Dh2.9m watch belonging to Egyptian royal to be auctioned in Dubai

Egypt's late King Farouk's wristwatch will be the centre of attraction at the upcoming Christie's Watches and Wristwatches Dubai auction, securing pre-sale estimate between $400,000 and $800,000.
King Farouk's penchant for watches, which he inherited from his father King Fuad, is widely known in Egypt and beyond.
King Farouk owned ample exquisite pieces from renowned and greatest watchmakers around the world. The wristwatch by designer Patek Philippe launched the 'Reference 1518' model in 1941 and it is estimated that only 281 pieces were created. This piece of marvel now will be up for Christie's auction to be held in Dubai in March and was personalised for King Farouk with its back case engraved with the Royal Crown of Egypt, along with its star and half moon and the King's initial 'F'.
"Having previously found a home for this watch at auction several years ago, Christie's is delighted to be trusted again to offer King Farouk's timepiece to a new generation of collectors," Remy Julia, head of watches for Christie's Middle East, India, and Africa.
"Having previously found a home for this watch at auction several years ago, Christie's is delighted to be trusted again to offer King Farouk's timepiece to a new generation of collectors," he added.
However, this is not the only piece of exquisite craftsmanship by Patek Philippe that is shelved in King Farouk's collection.
King Farouk, who was the penultimate King of Egypt and the Sudan, reigned for 16 years and was a renowned collector of fine watches.
With the recent trend showcasing increased interest in vintage watch collecting in the Middle East, King Farouk's watch will be the star attraction at the auction.
Increased interest in vintage watches and participation by collectors from the Middle East have seen the auction company's watch auctions grow considerably in recent years. 
On February 2, Christie's announced total global sales increased 26 per cent  in 2017 to £5.1 billion ($6.6 billion, up 21 per cent), with overall sales in Europe and the Middle East totalling £1.5 billion, up 16 per cent ($2 billion, up 11per cent).