GENEVA — A collection of watches belonging to the Formula 1 legend, Michael Schumacher, fetched around 4 million Swiss francs ($4.41 million) at an auction held by Christie’s in Geneva on Tuesday.
The auction featured eight exquisite timepieces, including renowned brands such as Rolex, F.P. Journe, and Audemars Piguet. These watches were put up for sale by the Schumacher family, marking a rare occasion since the racing great has remained out of public view following a severe skiing accident in 2013.
Among the collection, a custom-made F.P. Journe watch stood out. This watch, engraved with a personal message and gifted to Schumacher by his Ferrari team principal Jean Todt as a Christmas present, was sold for an impressive 1.5 million Swiss francs, falling just short of its 2 million francs estimate.
Another highlight of the auction was a customized Royal Oak by Audemars Piguet. This watch exceeded its estimated value of 150,000 to 250,000 francs, selling for a final price of 415,800 Swiss francs.
Remi Guillemin, Christie’s Head of Watches in Europe, expressed the excitement of the collectors, stating, “Collectors were so happy to discover these timepieces filled with history.”
The lots linked to the 55-year-old seven-time world champion Schumacher form part of a broader collection owned by the family. The auction, originally scheduled for Monday, was postponed at short notice due to a cyber attack on Christie’s.
This auction not only highlighted the value of these timepieces but also the enduring legacy of Michael Schumacher in the world of Formula 1 and beyond.
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