Exclusive Auction: Michael Schumacher's Prestigious Watch Collection Hits the Market
Discover a rare opportunity to bid on eight exquisite watches from the iconic Formula 1 driver Michael Schumacher's personal collection. These luxury timepieces, each bearing a unique personal touch, are expected to fetch a staggering total exceeding $4.8 million at auction.
Michael Schumacher, a Formula One legend, is auctioning off eight of his luxury and personalized watches. These unique timepieces are expected to fetch over $4.8 million in total.
Christie's, the auction house, will showcase the rare watches in New York from May 3 to May 5, coinciding with the Miami Grand Prix weekend. The auction will take place in Geneva, Switzerland, on May 13.
Schumacher’s family has a collection of watches that the champion driver gathered over the years. Recently, they made the decision to sell some of the watches from the collection. Christie’s head of watches, Remi Guillemin, mentioned to CNN that the family believed watch collectors would truly value these pieces.
Guillemin expressed his happiness about collaborating with the family and being able to acquire these special watches.
The Rolex stainless steel Paul Newman Daytona watch is named after the Daytona International Speedway in Florida, as confirmed by Remi Guillemin, the head of Watches at auction house Christie's. 
Christie's Images LTD. 2024
The upcoming auction at Christie's will feature a selection of rare watches, both vintage and modern. These timepieces come from renowned brands like Audemars Piguet, F.P. Journe, and Rolex.
Some of the standout pieces in the collection include Schumacher’s platinum F.P. Journe Vagabondage 1, which is valued at almost half of the entire collection, with an expected sale price of up to $2.2 million.
Another noteworthy item is the Rolex stainless steel Paul Newman Daytona watch, which is expected to fetch up to $440,000. Additionally, Schumacher’s Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch is expected to sell for up to $280,000.
The Rolex watch was given the name "Daytona" after the famous Daytona International Speedway in Florida. According to Guillemin, this timepiece is considered to be one of the most iconic watches ever produced by Rolex.
Schumacher's white gold Audemars Piguet Royal Oak was gifted to him by his early mentor and former Ferrari CEO Jean Todt at Christmas 2003, according to Christie's.
Schumacher's white gold Audemars Piguet Royal Oak was gifted to him by his early mentor and former Ferrari CEO Jean Todt at Christmas 2003, according to Christie's.
Christie's Images LTD. 2024
The white gold Royal Oak chronograph was specially made as a personalized gift for the seven-time F1 World Championship winner by his mentor and former Ferrari CEO Jean Todt, according to the auction house.
Presented to Schumacher during Christmas in 2003, the features of the watch commemorate the six Championship victories he had achieved by then, as mentioned by Christie’s. The 30-minute register dial is encircled by six stars, along with depictions of Ferrari’s iconic prancing horse emblem and Schumacher’s red racing helmet.
“It’s a unique watch,” said Guillemin. “When you see the watch from afar, you just know that it’s something special and that it speaks to Michael Schumacher.”
Schumacher's platinum F.P. Journe Vagabondage 1 features a striking red dial and features that celebrate his seven F1 Driver's World Championships.
Schumacher's platinum F.P. Journe Vagabondage 1 features a striking red dial and features that celebrate his seven F1 Driver's World Championships.
Christie's Images LTD. 2024
The platinum Vagabondage 1 watch was a gift from Todt for the following Christmas. It has similar features but stands out with its striking red dial that showcases symbols representing the seventh Championship Schumacher won for himself and Ferrari.
A prototype of the watch was auctioned in 2003 to support the Paris Brain Institute (ICM) Foundation, of which Schumacher and Todt are founding members, as confirmed by the auction house.
“These watches are perfect for fans of Formula One, especially those who admired Michael Schumacher during his racing days. They are not just a piece of history and memorabilia, but also hold significance in the world of watchmaking,” Guillemin expressed.
Schumacher suffered a brain injury from a skiing accident in 2013, resulting in severe head trauma.
His wife Corinna mentioned in a 2021 Netflix documentary that they live together at home. They are actively involved in therapy and doing everything possible to help Michael improve and ensure his comfort. Michael has not made any public appearances since then.
Editor's P/S:
The auction of Michael Schumacher's luxury watches is a bittersweet moment for fans and collectors alike. These timepieces represent not only the legendary driver's personal style but also the milestones of his illustrious career. The estimated value of over $4.8 million reflects the rarity and significance of these pieces, which embody the spirit of Formula One and the indomitable will of Schumacher himself.
Proceeds from the auction will undoubtedly benefit Schumacher's family and support organizations dedicated to his recovery. While it is a reminder of the tragic accident that has kept him out of the public eye, it is also a testament to the enduring legacy of a champion who continues to inspire and motivate. The auction serves as a poignant tribute to Schumacher's passion for both racing and horology, leaving an indelible mark on the world of motorsports and watchmaking.
