Michael Schumacher’s Watch Collection Is Going Up For Auction
By: Xavi Panlilio | Posted: April 26, 2024
Fangio, Senna, Hamilton, Lauda- In the annals of motorsport history, one name towers above all others with an air of unmatched brilliance – Michael Schumacher. Born on January 3, 1969, in Hurth-Hermulheim, Germany, Schumacher’s journey from a karting prodigy to a Formula One legend is a narrative woven with grit, determination, and an insatiable hunger for victory. His illustrious career spans over two decades, during which he redefined the essence of racing, amassing a staggering seven World Championships and a total of 91 Grand Prix victories.
However, amidst the accolades and admiration, Schumacher’s journey took an unexpected turn following a tragic skiing accident in December 2013, which left him with severe head injuries. Since then, the details of his health have been closely guarded. Yet, the legacy of Michael Schumacher endures as a beacon of inspiration, reminding us of the boundless potential of the resilience of the human spirit. As we reflect on his achievements and await updates on his condition, one thing remains unequivocally clear – Michael Schumacher’s impact on motorsport transcends generations, his legacy etched into the very fabric of racing history as an indomitable force that shall forever endure.
©Christie’s
To pay homage to the racing legend, this coming May 13, 2024, Christie’s will auction off eight watches from his personal collection that highlight key moments in his three-decade career in their upcoming Rare Watches Live Auction. The auction will include a section dedicated to the retired German driver’s luxury timepieces and take place during the 30th anniversary of the driver’s first F1 championship.
©Christie’s
The first piece to hit the auction block is his Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph, which was commissioned as a gift by his mentor at Ferrari, Jean Todt. This watch was a gift to commemorate the 6th F1 Championship achieved by Schumacher. The watch was made in white gold. It features a custom dial with bespoke details on its subcounters and the Ferrari prancing horse emblem on the subsidiary seconds dial above the 6 o’clock marker. The number “1” in the 30-minute register dial is surrounded by six stars representing Michael Schumacher’s 6 World Championship victories between 1994 and 2003 by the three o clock marker, and on the 12-hour register is Schumacher’s red racing helmet by the 9 o’clock marker. The case back also has an engraved personal dedication, recording the six F1 World Championship wins achieved.
©Christie’s
Another highlight in the auction is his unique F.P. Journe Vagabondage 1, given to Schumacher to commemorate his record-setting seventh world championship victory in 2004. Its bespoke dial has a Ferrari red base with 7-hour markers representing his 7 championship trophies, 1 marker with the number 7, 1 marker with his helmet, and one marker with the Ferrari logo, all encircling the 18-carat gold movement inscribed with a personal message.
©Christie’s
The auction will include his Rolex Daytona “Paul Newman” Ref 6262. Schumacher was a known collector of watches and has an extensive collection. He was also an ambassador for Omega when he won his third F1 Championship and his first with Ferrari in 2000. At the time, Omega released a special edition Speedmaster Racing Chronograph with Schumacher’s signature on the case back.
His collection of timepieces is estimated to have a value in the millions and will be available for preview in a traveling tour going to LA, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Dubai and New York before returning to Geneva, where it will be auctioned at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues by Christie’s. The Rare Watches Live Auction will take place on May 13 2024, at 2pm Geneva time.
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