Most of the world’s biggest watch collectors like to be private about their amassed treasures.
Not so French entrepreneur Patrick Getreide, who made his fortune acquiring and selling companies and spent it on over 500 exquisite timepieces; many of them unique or the finest examples of their kind.
Dubbed One of A Kind, or the OAK Collection, Mr Getreide’s safe contains rare vintage watches from the 20th century as well as contemporary one of one or commissioned pieces from the likes of Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Breguet, Akrivia and Voutilainen.
The OAK Collection was put on public view in 2022 at an event in London that attracted interest from across the world.
“I am completely crazy about Patek Philippe – it is my true passion, along with Rolex and the watchmakers of the 21st century who are developing horology for a new generation,” Mr Getreide said at the time of the OAK Collection exhibition.
At the time, Mr Getreide, dodged questions about whether he would ever sell the watches, but the expense of the London event suggested that a man who made his fortune buying and selling companies would have an exit plan for the collection.
And so it has proved, with Christie’s in Hong Kong charged with liquidating 142 of his assets at an auction on November 26.
The sale is described as Part 1 of the sale, but no date or location has been revealed for sales of the remaining watches in the OAK Collection.
Top lots at the OAK Collection auction
(Descriptions and estimates from Christie’s)
AUDEMARS PIGUET
An extremely rare and important 18k gold perpetual calendar wristwatch with leap year and moon phases indication. Ref. 5516.
With only nine ever produced—three in the first series and six in the second—this timepiece is a rare find. The watch offered in this sale is arguably in the most pristine condition amongst the six known market examples of the reference.
Est: HK$6,500,000 – 13,000,000 ($825,000 – $1.65m)
PATEK PHILIPPE
A highly attractive and very rare 18k gold split seconds chronograph wristwatch with black dial. Ref. 1436, made in 1950.
Produced between 1938 and 1971, this model has only 120 yellow gold examples adorning the world. Today, a mere 59 are known to exist publicly, with fewer than half a dozen boasting a black dial.
The allure of this particular watch lies in its unique dial configuration, potentially marking it as the only known example of its kind.
Est: HK$4,000,000 – 8,000,000 ($508,000 – $1.16m)
AKRIVIA
A unique stainless steel semi-skeletonised wristwatch with power reserve. Ref. AK-06, circa 2022.
The Akrivia AK-06, one of the most sought-after contemporary wristwatches from an independent maker, debuted at Baselworld in 2017.
This timepiece, the brand’s first non-tourbillon, time-only creation, was exclusively crafted for the owner of the OAK Collection. It boasts a specially commissioned blue dial, marking it as a one-of-a-kind piece.
Est: HK$3,200,000 – 6,400,000 ($406,000 – $812,000)
BREGUET
A stainless steel chronograph wristwatch, previously owned by Formula 1 World Champion Sir Jack Brabham Type XX Model.
Previously owned by Formula One Champion Jack Brabham, this first-generation chronograph carries an engraved caseback that reads “Esso J.B. Champion Du Monde 1959.”
As one of the earliest models of Breguet’s Type XX chronographs, it holds a special place in horological and motor racing history.
Est: HK$2,400,000 – 4,800,000 ($304,000 to $608,000)
PATEK PHILIPPE
A unique and exceptional 18k gold and sapphire-set pocket watch with cloisonné enamel depicting Lac Blanc, dial with Breguet numerals and matching yellow gold and marble pocket watch stand. Ref. 992/108J-001, circa 2021.
Est: HK$2,000,000 – 4,000,000 ($256,000 – $512,000)
VOUTILAINEN
A unique stainless steel wristwatch with dual time and day/night indication, made for only watch 2015. GMT-6 model.
This unique GMT-6 dual-time model, encased in stainless steel with an 18k white gold crown, was crafted exclusively for the esteemed biennial “Only Watch” charity auction in 2015.
More than just a timepiece, this wristwatch stands as a testament to Voutilainen’s commitment to excellence and philanthropy.
Est: HK$1,600,000 – 3,200,000 ($205,000 – $410,000)
BREGUET
A very rare and unusual stainless steel automatic wristwatch with sweep centre seconds and date. Sold in 1962.
The Breguet Ref. 1646, born in 1965, carries a legacy of rarity and intrigue. With only 60 such models ever made, this vintage diver’s watch, also known as “montre plongeur,” is a cherished treasure, often elusive to even the most dedicated collectors.
Its existence was revealed through the meticulous research of timepiece enthusiasts in recent years. This captivating find continues to weave its charm in the world of horology.
Est: HK$800,000 – 1,600,000 ($102,000 – $204,000)
THE BIG INTERVIEW: Patrick Getreide reveals the secrets behind his mighty OAK watch collection
