For Immediate Release 12 April 2012 Contact: Cristiano de Lorenzo +44 7500 815 344 / +44 207 389

2283 cdelorenzo@christies.com

TOP WATCH PARADE

AT CHRISTIES GENEVA ON MAY 14
IMPORTANT WATCHES
Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues, Geneva Monday 14 May, at 9am & 2pm Geneva - Christie's presents a feast of 414 lots, including the finest antique, vintage and modern watches and wristwatches ever made, to be offered at the Geneva auction on 14 May. Estimated in excess of SFr. 16 million in total, the sale features some of the most exciting rediscoveries, rarities and masterpieces. Amongst the star lots of the sale is an incredibly rare gold two crown world time wristwatch with 24 hour indication and cloisonn enamel dial depicting the map of North America, reference 2523, manufactured by Patek Philippe in 1955 (estimate: SFr.1,600,000-2,600,000; illustrated left). Aurel Bacs, International Head of Christie's Watch Department: Certain watches are of such rarity and importance that they seldom, if ever, appear on the market, and when they do it is a feast for any watch collector. This is the case of the two 1950s Patek Philippe gold watches decorated with enamelled maps of North America, references 2523 and 605. Both these pieces constitute a perfect synthesis of the renowned watchmakers cleverly engineered world time mechanism and their most ingenious designs add the rarest flamboyant artistic enamel dials. They indeed express the Zeitgeist of the Post-War baby boomer years, when America was the driving engine of the planet development and economy. In addition to these two masterpieces, Christie's sales will feature many more top watches, such as the stunning Patek Philippe pink gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moon phases, reference 2499, and the rare Rolex stainless steel triple calendar wristwatch with moon phases, reference 8171. As rare as a pink diamond or a Picasso painting from the pink period, this is one of the only four known examples of this model, and belongs to the elite of the elite of top vintage wristwatches still in private hands.

PATEK PHILIPPE WORLD TIME WATCHES

Few wristwatches epitomize the perfect symbiosis between aesthetic design and the finest horological art as much as Patek Philippe's two crown world time wristwatches. Last seen on the market in 1989, when it was chosen to illustrate the catalogue cover of The Art of Patek Philippe (the legendary thematic auction held in Geneva to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Patek Philippe), the exceptionally rare 1955 gold two crown world time wristwatch with 24 hour indication and cloisonn enamel dial depicting the map of North America, ref. 2523, will highlight Christie's Geneva auction sale of Important Watches (illustrated top left).

Due to the high production costs involved, only a very limited number of this complex timepiece ever left the Patek Philippe factory in the 1950s, and only three other comparable examples have come to the market since the beginning of this century. It has been calculated that only twelve of these survivors were cased in yellow gold, two in pink gold and the only example in white gold is currently exhibited at the prestigious Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva. Few connoisseurs know that Patek Philippe continued to produce pocket-watches with such a world time mechanism after WWII. Equally as rare as their siblings made for the wrist, they are undoubtedly amongst the most beautiful horological treasures of post-war production. The gold openface world time watch with cloisonn enamel dial depicting a map of the Americas, reference 605, is one of those. Manufactured in 1950, this example has only had three owners since new, and is offered in extraordinary condition (estimate: SFr.200,000-400,000; illustrated on the previous page, below right).

LA VIE EN ROSE

OF PATEK PHILIPPE

Certain Patek Philippe wristwatches are so rare that in whatever version or condition they come to the market they can be considered as events by themselves. When an ultra-rare rose gold version (corresponding to only some 10% of the entire production) appears it is a sensation. When a pink gold example of the reference 2499 comes to the market in totally original and unrestored condition, and sourced directly from the original owners family it is the opportunity of a lifetime for any collector. This reference 2499 first series in rose gold was never listed, mentioned in literature nor offered at a public auction before and is sold directly from the family of its original owner (estimate: SFr.1,200,000-1,800,000, illustrated top right). Reference 2499 is acknowledged as one of the world's ultimate watch models ever created and has greatly influenced the designs of many of the most renowned watchmakers. Introduced to the market in 1950, it replaced the legendary reference 1518, the world's first perpetual calendar wristwatch with chronograph ever made. Over a period of 35 years, reference 2499 was made in four series in a total production of only 349 pieces, the majority cased in yellow gold. Of similar rarity and beauty is the very desirable pink gold dual time zone wristwatch with additional independently adjustable jumping hour hand, reference 2597, manufactured by Patek Philippe in 1961 (estimate: SFr.350,000-550,000; illustrated left). Created in order to show different time zones at the same time, this model is the witness of an era when the international society started travelling across the continents. However the idea did not prove to be popular at the time and the production was promptly dismissed. As a consequence there are very few existing examples from this series and the current lot is a musthave in a top watch collection.

