ABU DHABI, UAE, GENEVA and SINGAPORE, May 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The world's watch collecting community is poised for a special sale this week, as once-in-a-lifetime timepieces go up for auction with FutureGrail. The renowned auction house is anticipating a bidding frenzy for extremely rare vintage timepieces. The sale features 'one-of-one' Patek Philippe references, exquisite pendant watches from Vacheron Constantin, rare Audemars Piguet pocket watches and sought-after Rolex models.
Rolex by George Daniels
Enthusiasts will be drawn to Lot 33, a special Oyster Perpetual 'Datejust' reference by George Daniels, the famed English horologist who is widely regarded as one of the greatest watchmakers of all time.
Ultra-rare Audemars Piguet pocket watch
One stunning item is a 'Triple Complication' Art Deco pocket watch, made by Audemars Piguet for retailer E. Gübelin in 1911. There are only ten known examples, with the only other 18-carat white gold reference last appearing at auction in 1990. Bids could go higher than the conservative range of $200,000 - $400,000.
Unique, exquisite Patek Philippe timepieces
Potentially the biggest draw is an extremely rare 1954 Patek Philippe 'Turtle Lugs' (Ref. 2549/1J), with silver guilloché (decoratively engraved) dial with 'tropical' patina. This is one of only eight known examples, with a beautiful case manufactured by Markowski. Its 'Turtle Lugs' refers to curved extensions that resemble flippers. It represents a true 'Grail' for collectors.
Other Patek Philippe highlights:
- Unique Patek Philippe Ref. 3589/90G 'Ellipse d'Or' (Golden Ellipse) in 18-carat white gold, with diamonds and a black onyx dial
- The world's only 1995 Patek Philippe Ref. 4700/160J with yellow gold vertical 'tramé' (ribbed dial), with diamond and ruby setting
- A 1955 Reference 2526 G HB (2nd series) white-gold and diamond round wristwatch with silver 'tropical' dial
- A limited-edition 'World Time Moon' (Reference 5575 G – 001) made for the watchmaker's 175th anniversary.
"Our May auction represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for collectors to own some of the world's rarest timepieces. Many of these watches may not be seen at auction again for a generation," said Ali Nael, FutureGrail CEO.
Several auction timepieces feature in Nael's book 'My Dream Collection'.
FutureGrail is one of the world's leading auction houses for exceptional timepieces, with a museum in Singapore and expanding global presence in Switzerland and the UAE.
FutureGrail's May Online Auction runs 9th to 12th May at www.futuregrail.com/auctions. Buyer and seller premiums - 6% of the hammer.
Jon Ivan-Duke , +971 58 285 7333, jon@dukemir.com
Jay Kau, +6017-9088 978 , jay@futuregrail.com
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Rare Watches Spark Frenzied Interest in FutureGrail's May Auction
Rare Watches Spark Frenzied Interest in FutureGrail's May Auction
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SINGAPORE, May 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- HSBC Hong Kong Privé cardholders are the first in Asia Pacific to experience Mastercard's most premium consumer credit tier through HSBC Privé World Legend Mastercard, with access to The Mastercard Collection, a new suite of elevated dining, entertainment and travel benefits accessible around the world.
Designed for individuals who increasingly prioritize meaningful connections over traditional rewards, HSBC Privé World Legend Mastercard transforms priorities into memorable moments. Mastercard research shows that 59% of consumers in higher income segments globally, including in Hong Kong SAR, value experiences over possessions, with a growing desire to invest time and money in dining, entertainment and travel to build memories with loved ones. In Hong Kong SAR, 40% also cite overseas travel as a top personal goal, highlighting the importance of benefits that remain relevant across destinations.
Together, HSBC Hong Kong and Mastercard are bringing these passions to life by combining a global platform of curated benefits with bespoke lifestyle privileges — giving cardholders exceptional access to the places, experiences and interests that matter most, wherever they are.
"Launching the first World Legend Mastercard in Hong Kong and Asia Pacific with HSBC Privé reflects the direction premium banking is moving toward," said Sunny Chow, Head of Cards and Unsecured Lending, Retail Banking and Wealth, HSBC Hong Kong. "Privé clients increasingly value meaningful experiences and this invitation-only card for HSBC Private Bank clients allows us to respond with a proposition that is more distinctive, more portable and more personal. Backed by Mastercard's global reach and HSBC's service expertise, it strengthens how we support our clients' internationally connected lifestyle, wherever they choose to be."
