Abu Dhabi, UAE, Geneva, and SingaporeMay 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The global watch collecting community is eagerly awaiting a special auction this week, where a collection of once-in-a-lifetime timepiece treasures will be presented by FutureGrail. The renowned auction house anticipates a bidding frenzy for extremely rare vintage timepieces. The auction lineup includes unique Patek Philippe models, exquisite Vacheron Constantin pendant watches, rare Audemars Piguet pocket watches, and highly sought-after Rolex models.
Lot 23 – Patek Philippe Ref. 2549/1J – 1954 Patek Philippe Ref. 2549/1J Turtle Lugs, 18K yellow gold, with a silver guilloché tropical dial, only eight known to exist
Rolex by George Daniels
Collectors will also focus on Lot 33 – a special Oyster Perpetual “Datejust” watch designed by George Daniels. The renowned British master watchmaker George Daniels is widely regarded as one of the greatest watchmakers in history.
Lot 33 – Rolex Datejust with George Daniels Co-Axial Escapement – Rolex Datejust Ref. 16220, with George Daniels Co-Axial Escapement, circa 1988
Exceptional Audemars Piguet Pocket Watch
A stunning lot is an Audemars Piguet “Triple Complication” Art Deco pocket watch made for retailer E. Gübelin in 1911. Only ten are known to exist, and another 18K white gold example last appeared at auction in 1990. The bidding price could far exceed the conservative estimate of $200,000 to $400,000.
Unique and Exquisite Patek Philippe Timepieces
Perhaps the most eye-catching piece is an extremely rare 1954 Patek Philippe Turtle Lugs (Ref. 2549/1J), featuring a silver guilloché engraved dial with a tropical copper-green patina. It is one of only eight known examples, with a case crafted by Markowski, and is exceptionally beautiful. The name “Turtle Lugs” refers to the curved lugs shaped like a turtle’s flippers. It is truly a “holy grail” for collectors.
Other Patek Philippe Highlights:
- A unique Patek Philippe Ref. 3589/90G Ellipse d’Or (Golden Ellipse series), 18K white gold case, set with diamonds, black onyx dial
- The world’s only 1995 Patek Philippe Ref. 4700/160J, yellow gold vertical tramé ribbed dial, set with diamonds and rubies
- A 1955 Ref. 2526 G HB (second generation) white gold round watch set with diamonds, featuring a silver tropical dial
- A limited edition World Time Moon (Ref. 5575 G – 001) created to celebrate the brand’s 175th anniversary.
FutureGrail CEO Ali Nael stated: “Our May auction offers collectors a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own some of the world’s rarest timepieces. Many of these watches may not appear on the auction market again for a generation.”
Several auction timepieces are featured in Nael’s book “My Dream Collection”.
FutureGrail is one of the world’s leading auction houses for top-tier timepieces, with a museum in Singapore and a growing global presence in Switzerland and the UAE.
The FutureGrail May online auction will take place from May 9 to 12 at www.futuregrail.com/auctions. Buyer’s and seller’s commissions are both 6% of the hammer price.