New York – Christie's kicked off its seasonal series of Luxury auctions in New York on December 5th, 2023, with the Important Watches sale. The live auction delivered exceptional results, achieving a total of $11.2 Million with 96% of the 107 lots sold. Strong international participation occurred with bids coming from around the globe, including 41% from Americas, 32% Europe, Middle East, and Africa and 27% from Asia Pacific. Nine watches in total sold for over $250,000, with two lots achieving in excess of $1.2 Million. 

The sale was thoughtfully curated and demonstrative of the strength of the market and the power of Christie’s specialist expertise. The leading highlight of the auction was a Patek Philippe Sky Moon Tourbillon Ref. 5002P-001, which achieved an impressive result totaling $1,562,500. Notable results were achieved for the Richard Mille Unique RM018 ‘Hommage A Boucheron,’ which sold for $1,260,000—surpassing its initial estimate of $500,000 by more than two and a half times. Additionally, a signed F.P. Journe, Tourbillon Remontoir D'egalite Model, No. 27, fetched $693,000, while a Rolex Daytona 'Big Red' Ref. 6263 realized $126,000.  The auction featured a strong mix of vintage and independent watches, with a lot formerly in the collection of Andy Warhol a Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Ref. 3448 which sold for $378,000. 

Rebecca Ross, Christie's VP, Head of Sale, says: "Christie's Important Watches has set a remarkable tone for this year's Luxury season achieving a total of $11,204,650. The auction demonstrated exceptional success by surpassing its low estimate by an outstanding 112%. The standout moment was the phenomenal performance of the Patek Philippe Sky Moon Tourbillon Ref. 5002P-001, achieving an outstanding $1,562,500. This success underscores the strength and demand in the luxury watch market.”