Experiences that travel with you
HSBC Privé is an invitation‑only credit card designed for internationally connected lifestyles. As HSBC's most prestigious credit card, it brings together elevated travel, dining, and lifestyle privileges in Hong Kong SAR and destinations worldwide.
Cardholders enjoy access to HSBC Privé exclusive privileges, including:
- Travel
- Complimentary hotel night programs at over 800 properties globally, including Belmond, Rosewood, Raffles, Waldorf, and Fairmont
- Companion travel privileges, including complimentary first and business class air tickets
- Complimentary limousine service, airport lounge access and travel insurance
- Dining
- Complimentary dining experiences at Michelin-starred and acclaimed restaurants
- Priority reservations at select prestigious restaurants in the Chinese Mainland
- Entertainment & Experiences
- Access to HSBC-sponsored concerts and shows, including premium suite experiences at Kai Tak Sports Park
- Priority ticket bookings for selected Live Nation events
- Global access to private clubs and lounges, including Hong Kong Golf and Tennis Academy (HKGTA), HKGTA Town Club, Carlyle & Co., and selected clubs worldwide
In addition, a Mastercard‑exclusive dining club will launch at Hong Kong International Airport later this year, with more such clubs planned at major airports globally. As part of The Mastercard Collection, HSBC Privé primary and supplementary cardholders will enjoy unlimited complimentary access on each visit with up to three guests. The space is designed to offer a refined pre‑flight experience, combining comfort, locally inspired fine dining and essential travel amenities.
"Internationally minded consumers today live increasingly global lives — moving between cities, cultures and communities," said Sandeep Malhotra, Executive Vice President, Core Payments, Asia Pacific, Mastercard. "As their lives become more mobile, expectations of value have evolved — from physical rewards to access and experiences that remain relevant wherever they are. With HSBC Privé World Legend Mastercard and The Mastercard Collection, we're enabling financial institutions to meet those expectations through curated, globally connected experiences that fit how people travel, connect and enjoy life today."
HSBC Privé cardholders will see their existing World Elite Mastercard card elevated to World Legend Mastercard, unlocking the enhanced privileges under The Mastercard Collection.
Appendix – The Mastercard Collection
HSBC Hong Kong Privé cardholders can enjoy additional privileges under The Mastercard Collection, including exclusive dining credits in select restaurants in Australia, Hong Kong SAR, and Singapore; booking access at over 400 acclaimed restaurants in 10 Asia Pacific markets; and globally connected dining, travel and entertainment experiences.
The Mastercard Collection and World Legend Mastercard give financial institutions a platform to deliver relevant, differentiated value as premium propositions evolve to experiences that travel with cardholders globally.
For more information about The Mastercard Collection, visit Priceless.com/themastercardcollection.
About The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited
The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited is the founding member of the HSBC Group. HSBC serves customers worldwide from offices in 56 countries and territories. With assets of US$3,306bn at 31 March 2026, HSBC is one of the world's largest banking and financial services organisations.
About Mastercard
Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we're building a resilient economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.
www.mastercard.com
SINGAPORE, May 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- HSBC Hong Kong Privé cardholders are the first in Asia Pacific to experience Mastercard's most premium consumer credit tier through HSBC Privé World Legend Mastercard, with access to The Mastercard Collection, a new suite of elevated dining, entertainment and travel benefits accessible around the world.
Designed for individuals who increasingly prioritize meaningful connections over traditional rewards, HSBC Privé World Legend Mastercard transforms priorities into memorable moments. Mastercard research shows that 59% of consumers in higher income segments globally, including in Hong Kong SAR, value experiences over possessions, with a growing desire to invest time and money in dining, entertainment and travel to build memories with loved ones. In Hong Kong SAR, 40% also cite overseas travel as a top personal goal, highlighting the importance of benefits that remain relevant across destinations.
Together, HSBC Hong Kong and Mastercard are bringing these passions to life by combining a global platform of curated benefits with bespoke lifestyle privileges — giving cardholders exceptional access to the places, experiences and interests that matter most, wherever they are.
