serves as a tangible link to the fascinating life of Aisin-Gioro Puyi, encapsulating the legacy of the last emperor of China and the enduring allure of the Patek Philippe brand.

Indeed, this remarkable sale serves as a testament to the timeless appeal and enduring value of historically significant watches, reminding us of the indelible mark that great figures from history can leave on the world.