AFP15 May 2024 | 4:30

Watches belonging to F1 great Schumacher fetch millions at auction

The German seven-time F1 world champion was a passionate watch collector until the skiing accident he suffered in December 2013, since which he has not been seen in public.

Watches belonging to F1 great Schumacher fetch millions at auction

This photograph, taken on 9 May 2024, shows an F.P. Journe Vagabondage watch model belonging to German former Formula 1 driver Michael Schumacher, displayed during a press preview by Christie's auction house in Geneva. Picture: AFP

GENEVA - Eight watches belonging to Formula One legend Michael Schumacher were sold at auction in Geneva on Tuesday for a total of four million Swiss francs (US$4.4 million).

The German seven-time F1 world champion was a passionate watch collector until the skiing accident he suffered in December 2013, since which he has not been seen in public.

Two of the timepieces sold at the Christie's auction were personalised gifts Schumacher received from then Ferrari team principal Jean Todt to celebrate his achievements on the racing track with the Italian manufacturer.

An F.P. Journe Vagabondage with a dial honouring the seven F1 world championships Schumacher won was sold for $1,646,700.

But the piece that went for the most - $2,711,500 dollars - was a vintage pink gold Patek Philippe.

"Our sincere thanks go to our consigners as well as the Schumacher family who entrusted us with the outstanding property of Michael Schumacher. We saw strong global participation, with an emphasis on America" said the auction house's watch specialist Remi Guillemin.