19TH WATCHES AND AUTOMATONS

Probably the most demanding clients in the history of watchmaking, in terms of design and function as well as quality and finishes, were the members of the Chinese Imperial court. Collectors, specialists, and museum curators continue to be amazed by the beauty, artistic intricacy, mechanical and aesthetical elements that characterize the pieces created for those Chinese connoisseurs.

Offering a spectacular combination of lavishly decorated case and highly complex movement, the multi-coloured gold and enamel musical singing bird box by Frres Rochat and Joly & Chenevard is the perfect example of a decorative object possibly made for a Chinese dignitary (estimate: SFr.100,000-150,000; illustrated on the previous page, below right). Painted in the style of Jean-Franois-Victor Dupont, the enamel scene depicts a story from the Book of the Apocrypha, set in Babylon and involving two elders appointed as judges who become enamoured with the beautiful and pious Susanna, wife of the wealthy Joakim. Since it was purchased at Christie 's Geneva's European Silver and Objects of Vertu auction in 1986, this singing bird box has remained in the same private collection and will be offered with its fitted presentation box.

THE ROLEX STAR LOTS

Holding the world record in the field of Rolex timepieces, Christie's watch department is proud to have been entrusted with the sale of what appears to be the most beautiful and exclusive selection of watches by Rolex to come to the market this season. The highlight of this section is an extremely rare and large stainless steel triple calendar wristwatch with moon phases, reference 8171, circa 1955 (illustrated above right). This legendary reference in steel is a model regularly available on the international market, however the present lot is famous for being one of the most valuable, best preserved and original example to have survived (estimated: SFr.200,000-300,000). Equally rare is the Rolex reference 6098, which features the most exclusive dial variant ever seen on such a model, with star indexes mounted on a black enamel dial. This example is coming to the market for the first time from a distinguished private collection, it is unpublished and offered in perfect condition (estimate: SFr.100,000-150,000; illustrated left).

ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Christie's sale of Important Watches will also feature a number of other extraordinary vintage wristwatches. Among the best examples is a very rare white gold minute repeating wristwatch, reference 6448, manufactured by Vacheron Constantin in 1961 (estimate: SFr.150,000-250,000; illustrated right). Minute repeating mechanisms are the rarest function one can find in vintage wristwatches and there are only a handful of manufacturers that have ever dared to attempt their production. Made throughout the 1920s to the 1960s their shapes have evolved over time, but scholars are not aware of any other minute repetition wristwatches cased in white gold of such a large scale as the example on offer at Christies (36 mm.). In fact the combination of masculine yet elegant case proportion, the ultra-rare white gold case and its impeccable condition make this wristwatch one of the most beautiful minute repeater watches ever created by any manufacturer.

Audemars Piguet chronographs are distinguished by their unique designs. Compared to their peers from other renowned Geneva watchmakers from the same period, they add a playful touch to their perfectly masculine proportions. Among them, examples in pink gold are extremely rare: we have actually never seen or handled before an example of a chronograph wristwatch in pink gold created by Audemars Piguet. Manufactured in 1941 and kept in incredible condition, it is estimated at SFr.40,000-60,000 (illustrated left).

RICHARD MILLE FOR CHARITY THE UNIQUE RM33 SENTEBALE WRISTWATCH, NO. 01/01 Christie's international watch department has always been particularly keen to support charitable institutions and this season will make no exception. We are honored that Richard Mille has chosen Christie's to offer for sale the unique red gold RM 033 automatic caliber No. 01/01, ref. RM033 AJ RG/000, especially made in 2012 to benefit Sentebale, the charitable institution founded by Prince Harry and by Prince Seeiso of the Lesotho Royal Family in response to the plight of Lesothos neediest children, and Tusk Trust, a 20 year old organization which funds conservation and community development programs across Africa under the patronage of the Duke of Cambridge (illustrated below; see attached document for additional information).

