Swatch announces the upcoming auction of an extraordinary collection of Swatch watches: a collection of more than 4,350 pieces consisting of numerous prototypes, hybrids and production variants that have never been offered for sale to the public (many prototypes date back to the exciting period of development immediately preceding the launch of the first Swatch watches in the early 1980s and are therefore extremely rare). Brought together by Swiss entrepreneur Peter Blum and his wife Linda, the collection also includes important examples of the well-known link between Swatch and Art, including Mimmo Paladino's famous Oigol Oro; a series consisting of Alfred Hofkunst's Verduhra, Guhrke and Bonjuhr, all signed by the artist; and ten unique Swatch watch pieces, including six prototypes created by Kiki Picasso. The collaboration between Swatch and the famous American painter Keith Haring is represented by a series of four production models sold in the United States - Modele avec Personnage, Milles Pattes, Serpent and Blanc sur Noir , along with numerous prototypes and variants. Other highlights include Swatch Puff, the first (No. 1) of only 120 pieces produced; Rudolph Moshammer's Feathers and a special Jelly Fish designed and signed by Andrew Logan. The sale of the Blum collection, organised by Phillipps de Pury Auction House, will take place in Hong Kong on 24 November. The collection will be sold in a single lot. Immediately prior to the main auction, a separate auction will be held in which several works of art owned by Swatch will be offered for sale as individual lots. The auction is preceded by the public preview of a selection of highlights from the Blum collection at exhibitions in New York City (17-22 September), London (18-25 October) and Shanghai (5-10 November). The Shanghai exhibition will be held at the Swatch Art Peace Hotel, the art hotel and contemporary art centre on the Bund that has become an international landmark.
