Sydney’s JF Farren-Price, is currently home to “the most valuable watch for sale in Australia” – the $1.01 million Greubel Forsey Tourbillon 24 Secondes Contemporain GF01C.
Store director Julian Farren-Price said the watch was the only one “among all the watches on offer” at the January 2014 International Watch Exposition in Geneva to really grab his attention with its “technical prowess and overall beauty”.
“This masterpiece has been created by Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their aesthetically and technically (ground-breaking) brilliant watch- making partnership,” he said.
“Set with almost 10 carats of internally flawless diamonds this white gold beauty combines their unique 25 degree inclined 24 second tourbillon with the stunning ‘ocean’ blue of the movement in oxidised titanium.
“I just could not resist it, and the icing on the cake was my prompt order enabled me to obtain Number 1 in the limited production series. The exact number to be produced in total has not yet been revealed, but the sheer complexity of this piece means no more than two are expected each year.”
Farren-Price happily acknowledges that the store has sold a couple of watches “north of $1.5 million” but stresses “they were pre-ordered and never in stock”.
“This is the first time we have purchased for general sale a watch over $1 million.”
He also readily acknowledges that some in the industry might be surprised he had the confidence to purchase such an expensive watch at a time when many Australians claim they don’t have money to spend on luxuries.
“Well I could be a little mad!” he said. “I guess we will know if I still have it in stock in two years. Honestly speaking though there are always customers who seek out the exceptional and I viewed this as an exceptional watch and thought one of my good customers would appreciate owning it.”
“Sometimes you just back your judgement in these matters (and cross your fingers). We have only had this watch two weeks but already we have mentioned it to a few key clients. I am heartened by the very positive feedback. It would seem I am not the only one enthralled by this watch so feel positive it will find a suitable home.”
“This is the ultimate crowning piece for the ultimate watch collection… It is just one of those rare watches that draws you in and I envy the person who eventually owns it.”