CHRISTIE'S
Important Watches Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues - 33 quai des Bergues, Geneva Auction: Monday 14 May 2012, at 9am & 2pm Viewings in Geneva: Friday 11 May, 10am-6pm Saturday 12 May, 10am-7pm Sunday 13 May, 10am-6pm International Tour: Christie's New York 20 Rockefeller Plaza 14-15 April, 10am-6pm 16 April 10am-2pm Beijing Great Hall, 2nd floor of Hotel, The St. Regis Building, 21 Jianguomenwai Dajie 21-22 April, 10am-6pm Shanghai The Peninsula, No. 32, The Bund, 32 Zhongshan Dong Yi Road 24-25 April, 10am-6pm Christie's Hong Kong 22nd Floor, Alexandra House, 18 Chater Road, Central 27 April, 10am-6pm 28 April, 10am-5.30pm

About Christies Christies, the world's leading art business, had global auction and private sales in 2011 that totaled 3.6 billion/$5.7 billion. Christies is a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service and expertise, as well as international glamour. Founded in 1766 by James Christie, Christie's has since conducted the greatest and most celebrated auctions through the centuries providing a popular showcase for the unique and the beautiful. Christies offers over 450 auctions annually in over 80 categories, including all areas of fine and decorative arts, jewellery, photographs, collectibles, wine, and more. Prices range from $200 to over $100 million. Christie's also has a long and successful history conducting private sales for its clients in all categories, with emphasis on Post-War and Contemporary, Impressionist and Modern, Old Masters and Jewellery. Private sales totaled 502 million / $808.6m in 2011, an increase of 44% on the previous year. Christies has a global presence with 53 offices in 32 countries and 10 salerooms around the world including in London, New York, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Dubai, Zrich, and Hong Kong. More recently, Christies has led the market with expanded initiatives in growth markets such as Russia, China, India and the United Arab Emirates, with successful sales and exhibitions in Beijing, Mumbai and Dubai. *Estimates do not include buyers premium. Sales totals are hammer price plus buyers premium and do not reflect costs, financing fees or application of buyers or sellers credits. ### Images available on request Visit Christies Website at www.christies.com

For Immediate Release 12 April 2012 Contact: Cristiano de Lorenzo +44 7500 815 344 / +44 207 389 2283 cdelorenzo@christies.com

REDISCOVERY
CHRISTIES TO OFFER THE MOST IMPORTANT

BREGUET WATCHES
TO COME TO THE MARKET IN A GENERATION
To be offered in the Christie's auction of Important Watches Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues, Geneva Monday 14 May, at 2pm Geneva - On 14 May 2012 Christie's will offer for sale the most important antique watches by Breguet seen at auction in a generation. Recently-discovered and previously unrecorded publicly, they have surfaced from the private collection of a European noble family and were created by the hands of AbrahamLouis Breguet (1747-1823). The revolutionary master and founder of Breguet only produced some 4,500 pieces during his lifetime, the majority of which are kept in the most prestigious private collections or in museums. The most spectacular example is a gold precision watch with two movements, signed Breguet et Fils, no. 2667, which was sold in August 1814 to a Mr. Garcias of London for the sum of 5,000 francs; the watch is now offered with an estimate of SFr.800,000-1,400,000 (US$890,000-1,600,000 / 670,000-1,200,000); illustrated left and below right. Aurel Bacs, Head of Christie's Watch Department: It is an extraordinary and rare occasion when a watch created by the legendary Abraham-Louis Breguet comes to the market. Having two Breguet masterpieces considered to be key milestones in the history of horology in the same sale is simply unique. In fact on 14 May Christie's Geneva will offer for sale the finest examples from the legendary watchmakers production in absolutely perfect condition. Breguet watches were at the time the most prestigious and most costly in the world and were only created for royal and imperial families and aristocracy, or highranking generals and politicians, and the remainder for extremely wealthy business people and bankers. This is a lifetime opportunity for any serious watch collector to purchase a true museum quality timepiece.

