Nadal’s Watch, Bugatti Chiron, and a 200-Carat Tourmaline: Sotheby’s Launches Treasure Hunt in Abu Dhabi

Auction house Sotheby’s has announced the launch of Abu Dhabi Collectors’ Edit: Materiality — an exclusive summer online auction designed to strengthen the brand's strategic presence in the UAE and the Middle East, Hypebeast reports.

Running from June 24 to July 10, 2026, the auction offers connoisseurs a meticulously curated collection of just over thirty ultra-rare luxury items. The total estimated value of the lots ranges from $6.6 million to $9.7 million.

The concept of the sale celebrates "materiality" as the very essence of true luxury. The organizers draw parallels between completely different categories of objects based on their physical nature. For instance, they highlight the shared carbon origins of high-tech bicycles and flawless diamonds, as well as the ubiquitous use of gold and titanium in watchmaking, automotive engineering, and haute leather goods.

Masterpieces of Jewelry and Watchmaking

The jewelry and watch sections boast exceptional rarity and impeccable provenance. The highlight of the jewelry category is a capsule collection of five unique creations by the contemporary jewelry house Hemmerle — these avant-garde, material-focused pieces are appearing at public auction for the first time.

In addition, the auction features rare white and colored diamonds, necklaces by Bulgari and Van Cleef & Arpels, and an impressive cushion-cut Mozambique Paraiba tourmaline weighing 199.75 carats (estimated at $220,000 – $320,000).

The watch department offers thirteen ultra-rare models crafted from precious metals and titanium. Top lots include a ceramic Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar and a skeletonized Richard Mille RM35-03 "Rafael Nadal" wristwatch, which holds the highest estimate in its category at $350,000 to $600,000.

Hypercars and Luxury Lifestyle Items

Beyond jewelry and watches, the auction showcases high-tech machinery and premium accessories. Notable lots include:

• A limited-edition Bugatti Factor ONE bicycle, crafted from carbon fiber, titanium, and steel.

• A collectible Hermès Black Box Midas Sellier Kelly 25 handbag (2023 model) featuring 18-karat yellow gold hardware.

• The star automotive lot — an iconic 2019 Bugatti Chiron hypercar, which is expected to fetch between $2.85 million and $3.5 million.

The mechanical lineup is rounded out by a rare Mercedes-Benz 500 GE 6.0 AMG SUV, as well as a nostalgic Ferrari F1 126C4 "Junior" children's mini-car, offered with no reserve.