Rare Meissen Porcelain Dials Star in Phillips Hong Kong Watch Auction

A matched set of three Glashütte Original watches is heading to auction in Hong Kong. Each timepiece features a unique hand-painted Meissen porcelain dial. The sale highlights the enduring appeal of this rare art form in high horology.

The Phillips Hong Kong Fall 2025 auction will showcase the trio. They are known as the Mingdragon set due to their shared motif. This event underscores a growing collector interest in artisan-crafted watch dials.

The Art of Meissen Porcelain in Watchmaking

Meissen porcelain originates from Germany. It was Europe’s first true hard-paste porcelain. The factory was founded in the early 18th century.

Crafting a watch dial from this material is incredibly difficult. Each dial is fired at extremely high temperatures. The painting process requires a master artisan’s steady hand.

According to Reuters, the Mingdragon motif was developed in the early 20th century. It reflects Meissen’s interpretation of Chinese artistic traditions. The dragon’s design is distinctive for having fewer than the traditional five claws.

Collector Appeal of the Mingdragon Set

The three watches form a complete collector’s set. Each is the number one piece in its limited edition series. This significantly increases their value and desirability.

The set includes a white gold model with a blue dragon. Only 50 were made. A yellow gold version with a green dragon is limited to 90 pieces.

The rarest is the platinum-cased watch with a purple dragon. Just 40 examples were ever produced. All three are powered by the same refined mechanical movement.

The auction estimates reflect this rarity. Pre-sale estimates range from $9,000 to $15,400 per watch. The complete set is expected to attract significant bidding interest.

Porcelain Dials and Their Lasting Value

Porcelain dials offer a unique visual depth. Their luminous quality is unmatched by metal or enamel. This makes them highly prized among connoisseurs.

They are also exceptionally durable. The material is resistant to fading and discoloration. This ensures the artwork remains vibrant for generations.

The technical challenge of their production limits supply. Very few workshops possess the required expertise. This scarcity supports long-term value retention in the collector market.

Auction Details and Market Context

The Phillips Hong Kong auction will take place in November 2025. The event will be held at the West Kowloon Cultural District. It will feature other important watch collections alongside the Mingdragon set.

The market for watches with special dials has shown strong growth. Unique artistic elements often command substantial premiums. Porcelain dials represent one of the most exclusive categories in this niche.

The Phillips auction of these Meissen porcelain dial watches represents a peak moment for art-in-horology collectors. These timepieces merge centuries of European craft tradition with modern watchmaking excellence. Their sale will be a key indicator of the art dial market’s health.

Info at your fingertips

What makes Meissen porcelain special?

Meissen was the first European factory to produce true hard-paste porcelain. Its history dates back to the early 1700s. The crossed-swords trademark is one of the oldest and most respected in porcelain artistry.

Why are porcelain watch dials so rare?

The manufacturing process is extremely complex and prone to failure. Each dial must be hand-painted by a skilled artist. Very few artisans possess the necessary combination of ceramic and horological skills.

How does the auction process work for matched sets?

Matched sets can be sold as a single lot or as individual pieces. Selling as a set often attracts specialized collectors. However, breaking up a set can sometimes yield a higher total price.

What factors determine the value of these watches?

Value depends on rarity, condition, and provenance. The limited edition numbers significantly impact desirability. The fact that these are all number one in their series adds considerable premium.

Are watches with artistic dials a good investment?

Historically, unique artistic dials have shown strong value appreciation. They appeal to both watch collectors and art enthusiasts. This dual appeal often provides a stable market foundation.