S
otheby's is thrilled to be the official auctioneer for the bespoke, handmade 'Ring of Fire' timepiece by Jacob & Co, which is set to auctioned on Friday 17 May, to mark the first undisputed heavyweight title fight of the 21st century between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, with all proceeds donated to Make-A-Wish® International.
His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority, has commissioned Big Time Creative Shop, GEA’s creative arm, to work alongside luxury watch brand Jacob & Co to design and craft the limited-edition timepiece to mark this milestone moment in boxing history, with Sotheby's confirmed to host the auction during fight week which is headlined by this high value and much sought-after item.
Make-A-Wish International will be the beneficiary of all funds raised from the auction. The global children’s charity grants wishes to children living with a critical illness in 50 countries and territories around the world through its network of 40 affiliates.
Derived from the Astronomia Art collection, ‘Ring of Fire’ is a 50-mm rose gold Jacob & Co. timepiece whose design and details are a direct tribute to both fighters. Visible from all angles, a figurine of each world heavyweight champion measures less than one centimeter high, yet shows incredible detail. Between them and the double-axis flying tourbillon, two more figurines represent their gloves, crafted so finely their autograph can be easily read. The hour and minute dial represents the iconic champion belt of the World Boxing Council (WBC), an offcial partner of Riyadh Season, and its unique green color is used on the strap.
Both heavyweight champions Fury and Usyk will also be gifted one of the watches each as a keepsake ahead of what is the biggest fight in boxing for decades, set to take place as part of Riyadh Season at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh on Saturday 18 May.
HE Turki Alalshikh said: "This is an incredible and rare opportunity to own a piece of boxing history. The magnitude of this fight cannot be under-estimated. It will be spoken about for decades, and the successful bidder will share a special bond with the lead protagonists of this undisputed heavyweight story through the collective ownership of these unique and elegant timepieces. We are also pleased to be able to donate all auction proceeds to Make-A-Wish International, so they can help fulfil the wishes of even more children around the world.”
Michael Macaulay, Sotheby’s Deputy Chairman, Contemporary Art, who will take to the rostrum as auctioneer for the event, said: “Sotheby’s is thrilled to be hosting this charity auction in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, during the highly anticipated ‘Ring of Fire’ heavyweight boxing match, in what promises to be an epic showdown between two of the world's great fighters. The opportunity to help raise vital funds for internationally renowned charity Make-A-Wish is always a privilege. For decades, the charity has been devoted to serving children with critical illnesses and their families and has facilitated more than half a million life-changing wishes with the help of donors and more than 27,000 volunteers around the world. Sotheby’s is thankful to HE Turki Alalshikh for choosing to partner with us.”
“We're very excited to see Fury and Usyk get into it,” says Jacob & Co. Chairman and Founder Jacob Arabo. “At Jacob & Co., we have a long history of making bespoke timepieces with and for fighters. It's a privilege for us to make this limited edition Astronomia Art Ring of Fire. Especially because proceeds from one of the timepieces will go to one of the most respectable charities. This fight is one for the ages!”
‘Ring of Fire’, Jacob & Co
CASE:
Size: 50mm
Height: 25mm
Material: 18k Rose Gold and Sapphire Crystals with AR coating
Water resistance: 30 m
MOVEMENT:
Caliber: JCAM25
Winding: Hand-wound mechanical movement
Size: 41.65mm
Height: 17.15mm
Components: 384
Jewels: 42
Power Reserve: 60h power reserve
Frequency: 21,600 vibrations per hour
Functions:
Hours and Minutes
Magnesium blue and red lacquered gloves rotating in 60 seconds
Double-axis tourbillon (60 seconds and 5 minutes)
