Auction house Artcurial is returning for another edition of Monaco Auction Week, opening this month and comprised of a prestigious series of sales hosted at the Hôtel Hermitage. Taking place between January 14 and 17, the Hôtel Hermitage will feature public exhibitions and auctions showcasing everything from historically important haute horology to rare and coveted luxury bags and jewelry.

Rolex Day Date “The Eastern Arabic” (ca. 1958). Courtesy of Artcurial.

The week kicks off with a sale dubbed Important Watches, taking place January 15 at 5 p.m. with a diverse range of high-end time pieces, and featuring brands such as Patek Philippe, F.P. Journe, Chopard, and of course Rolex. One of the most intriguing lots is a Rolex Day Date “The Eastern Arabic,” from around 1958. The watch was originally a gift from King Saud ben Abdelaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia to Prime Minister Mr. Rachid Karamé of Lebanon in 1959. Since Karamé’s death in 1987, his heirs have preserved the watch intact, lending to its unique stature as a historic piece.

Van Cleef and Arpels “Montre Fleur” (ca. 1938). Courtesy of Artcurial.

The next event takes place on January 16 at 2 p.m., Le Temps est Féminin, featuring an opulent selection of lady’s timepieces that rival the finest jewelry. From a Vacheron Constantin fully ensconced in diamonds to a trio of Breguet watches, one of the most eye-catching pieces is a Montre Fleur by Van Cleef and Arpels. Made from 18k yellow cold and with a watch face overlain with sapphires—which can be removed and worn as a brooch—original gouache drawings can still be found in the Van Cleef and Arpels archives. There were very few models of this watch ever produced, and this is the first of its kind to be shown at auction in recent years.

Buccellati necklace (ca. 1920s). Courtesy of Artcurial.

Later on January 16 at 5 p.m. and extending to January 17 at 2 p.m. will be the High Jewelry sales. Glittering jewels from historic as well as contemporary makers are shown in one place, offering an unparalleled opportunity to access a breadth of jewelry history. One not-to-be-missed lot is a one-of-a-kind necklace by Buccelati. Set with natural Burmese rubies and old-cut diamonds, it was created on special order by an established European family and highlights the esteemed jewelry house’s inimitable craftsmanship.

Hermès Birkin So Black 35 (2010) designed by Jean Paul Gaultier for Hermès.

Rounding out Arcurial’s Monaco Auction Week 2024 is the Hermès and Luxury Bags sale, taking place January 17 at 11 a.m. While serious and discerning bag collectors will be delighted at the array of sought-after designers and styles—from Christian Dior Lady Dior top handles to Chanel Boy bags—the standout, of course, is the wide variety of coveted Hermès bags. Chief among these is arguably a piece from Hermès’s 2010 limited edition Birkin So Black, designed by Jean Paul Gaultier for the house. Made with matte black alligator and black hardware, it is an unmissable icon of the Birkin line.

Artcurial’s Monaco Auction Week will be held July 14–17, 2024.