"Launching the first World Legend Mastercard in Hong Kong and Asia Pacific with HSBC Privé reflects the direction premium banking is moving toward," said Sunny Chow, Head of Cards and Unsecured Lending, Retail Banking and Wealth, HSBC Hong Kong. "Privé clients increasingly value meaningful experiences and this invitation-only card for HSBC Private Bank clients allows us to respond with a proposition that is more distinctive, more portable and more personal. Backed by Mastercard's global reach and HSBC's service expertise, it strengthens how we support our clients' internationally connected lifestyle, wherever they choose to be."
Experiences that travel with you
HSBC Privé is an invitation‑only credit card designed for internationally connected lifestyles. As HSBC's most prestigious credit card, it brings together elevated travel, dining, and lifestyle privileges in Hong Kong SAR and destinations worldwide.
Cardholders enjoy access to HSBC Privé exclusive privileges, including:
- Travel
- Complimentary hotel night programs at over 800 properties globally, including Belmond, Rosewood, Raffles, Waldorf, and Fairmont
- Companion travel privileges, including complimentary first and business class air tickets
- Complimentary limousine service, airport lounge access and travel insurance
- Dining
- Complimentary dining experiences at Michelin-starred and acclaimed restaurants
- Priority reservations at select prestigious restaurants in the Chinese Mainland
- Entertainment & Experiences
- Access to HSBC-sponsored concerts and shows, including premium suite experiences at Kai Tak Sports Park
- Priority ticket bookings for selected Live Nation events
- Global access to private clubs and lounges, including Hong Kong Golf and Tennis Academy (HKGTA), HKGTA Town Club, Carlyle & Co., and selected clubs worldwide
- Complimentary dining experiences at Michelin-starred and acclaimed restaurants
- Priority reservations at select prestigious restaurants in the Chinese Mainland
- Access to HSBC-sponsored concerts and shows, including premium suite experiences at Kai Tak Sports Park
- Priority ticket bookings for selected Live Nation events
- Global access to private clubs and lounges, including Hong Kong Golf and Tennis Academy (HKGTA), HKGTA Town Club, Carlyle & Co., and selected clubs worldwide
In addition, a Mastercard‑exclusive dining club will launch at Hong Kong International Airport later this year, with more such clubs planned at major airports globally. As part of The Mastercard Collection, HSBC Privé primary and supplementary cardholders will enjoy unlimited complimentary access on each visit with up to three guests. The space is designed to offer a refined pre‑flight experience, combining comfort, locally inspired fine dining and essential travel amenities.
"Internationally minded consumers today live increasingly global lives — moving between cities, cultures and communities," said Sandeep Malhotra, Executive Vice President, Core Payments, Asia Pacific, Mastercard. "As their lives become more mobile, expectations of value have evolved — from physical rewards to access and experiences that remain relevant wherever they are. With HSBC Privé World Legend Mastercard and The Mastercard Collection, we're enabling financial institutions to meet those expectations through curated, globally connected experiences that fit how people travel, connect and enjoy life today."
HSBC Privé cardholders will see their existing World Elite Mastercard card elevated to World Legend Mastercard, unlocking the enhanced privileges under The Mastercard Collection.
Appendix – The Mastercard Collection
HSBC Hong Kong Privé cardholders can enjoy additional privileges under The Mastercard Collection, including exclusive dining credits in select restaurants in Australia, Hong Kong SAR, and Singapore; booking access at over 400 acclaimed restaurants in 10 Asia Pacific markets; and globally connected dining, travel and entertainment experiences.
The Mastercard Collection and World Legend Mastercard give financial institutions a platform to deliver relevant, differentiated value as premium propositions evolve to experiences that travel with cardholders globally.
For more information about The Mastercard Collection, visit Priceless.com/themastercardcollection.
About The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited
The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited is the founding member of the HSBC Group. HSBC serves customers worldwide from offices in 56 countries and territories. With assets of US$3,306bn at 31 March 2026, HSBC is one of the world's largest banking and financial services organisations.
About Mastercard
Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we're building a resilient economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.
www.mastercard.com
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
HSBC Hong Kong introduces Asia Pacific's first World Legend Mastercard
