Hindman, the renowned Chicago-based auction house, is gearing up for a groundbreaking moment as it prepares to hold its inaugural series of sales in the heart of New York. Commencing on October 18, this series promises to dazzle with a spectacular single-owner watch auction featuring over 100 exquisite timepieces.
Titled “Time & Space: Watches from the Collection of Glen de Vries,” this remarkable auction will unfold at Hindman’s newly unveiled New York saleroom, strategically located at 21 Greene St. The centerpiece of the event, a curated collection of approximately 100 timepieces crafted by 30 distinguished watchmakers, including luminaries such as F.P. Journe, Richard Mille, A. Lange & Söhne, De Bethune, Patek Philippe, Urwerk, Audemars Piguet, Hublot, Vacheron Constantin, and H. Moser & Cie.
Intriguingly, the collection reflects the passion of its late owner, Glen de Vries, for the realms of science, space exploration, aviation, and the pursuit of speed—a theme that lends a unique character to the entire assembly, as stated by the auction house.
The auction’s crown jewels include:
- An exquisite F.P. Journe platinum “Tourbillon Souverain Black Label” watch, estimated to fetch between $250,000 and $450,000.
- The remarkable Richard Mille RM-6101 Yohan Blake watch, with an estimated value of $150,000 to $200,000.
- The elegant Lange & Söhne Datograph Up/Down “Lumen” in 950 Platinum watch, expected to command between $120,000 and $180,000.
- An alluring F.P. Journe 18k Rose Gold “Octa Chronograph” watch, with an estimated price range of $150,000 to $250,000.
- The captivating Lange & Söhne Ref. 720.025 platinum “Lange 1 Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar” watch, estimated at $120,000 to $180,000.
- The unique De Bethune Ref. DB28XP titanium watch, anticipated to sell between $80,000 and $120,000.
Reginald Brack, an industry veteran, and the newly appointed Senior VP and Director of Jewelry & Watches at Hindman, commented on this momentous event, saying, “The current global hunger for exceptional timepieces far exceeds the available supply. We at Hindman are honored to be entrusted with such an important collection, spanning across classic grand complications from the blue-chip makers to avant-garde models from the Independents.”
Glen de Vries, the late owner of this remarkable collection, was not only a successful entrepreneur but also an adventurer who co-founded Medidata Solutions, a pioneering technology company focused on clinical trials. In addition to his business endeavors, he was an avid pilot, an author, and a dedicated supporter of Carnegie Mellon University.
Tragically, Glen de Vries lost his life in a small plane crash in New Jersey on November 11, 2021, at the age of 49, leaving behind this extraordinary collection as part of his legacy.
This unique timepiece sale represents the first of three single-owner sales in diverse categories that Hindman will host in New York from October 18 to 26 at their 21 Greene Street venue. The subsequent two events are “Forever Young: Photographs from the Joe Baio Collection” on October 19 and “Canvas & Clay: The Collection of Judith and Philip Sieg” on October 26.
With Reginald Brack at the helm, Hindman aims to elevate the experience of watch enthusiasts and collectors alike, building upon their well-established reputation in the auction world. Brack’s extensive experience in the luxury sector, including notable roles at Christie’s and StockX, positions him to lead Hindman’s foray into the bustling New York market.
As the clock counts down to this remarkable event, watch aficionados and collectors from around the world are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to acquire a piece of horological history from the Glen de Vries collection, a testament to a life dedicated to innovation and adventure.
