Christie's Important Watches – Live Auction – New York, 9 December 2024

NEW YORK, December 2024 – Building on the remarkable success of Christie’s June Important Watches auction, which realized a total of US$13,250,000 with every lot sold, the eagerly awaited December sale is poised to again captivate collectors and aficionados alike. Carefully assembled by a global team of watch experts, the New York auction will feature 104 exceptional timepieces, representing a curation as eclectic as it is exceptional, at the pinnacle of rarity and craftsmanship.

This season’s Important Watches auction brings together an extraordinary array of timepieces, ranging from iconic vintage designs to groundbreaking creations by contemporary independents. With its remarkable diversity, the sale offers collectors a rare opportunity to acquire pieces of exceptional craftsmanship, technical innovation, and historical significance. Whether appealing to seasoned connoisseurs or new enthusiasts, this curated selection celebrates the enduring artistry and legacy of fine watchmaking.

Richard Mille – Performance and elegance, juxtaposed

Renowned for pushing the boundaries of horological innovation, Richard Mille’s timepieces redefine what is possible in design and engineering. This sale features two exceptional examples of the brand’s artistry: the RM UP-01 Ferrari, the world’s first wristwatch to reach a slimness of just 1.75mm, exemplifying technical mastery at its finest (Estimate: US$1,000,000–2,000,000), and the RM 018 Tourbillon ‘Hommage à Boucheron’, a unique creation celebrating the famed Paris jewellery Maison’s 150th anniversary. This extraordinary timepiece, featuring white agate gemstone wheels and a skeletonized movement, is one of 30 unique pieces created in close collaboration with the celebrated Parisian jeweller – a seamless blend of Haute Horlogerie and Haute Joaillerie (Estimate: US$800,000–1,500,000).

Celebrating eras of high horology – Treasures by Cartier, F.P.Journe, Patek Philippe…

The sale also showcases an extraordinary range of haute horology, spanning decades and styles. Highlights include the Cartier London Crash (1986), a rare and highly coveted asymmetrical design that remains an icon of daring design (Estimate: US$400,000–800,000).

From F.P. Journe, the Tourbillon Souverain (1999) is a platinum marvel featuring the rare rhodium-plated brass movement, a defining feature of the early series (Estimate: US$250,000–450,000). Meanwhile, Patek Philippe’s Ref. 1252 ‘Chameleon’ (1940), an exquisitely preserved bangle bracelet watch in 18k pink and yellow gold, embodies the elegance and innovation of mid-20th-century design (Estimate: US$50,000–100,000).

When watches transcend time…

Vintage Rolexes

From timeless icons to timepieces that journeyed beyond Earth’s atmosphere, this edition of Important Watches brings together exceptional creations that narrate the stories of their eras. Among the standout examples bearing the Rolex crown is a trio of captivating ‘Paul Newman’ Daytonas: two Ref. 6239 models from the late 1960s—one with a black dial (Estimate: US$120,000–180,000) and another with a white dial (Estimate: US$150,000–250,000)—as well as an exceptionally rare and desirable Ref. 6264 ‘Paul Newman’ Daytona with a black dial from 1970 (Estimate: US$100,000–200,000). Rounding out this remarkable offering is the showstopping Ref. 6541 Milgauss ‘Bay of Pigs’ steeped in Cold War history (Estimate: US$150,000–250,000).

Rolex Milgauss Ref. 6541 ‘Bay of Pigs’ (1958-1959)

Lot 45. This Rolex Milgauss ref. 6541, purchased by Roberto Pichardo in 1968, is a rare and historically significant timepiece with a fascinating story. Estimate: US$150,000–250,000

Designed in the 1950s for scientists, the Rolex Milgauss set a new standard for precision with its anti-magnetic Faraday cage, ensuring resistance to electromagnetic exposure. Featuring a lightning bolt seconds hand, honeycomb dial, and smooth bezel, this iconic watch epitomizes vintage Rolex sports models.

