A single-owner collection of unique Patek Philippe clocks surpassed all expectations as it crossed the block at Sotheby's April 7 auction in Hong Kong.

All 13 clocks, including The Magpie's Treasure Nest Clock, were made using the very finest materials

The series of 13 magnificent timepieces were all especially made for one prominent collector, boasting elaborate designs based on a natural theme. Leading bids was a piece entitled The Magpie's Treasure Nest Clock, which stormed past its $644,000 high estimate by 260%, to realise $2.3m.

The piece represents the pinnacle of luxury, made from yellow gold, silver, agate, diamond, ruby, sapphire and mother of pearl, as well as many more precious materials. It was made in 1992 and sold to the collector in 1996.

The Pearl from the Golden Oyster Clock contains 42.29 carats and 1,100 grams of 22k gold

Following was the Pearl from the Golden Oyster Clock, which achieved a 107.9% increase on its $708,000 high estimate to make $1.4m. Made using 22k and 18k gold, with silver, mother of pearl, diamond, ruby and emerald, it sold complete with its Patek Philippe presentation box.

The Patek Philippe clocks dominated the top sales of the day, and even the highest-scoring wristwatch was another model from the illustrious Swiss brand. A rare yellow gold piece, it boasted a perpetual calendar with cathedral gongs, Moon phases and a leap year indicator. It sold for $422,378.

Sign up to our free weekly newsletter for more of the latest on watch collecting and investment.