A Patek Philippe clock, hand-painted by graffiti artist John "CRASH" Matos, has been consigned to an auction of Important Modern and Vintage Timepieces.
Estimated at $10,000-15,000, the clock will sell on December 13 in New York. While it is far from the highest-valued piece in the sale, it will certainly provide one of the biggest draws.
 The auction house hosted CRASH's own exhibition in October |
John "CRASH" Matos began his artistic life as a New York graffiti artist and is regarded as a pioneer of the movement after his 1980 exhibition, Graffiti Art Success for America, which was held at New York's Fashion MODA.
The artist was first brought to the attention of the collectibles community when he famously painted five guitars for collector Eric Clapton, with one of these selling for $321,000 at auction in 2004. Fender has since commissioned a line of 50 graffiti-covered guitars, nicknamed the Crashocaster.
The Patek Philippe solar domed clock was originally made circa 1960, before recently receiving its CRASH makeover. It featured in the exhibit Crash: Back on the Block, which was hosted by the auction house from September to October 2012. It is made from silver with gilt dauphine hands and is powered by solar-powered cells placed on top of its dome.
Proceeds from the sale will be donated to the Aids Community Research Initiative of America (ACRIA), with the auction house's Evan Zimmerman commenting: "The exceptional combination of a vintage timepiece and graffiti art is both striking and unique. As part of our commitment to contributing to worthy causes and charities worldwide, we are delighted to donate all proceeds from the clock to ACRIA."
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