M.S. Rau, the New Orleans–based antiques dealer, has just acquired a major piece, both in provenance and worth. Meet the Prince Of Brunei Skeleton Clock, an 18k gold and rock crystal horological masterpiece boasting over 570 carats of sapphires, rubies, diamonds, and emeralds. Rau is selling it for $1.985 million.
Designed by British luxury jeweler Asprey & Garrard, the clock stands 32 inches tall and cost over $6 million to produce. It was commissioned by Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei and owned by his brother the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah. Known for his love of luxury, Prince Jefri allegedly spent an average of $747,000 per day on indulgences in one 10-year period.
“There is no other clock like it in the world, which was the very intention of the man who commissioned it,” Bill Rau, the owner of M.S. Rau, tells JCK. “At the height of oil-rich Brunei’s wealth, His Royal Highness Prince Jefri Bolkiah filled his palace with unparalleled treasures, and price was no object.
“To create a clock that would exude his riches, he turned to the famed artisans of Garrard & Asprey to craft a skeleton clock worthy of his grandeur,” Rau continues. “The final product captures the pinnacle of opulence and royal influence in its unique shape, lavish materials, and decorative elements.”
The timepiece has approximately 345.9 cts. t.w. sapphires, 166.75 cts. t.w. rubies, 49.1 cts. t.w. diamonds, and 8.75 cts. t.w. emeralds. Its engraved movement, which sports gold and blue sapphire-encrusted Roman numerals, is flanked by two tigers and encased in a rock crystal “egg” with a blue and yellow sapphire clasp. Three elephants stand on a column below the egg. When the egg is open, the movement pivots 90 degrees to reveal the clock’s face. A date indicator is on the back of the movement.
“The tigers and elephants are symbols of the sultan’s power in Brunei,” explains Rau. “Rare rock crystal is accented by hundreds of precious gemstones that cover every inch of the clock, crafting an exceedingly ornate casing for the precise movement exposed by the skeleton clock design. As mesmerizing as it is grand, this clock is second to none.”
(Photos courtesy of M.S. Rau)
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