The RM 033 Sentebale at Christie’s
RM 033 PIECE UNIQUE WRISTWATCH AT CHRISTIE’S GENEVA MAY AUCTION OF IMPORTANT WATCHES IN AID OF SENTEBALE AND TUSK TRUST CHARITIES
On May 14th Richard Mille will auction the RM 033 Sentebale at Christie’s Important Watches sale, Geneva. The watch was donated by Richard Mille in aid of the Sentebale and Tusk Trust’s charitable work.
This unique RM 033 automatic caliber comes in an 18k red gold case, black rubber strap and red gold buckle. The colors of the dial take inspiration from the Sentebale logo which is discretely reproduced on the back sapphire glass.
Richard Mille paid homage to Sentebale and Tusk Trust whose Patrons are Prince Harry and The Duke of Cambridge respectively by donating this extraordinary piece during last year’s edition of the British Polo Day Charity Cup. A quintessential celebration of the finest polo, the day attracted VIP guests and members of several royal families including Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, who is the Co-Patron of Sentebale alongside Prince Harry.
In a letter to Richard Mille, Kedge Martin (CEO of Sentebale) and Charles Mayhew MBE (CEO of Tusk Trust) expressed their ‘’deepest gratitude” for the generous support to the charities. The letter said: “Through the creation of this unique
RM 033 Sentebale timepiece (No. 01/01) and your participation in the 2011 British Polo Day Charity Cup Richard Mille are directly enabling both charities to continue their valuable work throughout Africa.” It continued: ‘’Prince William and Prince Harry are proud Patrons of Tusk and Sentebale, as they are causes very close to both of their hearts.”
The RM 033 features a skeletonized automatic winding movement with hours and minutes, integrated off-center monoblock platinum rotor, free sprung balance with variable inertia, power reserve of 42 hours and baseplate in grade 5 titanium with Titalyt® treatment.
Before the auction the RM 033 Sentebale will be on display during a series of selected viewings Christies will host in New York (14-15-16 April), Beijing (21-22 April), Shanghai (24-25 April), Hong Kong (27-28 April), and Geneva (11-12-13 May).
ABOUT SENTEBALE
Sentebale was founded by Prince Harry and by Prince Seeiso of the Lesotho Royal Family in response to the plight of Lesothos neediest children. Sentebale has been supporting children living with HIV and their families to improve their health and quality of life. Since its beginning Sentebale has also been responding to the needs of the Herd Boys, working to meet some of their basic needs and improving access to education for this hard to reach group of children. Working with grassroots organisations, Sentebale supports their efforts to care for vulnerable and disabled children and strengthen their capacity to provide quality care.
ABOUT TUSK TRUST
Tusk Trust is a dynamic organization, which has 20 years’ of experience initiating and funding conservation and community development programs right across Africa. In 2005 Prince William became the charity’s Royal Patron. Since its formation in 1990 by Charles Mayhew MBE and Sir Timothy Ackroyd Bt., Tusk has supported more than 100 projects and invested over £10 million into the field. Tusk’s current portfolio of 40 field projects spread across 17 African countries is designed not only to protect wildlife, particularly endangered species, but to help alleviate poverty and encourage sustainable development and education amongst many poor rural communities who live alongside wildlife.
ABOUT CHRISTIE’S
Christie’s is a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service and expertise. Founded in 1766 by James Christie, Christie’s conducted the greatest auctions of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, and today remains a popular showcase for the unique and beautiful.
In 2011 Christie’s global sales of watches surpassed the US$100 million barrier for the first time, making it not only the most successful year for the category for the firm, but also a record year for any auction house in the history of watch sales. No less than 1,000 bidders from 40 or more different countries participated at every Christie’s watch sale in 2011, demonstrating how this category knows no bounds. Christie’s International Watch Team distinguish themselves by securing and successfully selling at auction watches of the highest quality and rarity, meeting the taste and expectations of the savviest clientele.
