Michael Schumacher's Prized Watch Collection to be Auctioned, Revealing Emotional Journey of Family

The family of legendary Formula One driver Michael Schumacher is set to auction off his prized watch collection through Christie's Auction House in Geneva on May 13, 2024. The collection, consisting of eight timepieces, is estimated to fetch a total of over $4 million and provides a glimpse into Schumacher's personal tastes and his journey in the sport.

The star attraction of the auction is a one-of-a-kind Platinum Vagabondage 1 watch, a gift to Schumacher from his former Ferrari boss and close family friend, Jean Todt. This unique timepiece is expected to sell for between $1.2 million and $2.2 million. Another highlight is a personalized Audemars Piguet watch commissioned by Todt in 2003 to commemorate Schumacher's then-record six world championship titles, estimated to fetch between $170,000 and $280,000.

The collection also features a rare Rolex Daytona Paul Newman watch, estimated to sell for $230,000 to $440,000, and five limited edition F.P. Journe watches from 2004, expected to net between $1.8 million and $3 million in total. Additionally, a Rolex Daytona gifted to Schumacher by his long-time manager Willi Weber in 2021 is also being auctioned, with an estimated sale price of $425,000 to $850,000.

Why this matters: The auction of Michael Schumacher's personal watch collection marks an emotional step for the Schumacher family, as they continue to guard the stricken driver's condition closely since his devastating skiing accident in 2013. The collection not only offers watch and Formula 1 enthusiasts a unique opportunity to own a piece of Schumacher's legacy but also provides a more personal and emotional perspective on the iconic driver's life and career.

Schumacher, who made his F1 debut in 1991, remains one of the most successful drivers in the sport's history, sharing the record of seven world titles with Lewis Hamilton. The 55-year-old has not been seen in public since suffering severe head injuries in a skiing accident in December 2013, and his family has been intensely private about his condition, focusing on his rehabilitation and protecting his privacy. The auction, organized in collaboration with Christie's, aims to share these "masterpieces of horology" with passionate collectors around the world, as per the Schumacher family's trust and wishes.

Key Takeaways

• Schumacher's watch collection to be auctioned at Christie's in May 2024.
• Collection estimated to fetch over $4 million, including rare Rolex and F.P. Journe watches.
• Highlights include a $1.2-$2.2M Vagabondage 1 watch and a $170K-$280K Audemars Piguet.
• Auction marks an emotional step for the family as they guard Schumacher's condition.
• Auction aims to share Schumacher's personal collection with passionate collectors worldwide.