F1 legend Schumacher’s watches in pole position at auction
Some rare and incredibly exciting watches, including the property of Michael Schumacher, are up for auction by Christie’s next week.
Timepieces by Rolex, F.P. Journe and Audemars Piguet are among a brilliant selection in Geneva, commemorating some of the Formula One legend’s iconic achievements.
May 13’s sale marks 30 years since the German won his first title and watches from his personal collection are up for grabs.
Untouchable
Between 1994 and 2010, Schumacher was untouchable in motor racing – a true sporting legend of his time.
He left school to become a mechanic but soon left when he realised he wanted to be behind the wheel, rather than mending cars. He joined the Benetton Formula One team in 1991, with whom he won championship titles in 1994 and 1995 before he left to go to Ferrari.
Schumacher’s 1999 season was interrupted by a broken leg incurred in a crash at the British Grand Prix but in 2000 he won another championship and the next four seasons, making him the first driver to win five consecutive titles and seven altogether – a record that remains today.
Schumacher sustained an injury in a skiing accident that has meant he has not been in the public eye since 2013, with his family defending his privacy. So when his watches were offered up for auction recently, it certainly came as a speculative surprise.
Here are some of the incredible offerings from Schumacher’s private collection:
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph
In 2003, Schumacher secured his sixth World Championship title at the Japanese Grand Prix, overcoming a 16-point deficit against major rival Kimi Räikkönen. This achievement broke Juan Manuel Fangio’s 46-year-old record of five World Championships.
To honor Schumacher’s accomplishment, Jean Todt, Ferrari’s general manager, commissioned a white-gold chronograph from Audemars Piguet. The watch is quite the gift – it was personalised with Ferrari’s logo on the seconds dial, Schumacher’s red helmet on the 12-hour dial, and six stars around the number one on the 30-minute dial, symbolising six F1 victories.
It also has an engraved dedication on the back of the case.
Rolex Daytona 1971 ~ Paul Newman
First debuted in 1963, the Daytona took its name from the international speedway in Florida.
Schumacher’s 1971 Daytona has a rare ‘Paul Newman’ dial with a distinct red outer seconds register.
This dial is named after the famous actor and racer who wore this variant – and is what makes Daytonas highly coveted. And given its racing heritage, it’s no surprise that Schumacher has one.
Paul Newman’s own personal ‘Paul Newman’ Daytona became the most expensive wristwatch ever sold, when it went under the hammer in New York in 2017, selling for an incredible $17.8 million.
F.P Journe Vagabondage
Yet another present from his mentor Jean Todt, the F.P Journe Vagabondage 1 model from 2004, features a platinum case and a personalised dial in Ferrari red.
It boasts the horse logo at 9 o’clock and a Schumacher’s race helmet at 3 o’clock. And in tribute are seven FIA globes to represent world championship wins. This one should fetch up to £2.2 million.
More auction offerings
There are five other watches under the hammer from Schumacher. It’s the complete F.P Journe Ruthenium Collection Set. These Ruthenium timepieces date between 2001 and 2003.
While these watches have the same serial number – it’s very unusual to see a set intact and preserved so well – it’s also unlikely that the original owner still has them all. These watches are being sold as individual lots.
Schumacher’s unique collection offers the chance to win a part of racing history.
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