New York – Important Watches of Exceptional Provenance, Featuring The Kairos Collection Part III, presented across two evening sales on 8-9 June, totalled $21,743,070, setting a new record for the highest total ever for a watches auction at Christie’s New York. The auction was sold 97% by lot, 141% hammer above value, and attracted global participation from 30 countries and 19% new registrants. 58% of all lots surpassed pre-sale high estimates.
The sale was highlighted by the grand finale of The Kairos Collection, which achieved $13,895,160. The collection of 128 extraordinary modern Patek Philippe timepieces totalled $21,885,101 globally from auctions across Geneva, Hong Kong and New York. The New York session was led by Patek Philippe Ref. 5531R-012, an exceptional 18k rose gold Grande Complication watch, which sold for $2,220,000.
Additionally, the sale presented a variety of important watches of exceptional provenance, most from original owners and families. Some of the highlights include a rare Rolex “Patent Pending”, “Double Red” Sea-Dweller, Ref. 1665, which sold for $176,400, and a Patek Philippe Ref. 2526J, a newly discovered 18k yellow gold wristwatch retailed and signed by Tiffany & Co., which realized $144,900.
Keith Davis, Head of Watches, Christie’s Americas, commented: “We are pleased with strong results for watches throughout this season, having achieved a new record for the highest valued watches sale at Christie’s New York in only 137 lots. This season, we were especially proud to present The Kairos Collection of extraordinary Patek Philippe timepieces across three sale sites and it far surpassed estimates, totalling $21.8 million globally. Overall, the auction realized a robust sell-through rate of 97% by lot with results by renowned and independent watchmakers. It is a true testament to the strong demand for watches of exceptional provenance and rarity. We look forward to continuing the momentum of the season with our New York online sale, now open for bidding through 17 June.”
IMPORTANT WATCHES OF EXCEPTIONAL PROVENANCE | 8-9 JUNE | NOTABLE RESULTS
Lot 58
The Kairos Collection
Patek Philippe ref. 5531r-012, with a miniature cloisonné enamel dial depicting the Lavaux vineyards on the shores of Lake Geneva. This 18k rose gold grande complication watch presented at Baselworld 2018 merges two iconic horological mechanisms: the minute repeater and the world time
PRICE REALIZED: $2,220,000
Lot 64
The Kairos Collection
Patek Philippe, ref. 5950 ⁄ 1a-010, an exceptionally rare steel cushion-shaped split-seconds monopusher chronograph wristwatch on a bracelet, limited series of 10
PRICE REALIZED: $693,000
Lot 57
The Kairos Collection
Patek Philippe, ref. 5275p-001 175th anniversary, a very fine platinum hour strike chiming wristwatch with digital jump hour jumping minutes and seconds, created in a limited edition of 175 examples
PRICE REALIZED: $907,200
Lot 112
Patek Philippe, Ref. 2526J, a very attractive and newly discovered 18K yellow gold 1st series enamel dial wristwatch retailed and signed by Tiffany & CO.
PRICE REALIZED: $144,900
Lot 93
Rolex, ref. 1665, “patent pending”, “double red” sea dweller, a very fine and rare stainless steel diver’s wristwatch with date
PRICE REALIZED: $176,400
Lot 4
The Kairos Collection
Patek Philippe, ref. 5650g-001, aquanaut, advanced research, a rare 18k white gold wristwatch with dual timezones
PRICE REALIZED: $630,000
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*Please note when quoting estimates above that other fees will apply in addition to the hammer price – see Section D of the Conditions of Sale at the back of the sale catalogue.
*Estimates do not include buyer’s premium. Sales totals are hammer price plus buyer’s premium and are reported net of applicable fees.