Ezra wins $250,000 watch auction
MICHAEL Ezra Mulyoowa was yesterday unveiled as winner of an Emirates auction to purchase an exclusive watch. The one-off Mont blanc centennial chronograph watch is the only one of its kind in the world.
By Joseph Kabuleta
in Dubai
MICHAEL Ezra Mulyoowa was yesterday unveiled as winner of an Emirates auction to purchase an exclusive watch. The one-off Mont blanc centennial chronograph watch is the only one of its kind in the world.
The timepiece is labelled a ‘one-off†because no such watch has been made before, neither will any other be.
It is encased in 118 grams of 18-carat solid white gold and features a bezel set with black and white diamonds and a 43-faceted diamond on the crown.
Bids for the coveted collectors’ item were invited in March. The threshold was set at $65,000. In July, Ezra, who was the only bidder from Africa, received a letter from Emirates Airline informing him that his $250,000 bid was the highest.
In September, he flew to Dubai to pay. The timepiece was handed over to Ezra yesterday by the ruler of Dubai, Sheik Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, who is also chairman and chief executive of the Emirates Airline. The ceremony took place in the office of the Dubai ruler.
“The winning bid was almost four times the minimum amount required,†Maktoum said.
“It’s probably the biggest transaction ever made in travel retail industry.â€
All the $250,000 will go to a charity foundation run by the Emirates.
Maktoum said, “I am pleased to accept this donation which will go towards providing food, medicines, housing and education for the disadvantaged children around the world.â€
in Dubai
MICHAEL Ezra Mulyoowa was yesterday unveiled as winner of an Emirates auction to purchase an exclusive watch. The one-off Mont blanc centennial chronograph watch is the only one of its kind in the world.
The timepiece is labelled a ‘one-off†because no such watch has been made before, neither will any other be.
It is encased in 118 grams of 18-carat solid white gold and features a bezel set with black and white diamonds and a 43-faceted diamond on the crown.
Bids for the coveted collectors’ item were invited in March. The threshold was set at $65,000. In July, Ezra, who was the only bidder from Africa, received a letter from Emirates Airline informing him that his $250,000 bid was the highest.
In September, he flew to Dubai to pay. The timepiece was handed over to Ezra yesterday by the ruler of Dubai, Sheik Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, who is also chairman and chief executive of the Emirates Airline. The ceremony took place in the office of the Dubai ruler.
“The winning bid was almost four times the minimum amount required,†Maktoum said.
“It’s probably the biggest transaction ever made in travel retail industry.â€
All the $250,000 will go to a charity foundation run by the Emirates.
Maktoum said, “I am pleased to accept this donation which will go towards providing food, medicines, housing and education for the disadvantaged children around the world.â€