The first piece of this exceptional collection is a great Montre deux mouvements (no. 2667); illustrated on the previous page. This is the first experimental watch created by Breguet with two complete movements (barrels, gear trains, escapements and balance), with the purpose of obtaining the ultimate rating of his timepieces through the physical phenomenon of resonance. Recorded as sold for the first time in August 1814 to a Mr. Garcias of London for the amount of 5,000 francs, then resold on 30 April 1856 to Eugne Emmanuel de SavoieVillafranca-Soissons (1816-1888), Prince of Carignan, Count of Villafranca, for the amount of 4,500 francs, scholars believe that Breguet only made three examples of this type of watch (the very first one being the present watch, the second created for George IV, King of England, the third was executed for the French crown; the latter two are now kept in the Jerusalem museum;). This is the first time ever that such an important watch by Breguet has come to the market (estimate: SFr.800,000-1,400,000 / US$890,000-1,600,000 / 670,0001,200,000). Equally extraordinary is a large Half-quarter repeating watch, with equation of time (No. 4111); illustrated below right. Among the fifteen equation of time watches (indicating the difference between the mean time and the real or solar time) manufactured by Breguet and his son Antoine-Louis Breguet (1776-1858) between 1790 and 1830, this is one of only two watches with two independent dials offering an easier reading of the mean time and the real time as well as a quarter and half-quarter repeating mechanism. Originally created for the banker Peyronnet, before being bought back by Breguet and then re-sold in 1834 to Count Charles de lEspine, this watch will be offered with an estimate of SFr.800,000-1,400,000 (US$890,000-1,600,000 / 670,0001,200,000). Besides these masterpieces other great examples from the same collection are also featured in the Christie's Geneva sale, including an antique Breguet minute repeating watch (No. 2903) with jump centre seconds, considered to be an ancestor of the chronograph mechanism, and other rare period examples by Breguet, as well as by Louis Moinet (17681853), Mugnier Le Jeune, Louis Berthoud (17541813) and the Frres Berthoud, sons of the latter. Abraham-Louis Breguet Known as the watchmakers of the kings, the king of the watchmakers, Abraham-Louis Breguet (1747-1823) is widely acknowledged for having set the standard by which all fine watchmaking has been judged ever since. He was born in Neuchtel, Switzerland, but it was in Paris that he spent most of his productive life. No aspect of watchmaking escaped his study, and his inventions were as fundamental to horology as they were varied. His career started with a series of breakthroughs: the development of the successful self-winding or perpetuelle watches, the introduction of the gongs for repeating watches and the first shock-protection for balance pivots. Louis XVI and his Queen, Marie-Antoinette, were early enthusiasts of Breguets watchmaking. Each watch from his workshops demonstrated the latest horological improvements in an original movement, mostly fitted with lever or ruby-cylinder escapements that he perfected. Breguet took refuge in Switzerland from the excesses of the French Revolution. He returned to Paris overflowing with the ideas that produced the Breguet balance-spring, his first carriage clock (sold to Bonaparte), the sympathique clock and its dependent watch, the tact watch, and finally the tourbillon, patented in 1801. Breguet became the indispensable watchmaker to the scientific, military, financial and diplomatic elites of the age. His timepieces ruled the courts of Europe, and for his most celebrated clients, Breguet designed the most exceptional timepieces. For Caroline Murat, queen of Naples, he conceived in 1810 the worlds very first wristwatch. Honours saluted his enormous contribution to horology: appointed to the Board of Longitude and as chronometermaker to the navy, he entered the Academy of Sciences and received the Legion of Honour from the hands of Louis XVIII. When he died in 1823, all mourned the architect of the greatest revolution in the science and art of timekeeping.

CHRISTIE'S
Important Watches
Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues - 33 quai des Bergues, Geneva Auction: Monday 14 May 2012, at 9am & 2pm Viewings in Geneva: Friday 11 May, 10am-6pm Saturday 12 May, 10am-7pm Sunday 13 May, 10am-6pm International Tour: Christie's New York 20 Rockefeller Plaza 14-15 April, 10am-6pm 16 April 10am-2pm Beijing Great Hall, 2nd floor of Hotel, The St. Regis Building, 21 Jianguomenwai Dajie 21-22 April, 10am-6pm Shanghai The Peninsula, No. 32, The Bund, 32 Zhongshan Dong Yi Road 24-25 April, 10am-6pm Christie's Hong Kong 22nd Floor, Alexandra House, 18 Chater Road, Central 27 April, 10am-6pm 28 April, 10am-5.30pm
We are indebted to Montres Breguet SA for the special authorisation to reproduce such an important and historical document from their Archives.

