For nearly three centuries, Sotheby’s has steered the world of fine art, rare possessions, and cherished collectibles. The only realm this heritage auction house is yet to venture into is outer space — that is all set to change this April with AREA_51, a landmark live auction in Geneva that will spotlight the unknown. This collaborative venture with watch collective Heist-Out will showcase the most extraordinary collection of alien wristwear as well as intriguing timepieces with a mysterious backstory.
In a highly anticipated event, haute horology will collide with the extraterrestrial at La Salle Trocmé, unfolding 51 otherworldly lots up for auction.
An Enduring Collaboration
Area_51 is Sotheby’s second collaboration with Heist-Out. The first one, titled Rough Diamonds, was a sojourn through the world of intrepid cave explorers. Taking place inside a rugged wine cave, Rough Diamonds was a triumphant success, with attendees revelling in the transportive atmosphere and avant-garde pieces. Unsurprisingly, the lots sold out in under an hour.
While Rough Diamonds focused solely on vintage lots, AREA_51 is presenting classic as well as contemporary lots, alongside new one-of-a-kind pieces designed exclusively for this sale, such as the two references by Furlan Marri and Toledano & Chan.
Sotheby’s Space Mission
The grand success of Rough Diamonds has prompted yet another immersive live auction. Named after the highly classified American Air Force facility that's notorious for allegedly harbouring extraterrestrial beings and alien technology, the event will be taking place in a cultural venue that resembles a crash-landed UFO in Geneva. The salesroom will be transformed into “a top-secret alien research station” for attendees to embark on a cosmic exploration filled with otherworldly horological pieces.
The curation is based on “alien designs and materials that appear to have been created on another planet”, assuring incredibly awe-inspiring showmanship. The exhibition will unfold over three days, followed by an evening reception and the live auction on April 3.
The Lots
Toledano & Chan B/2 – 2025
Created exclusively for AREA_51, Toledano & Chan pushed the envelope of design with the B/2 prototype. It was inspired by the Lockheed Martin F-117 Stealth Fighter Jet — an aircraft developed at the legendary Lockheed Skunk Works located in Area 51 — making it an ideal tribute to aerospace innovation.
The most striking feature of the B/2 is that it has no right angles. Its asymmetrical crystal arrangement scatters and reflects light haphazardly. The dial, plated in 24k gold, is also a nod to the F-117, as the metal was used extensively for thermal shielding in the fighter jet.
A step ahead of Toledano & Chan’s signature architectural approach, this piece is estimated at $13,363.
Furlan Marri Disco Volante – 2025
A revolutionary piece by Furlan Marri, this too was created exclusively for AREA_51. It features a meteorite dial set within a tantalum case – two highly challenging materials to master. Antiquated features mingle seamlessly with galactic aesthetics, accentuated by Super-LumiNova details.
The skeleton of this UFO-like timepiece is the Calibre 7001 from Peseux, a manually wound movement offering a 42-hour power reserve. The refashioned bridges, with diamond-polished bevels, were hand-finished in Geneva.
A bold evolution of the brand’s Disco Volante series, this stunning piece is worth about $13,390.
Patek Philippe Reference 4117/1G, Retailed by Asprey – 1973
The Patek Philippe ‘Butterfly’, Reference 4117/1G, is the epitome of ethereal beauty. It captivates with its exquisite dial made from preserved Morpho Menelaus butterfly wings, their iridescent blue hues lending a spellbinding quality.
Adding to its rarity is the Asprey signature, a mark of provenance from the British luxury retailer. Having been nearly two decades since a Butterfly retailed by Asprey appeared at auction, this piece rings up a staggering estimate of $111,581.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept 'CW1' ref. 25980AI – 2002
This marvel belongs to the very first “Concept” series of watches, which was limited to just 150 pieces.
Its construction is truly pioneering. It’s the only watch ever made with alacrite — a metal primarily used in aerospace and rocket engineering — making this piece a true innovation in design and aesthetics. The Calibre 2896 within has a tourbillon with a spring-shaped bridge, devised to withstand up to 50 g of shock. There’s also a dynamograph that regulates torque for maximum precision. Additionally, the movement is expertly suspended, demonstrating remarkable technical mastery.
Estimated at $223,189, the 'CW1' ref. 25980AI is the epitome of modern haute horology.
AREA_51 is an homage to the visionary artists behind these unearthly timepieces. A bold departure from tradition, these timepieces redefine the boundaries of creativity and urge conversation about the mystery that lies beyond.
