May 14, 2024 (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia): With less than one week to go until ‘Ring of Fire’ the most anticipated boxing fight of the century between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk to crown the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, the bespoke 'Ring of Fire' timepiece by Jacob & Co. to commemorate this milestone occasion will be auctioned by Sotheby's on Friday May 17 in Riyadh, with all proceeds donated to Make-A-Wish® International.
HE Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) commissioned Big Time Creative Shop, GEA’s creative arm, to work alongside luxury watch brand Jacob & Co to design and craft the sought-after timepiece.
Sotheby's, the world’s premier destination for art and luxury, promoting access to, and ownership of, exceptional art and luxury objects, will host the auction, taking place on the evening before fight night, which will also feature other coveted boxing-themed items, with the high value 'Ring of Fire' watch the showpiece attraction.
Make-A-Wish International will be the beneficiary of all funds raised from the sale of the timepiece. 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.
Parties can express their interest in participating in the auction and submit absentee bids for the 'Ring of Fire' timepiece by visiting Sotheby's dedicated page here.
Both heavyweight champions Fury and Usyk have each been received one of the watches as a keepsake ahead of the first undisputed heavyweight title fight since 1999, and is being staged as part of Riyadh Season at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on the evening of Saturday May 18.
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.”
Tyson Fury said: "This watch will forever represent a bit of boxing history and, for me personally, it is going to be a constant reminder of the night I became the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the 21st century. This is a rare and incredible timepiece and I hope it can raise lots of cash for an important global cause. I'd also like to thank everyone who has been involved in putting this together."
Oleksandr Usyk said: "I look forward to the auction and seeing who will be fortunate enough to achieve the winning bid and share with me in owning this masterpiece. I encourage everyone who can to get involved so we see a big donation to help with the good work of Make-A-Wish International. This watch is an excellent allegory of the limited time given to us by God in this world to help others and make it a better place to live.”
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 official partner of Riyadh Season, and its unique green color is used on the strap.
Technical Specifications
Astronomia Art Ring of Fire
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)
