Michael Schumacher, the famous German racing driver, collected watches and owns rare pieces, some of which were made especially for him by the best watchmakers in the world. Eight of them are now being auctioned. The auction will take place on Monday (May 13th) in Geneva. Schumacher’s watch collection is quite extensive, Christie’s watch specialist Alexandre Gouverneyre told the German Press Agency on Thursday in Geneva. “The family thinks that these pieces are better kept in collections.” Other chronometers, which Schumacher often wore and which are therefore associated with personal memories, remained in the family’s possession.
It’s hard to say whether the celebrity effect is driving up the price of watches, said Remi Guillemin, who is responsible for estimating watch prices at Christie’s. He assures us that the estimated prices – between 150,000 and two million francs (up to a good two million euros) per piece – were not calculated as a celebrity surcharge.
Michael Schumacher in 1999 at the Grand Prix in Imola © IMAGO
The auction will take place in Geneva, less than 40 kilometers from the family’s home on Lake Geneva. Schumacher himself has not appeared in public since a serious skiing accident at the end of 2013. The family doesn’t talk about how he’s doing.
On offer is a model from the FP Journe manufacturer with a dial in the Ferrari color red with symbols of his seven world championship titles. It was a Christmas present from then Ferrari team boss Jean Todt. Estimated price: one to two million francs. A rare Paul Newman Daytona watch from Rolex is valued at at least 200,000 francs.
Niki Lauda and Michael Schumacher in 1995 © IMAGO / Imago sports photo service Via Www.imago-images.de
If the eight watches are sold at the upper end of their estimated price, the proceeds would be more than four million francs. It is not known what motivated the family to have the watches auctioned. Michael Schumacher was one of the highest paid athletes in the world. Forbes magazine estimated his income during his active time at a total of one billion dollars.