Michael Schumacher’s watch collection to be auctioned

The personal watch collection belonging to 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.

Michael Schumacher won 7 Formula One titles

More than 10 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.

According to British auction house Christie’s, eight watches are up for sale on 13 May in Switzerland.

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.

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 $1.2 million and $2.2 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.

‘Extremely rare’

Meanwhile, Todt’s 2003 Christmas gift, a customised Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch, is also up for auction with an estimated sale price of between $170 000 to $280 000.

Among the other pieces on offer are five limited edition FP Journe watches from 2004, to be sold separately, which should net between $1.19 million and $1.94 million in total.

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 $230 000 to $440 000.

The Michael Schumacher Collection will be previewed at Christie’s New York from 3-5 May, before it travels to Geneva for the sale.