Al Kowsky Posted May 28, 2023 · Member Share Posted May 28, 2023 Aisin Gioro Puyi's wristwatch sold two days ago for $6.2 million 😮! He ruled China from 1908 to 1912 & died in 1967. He gave the watch to his Russian interpreter on his last day in a Russian prison camp. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/china-last-emperor-watch-auction-180982253/ 16 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benefactor robinjojo Posted May 28, 2023 · Benefactor Benefactor Share Posted May 28, 2023 That's a good chunk of change, and Patek Philippe watches are top of the line, but I am sure whoever bought it did so for its historical significance. Sill, I think I will stick with my trusty Gruen automatic, circa 1969-70, watch that I purchased new at a "job lot" store near City Hall in New York City in 1974. This watch has been my sole time piece for nearly 50 years, lovingly maintained. I hope it lasts the duration! The strap, by the way, is an old twist-o-flex replacement purchased back around 1980.   10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seth77 Posted May 28, 2023 · Member Share Posted May 28, 2023 Interesting, it seems that it was sold in Hong Kong so it likely "returned" to China. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benefactor DonnaML Posted May 29, 2023 · Benefactor Benefactor Share Posted May 29, 2023 Wow -- "the 'highest result' for a wristwatch once belonging to an emperor." One wonders just how large the universe of "wristwatches formerly owned by emperors that have been sold at auction" actually is! In any event, just wait until I sell my wristwatch that was once owned by the Emperor Caligula, from an old Swiss collection. It has Roman numerals and everything. 3 5 5 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hotwheelsearl Posted May 29, 2023 · Member Share Posted May 29, 2023 Back in grad school I did a deep dive into Puyi. Tragic character. Ruled China and Manchukuo without having truly ruled a single day. Became a common gardener after prison. Oh how the mighty have fallen. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Kowsky Posted May 29, 2023 · Member Author Share Posted May 29, 2023 (edited) 10 hours ago, DonnaML said: Wow -- "the 'highest result' for a wristwatch once belonging to an emperor." One wonders just how large the universe of "wristwatches formerly owned by emperors that have been sold at auction" actually is! In any event, just wait until I sell my wristwatch that was once owned by the Emperor Caligula, from an old Swiss collection. It has Roman numerals and everything. 17th & 18th century missionaries brought clocks & watches with them to China & the Qing Dynasty emperors were fascinated with them 🤩. They became avid collectors of the European products & soon started making their own. Pictured below are some of the clocks & watches made at the imperial workshops. 18th century clocks made at the imperial workshops.                                             The Qianlong Emperor's combination clock & music box, 1735-1796. The Qianlong Emperor's pocket watch made at the imperial workshops, 18th century. Photo courtesy of The MET, NYC.    Edited May 29, 2023 by Al Kowsky added a word 11 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ewomack Posted May 29, 2023 · Supporter Share Posted May 29, 2023 I can't believe that anyone would buy a raw and loose Emperor's last watch. I'm holding out for a graded and slabbed one. 4 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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