About Christies Christies, the world's leading art business, had global auction and private sales in 2011 that totaled 3.6 billion/$5.7 billion. Christies is a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service and expertise, as well as international glamour. Founded in 1766 by James Christie, Christie's has since conducted the greatest and most celebrated auctions through the centuries providing a popular showcase for the unique and the beautiful. Christies offers over 450 auctions annually in over 80 categories, including all areas of fine and decorative arts, jewellery, photographs, collectibles, wine, and more. Prices range from $200 to over $100 million. Christie's also has a long and successful history conducting private sales for its clients in all categories, with emphasis on Post-War and Contemporary, Impressionist and Modern, Old Masters and Jewellery. Private sales totaled 502 million / $808.6m in 2011, an increase of 44% on the previous year. Christies has a global presence with 53 offices in 32 countries and 10 salerooms around the world including in London, New York, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Dubai, Zrich, and Hong Kong. More recently, Christies has led the market with expanded initiatives in growth markets such as Russia, China, India and the United Arab Emirates, with successful sales and exhibitions in Beijing, Mumbai and Dubai. *Estimates do not include buyers premium. Sales totals are hammer price plus buyers premium and do not reflect costs, financing fees or application of buyers or sellers credits. ### Images available on request Visit Christies Website at www.christies.com

RICHARD MILLE OFFERS RM 033 PIECE UNIQUE WRISTWATCH AT CHRISTIES GENEVA MAY AUCTION OF IMPORTANT WATCHES IN AID OF SENTEBALE AND TUSK TRUST CHARITIES

On May 14th Richard Mille will auction the RM 033 Sentebale at Christies Important Watches sale, Geneva. The watch was donated by Richard Mille in aid of the Sentebale and Tusk Trusts charitable work. This unique RM 033 automatic caliber comes in an 18k red gold case, black rubber strap and red gold buckle. The colors of the dial take inspiration from the Sentebale logo which is discretely reproduced on the back sapphire glass. Richard Mille paid homage to Sentebale and Tusk Trust whose Patrons are Prince Harry and The Duke of Cambridge respectively by donating this extraordinary piece during last years edition of the British Polo Day Charity Cup. A quintessential celebration of the finest polo, the day attracted VIP guests and members of several royal families including Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, who is the Co-Patron of Sentebale alongside Prince Harry. In a letter to Richard Mille, Kedge Martin (CEO of Sentebale) and Charles Mayhew MBE (CEO of Tusk Trust) expressed their deepest gratitude for the generous support to the charities. The letter said: Through the creation of this unique RM 033 Sentebale timepiece (No. 01/01) and your participation in the 2011 British Polo Day Charity Cup Richard Mille are directly enabling both charities to continue their valuable work throughout Africa. It continued: Prince William and Prince Harry are proud Patrons of Tusk and Sentebale, as they are causes very close to both of their hearts. The RM 033 features a skeletonized automatic winding movement with hours and minutes, integrated offcenter monoblock platinum rotor, free sprung balance with variable inertia, power reserve of 42 hours and baseplate in grade 5 titanium with Titalyt treatment. Before the auction the RM 033 Sentebale will be on display during a series of selected viewings Christies will host in New York (14-15-16 April), Beijing (21-22 April), Shanghai (24-25 April), Hong Kong (27-28 April), and Geneva (11-12-13 May).

ABOUT SENTEBALE Sentebale was founded by Prince Harry and by Prince Seeiso of the Lesotho Royal Family in response to the plight of Lesothos neediest children. Sentebale has been supporting children living with HIV and their families to improve their health and quality of life. Since its beginning Sentebale has also been responding to the needs of the Herd Boys, working to meet some of their basic needs and improving access to education for this hard to reach group of children. Working with grassroots organisations, Sentebale supports their efforts to care for vulnerable and disabled children and strengthen their capacity to provide quality care. ABOUT TUSK TRUST Tusk Trust is a dynamic organization, which has 20 years of experience initiating and funding conservation and community development programs right across Africa. In 2005 Prince William became the charitys Royal Patron. Since its formation in 1990 by Charles Mayhew MBE and Sir Timothy Ackroyd Bt., Tusk has supported more than 100 projects and invested over 10 million into the field. Tusks current portfolio of 40 field projects spread across 17 African countries is designed not only to protect wildlife, particularly endangered species, but to help alleviate poverty and encourage sustainable development and education amongst many poor rural communities who live alongside wildlife. ABOUT CHRISTIES Christies is a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service and expertise. Founded in 1766 by James Christie, Christies conducted the greatest auctions of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, and today remains a popular showcase for the unique and beautiful. In 2011 Christies global sales of watches surpassed the US$100 million barrier for the first time, making it not only the most successful year for the category for the firm, but also a record year for any auction house in the history of watch sales. No less than 1,000 bidders from 40 or more different countries participated at every Christies watch sale in 2011, demonstrating how this category knows no bounds. Christies International Watch Team distinguish themselves by securing and successfully selling at auction watches of the highest quality and rarity, meeting the taste and expectations of the savviest clientele.