Schumacher's wife makes emotional decision
The personal watch collection belonging to stricken formula one legend Michael Schumacher will be auctioned off, in a decision made by the German great's family.
Schumacher's condition remains a closely guarded secret since suffering a serious brain injury in a December 2013 skiing accident. He has not been seen in public since.
More than ten years after the life-changing incident, the seven time former champion's wife Corinna has taken the emotional step of selling some of Schumacher's personal items, which should fetch the family millions and help with the reported care the 55-year-old needs.
READ MORE: Surprise JFH replacement emerges amid Penrith scramble
READ MORE: 'I hate rugby league': Sad decline of former star
READ MORE: The 'first question' Australia's Olympians are asking
According to British auction house Christie's, eight watches are up for sale on May 13 in Switzerland.
Michael Schumacher of Germany and Ferrari celebrates with Jean Todt after victory at the Italian Grand Prix at the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza on September 10, 2006, in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) (Getty)The two most notable pieces are custom-made gifts from close family friend and former Ferrari boss Jean Todt, that marked the German's championship victories.
"Christie's expresses sincere thanks to the Schumacher family for their trust in us and their wish to share these masterpieces of horology with other passionate collectors around the globe," the auction house said.
"We are proud to present these iconic and unique timepieces belonging to one of the most celebrated Formula One legend. An exceptional moment, for watch and F1 enthusiasts alike."
Schumacher's Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph has a white gold case and personalised dial. (Christie's)The most expensive item is a one-of-a-kind FP Journe Vagabondage 1 Model, which was a Christmas present from Todt celebrating Schumacher's seventh world championship in 2004. It's expected to fetch between $1.7 million and $3.4 million.
The watch features the Ferrari emblem, Schumacher's helmet design, symbols representing his seven titles and an engraved message.
"Xmas 2004 — Jean Todt for my friend Michael Schumacher," it reads.
Todt's 2003 Christmas gift, a customised Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch, is also up for auction with an estimated sale price of between $255,000 to $425,000.
It also featured the Ferrari emblem and Schumacher's helmet design in addition to the No.1 and six stars to represent the driver's six championships.
Among the other pieces on offer are five limited edition FP Journe watches from 2004, to be sold separately, which should net between $1.8m and $3m in total.
Schumacher's F.P. Journe Vagabondage 1 Model is a piece unique with a platinum case and personalised dial in Ferrari's signature red. (Christie's)The last watch for sale is a "historically important, extremely rare and highly attractive" 14K gold Rolex Daytona gifted to Schumacher by his long-time manager Willi Weber.
It is estimated to sell for $425,000 to $850,000.
The auction house noted the Rolex was gifted in 2021, two years before Weber spoke publicly about being frozen out by the family.
"Unfortunately I no longer have any hope of seeing him again. No positive news after 10 years," Weber said.
"Of course I regret that very much and blame myself. I should have visited Michael in the hospital," he said when asked about his decision to not rush to visit Schumacher in hospital after the skiing accident.
"I grieved like a dog after his accident. It hit me incredibly hard, you can imagine that.
Michael Schumacher celebrates with his wife Corrina team boss Jean Todt, Manager Willi Weber, and Rubens Barrichello after clinching the World Championship with his win in Hungary (Photo by Steve Mitchell/EMPICS via Getty Images) (PA Images via Getty Images)"Of course also the fact that Corinna no longer allowed any contact. But at some point the point came when I had to free myself from Michael and let go."
Meanwhile, Todt, speaks of the Schumacher family, like it's his own.
"Michael is here, so I don't miss him," he said late last year.
"He's just not the Michael he used to be. He's different and he's wonderfully guided by his wife and children who protect him.
"His life is different now, and I am privileged to share moments with him. Unfortunately, fate struck him 10 years ago. He is no longer the Michael we knew in Formula One."
