Sotheby’s is set to make history on February 8 by hosting Saudi Arabia’s first-ever international auction. Titled Origins, the two-part sale will take place in Diriyah, near Riyadh, and will feature more than 100 lots, including fine jewelry, artwork, luxury items, and sports memorabilia.
The jewelry and watch section of the auction is headlined by a Richard Mille wristwatch worn by world champion sprinter Yohan Blake during the 100-meter final at the 2012 London Olympics. Blake, who finished second to his Jamaican teammate Usain Bolt, wore the ultralight titanium watch, which was custom-made for him. The timepiece is expected to fetch between 11.5 million.
Another standout item is an 18k gold Cartier Crash watch, commissioned in 2007 for one of the brand’s top private clients. The watch, engraved with the production number “No. 1” on the back, carries an estimated value of 260,000.
Prior to the auction, the Origins collection will be on public display at Diriyah’s Bujairi Terrace from February 1 to 8. The free exhibition coincides with Diriyah Season, an annual cultural festival. Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to the historic At-Turaif district, which dates back 300 years.
This landmark event marks a significant moment for Saudi Arabia’s growing presence in the global art and luxury markets.
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