(Image source from: Twitter.com/schumacher)

Michael Schumacher, the renowned Formula One driver, is set to auction off eight of his exclusive and customized watches, potentially fetching a total of over $4.8 million. These extraordinary timepieces will be showcased in New York from May 3 to May 5, coinciding with the Miami Grand Prix, before being auctioned in Geneva, Switzerland on May 13 by Christie's. The Schumacher family, who possess a remarkable collection of watches accumulated by the racing champion throughout his career, have made the decision to part ways with select pieces. Christie's head of watches, Remi Guillemin, expressed his delight in collaborating with the family and the opportunity to present these watches to collectors who truly appreciate their value. These watches will be included in Christie's highly anticipated rare watches auction, featuring both vintage and modern masterpieces from esteemed brands like Audemars Piguet, F.P. Journe, and Rolex. Notably, the platinum F.P. Journe Vagabondage 1, owned by Schumacher, is expected to be a standout piece with an estimated sale price of up to $2.2 million, accounting for almost half of the collection's value.

The estimated selling price for the Newman Daytona watch is around $440,000, while Schumacher's Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch is expected to sell for approximately $280,000. Guillemin explains that the Rolex watch got its name from the Daytona International Speedway in Florida and is considered one of the most iconic timepieces made by Rolex. According to the auction house, the white gold Royal Oak chronograph was specially commissioned by Jean Todt, the former CEO of Ferrari and Schumacher's early mentor, as a personalized gift for the seven-time F1 World Championship winner. It was presented to Schumacher during Christmas in 2003, and its design pays tribute to his six Championship victories up until that point. The dial features a 30-minute register surrounded by six stars, as well as depictions of Ferrari's famous prancing horse emblem and Schumacher's red racing helmet. Guillemin describes the watch as unique and states that it instantly conveys its special significance to Michael Schumacher.

Similarly, the platinum Vagabondage 1 watch was also a gift from Todt, but it was given to Schumacher the following Christmas. The watches are specifically designed for Formula One enthusiasts and fans of Michael Schumacher during his racing days. They hold significant value as both memorabilia and historical artifacts. Additionally, these timepieces hold great importance in the watchmaking industry.