Cuban-born Roberto Pichardo, a radio, radar, and avionics technician, witnessed the revolutionary upheaval in his homeland during the late 1950s. Fleeing the Castro regime, he built a new life in the U.S., where he joined Brigade 2506, a group of Cuban patriots behind the ill-fated Bay of Pigs Invasion. Pichardo purchased this Milgauss after returning from captivity, marking a poignant new chapter in his life. Manufactured in 1958-59, it coincides with Fidel Castro’s rise to power, symbolizing resilience and remaining a highly sought-after collector’s piece today.

‘Dawn of Time’ – Space-flown watches sold to benefit St Jude

Additionally, the 4 watches that make up the IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “Polaris Dawn”, fresh from its historic spaceflight, will be auctioned for the benefit of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Each watch, designed specifically for the space mission, features the mission patch at 6 o’clock on the deep space blue dial and the crewmember’s name engraved on the caseback (Lots 1-4, Estimate US$15,000-25,000 ea.) Learn more about the Polaris Program and the Polaris Dawn mission, and watch a video of the crew's journey.

A unique opportunity to acquire a piece of history – and advance an important cause

IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph ‘Polaris Dawn’ Limited Edition

Lots 1-4. IWC Schaffhausen designed four chronographs to commemorate the historic achievement in civil spaceflight and benefit St Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Estimate: US$15,000–25,000.

The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “Polaris Dawn” features a 44.5-millimeter case made of white ceramic. Its dark blue lacquered dial is printed with countless stars. Stop times of up to 12 hours are displayed in two totalizers at 9 o’clock and 12 o’clock. The small seconds display at 6 o’clock features the Polaris Dawn mission patch.

Emblematic of IWC’s materials expertise, the white ceramic is created in a complex process where zirconium oxide is mixed with other metallic oxides, shaped, machined, and then sintered at extremely high temperatures. Extremely scratch-resistant and remarkably light, it is perfect for withstanding the extreme conditions of space travel.

The titanium case back of each chronograph is engraved with the name of one of the four Polaris Dawn crew members. Alongside Jared “Rook” Isaacman, who served as the mission’s commander: retired United States Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Scott “Kidd” Poteet; and SpaceX Lead Space Operations Engineers Sarah “Cooper” Gillis and Anna “Walker” Menon.

Rebecca Ross, Head of Sale Christie’s New York, shares: “This autumn edition of Important Watches auction exemplifies the ever-surprising diversity and depth of horological ingenuity and artistry. We have Richard Mille’s absolute mastery on display with its avant-garde, ultra-ultraslim RM UP-01 Ferrari sharing the stage with a uniquely elegant RM 018 ‘Hommage à Boucheron.’ F.P. Journe’s iconic Tourbillon Souverain, which redefined modern watchmaking, this sale highlights the extraordinary ingenuity behind each timepiece. The bold sophistication of Cartier, exemplified by the rare London Crash, shares the stage with historical treasures like Patek Philippe’s elegant Ref. 1252 Chameleon. Equally compelling are the vintage Rolex Paul Newman Daytonas and a rare Milgauss with its Cold War provenance, timepieces that resonate with stories of their time. The same applies to the IWC Polaris Dawn Special Edition watches presented at this auction, which not only broke boundaries in space just a few weeks ago but will also be contributing to the vital mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. With something for every collector, this sale will be a true celebration of the finest watchmaking and the stories these pieces tell through time.”

Auction Highlights

Richard Mille RM UP-01 Ferrari

Lot 20. The RM UP-01 Ferrari stands as a groundbreaking achievement in the realm of ultra-ultraslim serially produced timepieces: 1.75mm. Estimate: US$1,000,000–2,000,000

Developed over 6,000 hours in collaboration with Ferrari, the watch showcases an innovative design that disperses its components horizontally rather than stacking them vertically. Constructed from grade 5 titanium, it incorporates a high-performance fast-rotating barrel, reducing internal adhesion for enhanced precision and power efficiency.

Marrying minimalist aesthetics with cutting-edge engineering, the RM UP-01 Ferrari is a symbol of contemporary horological excellence.

Richard Mille RM 018 Tourbillon ‘Hommage à Boucheron’

Lot 38. Created to celebrate Boucheron’s 150th anniversary, the RM 018 Tourbillon is a masterpiece that combines fine jewellery craftsmanship with horological innovation. Estimate: US$800,000–1,500,000

Its skeletonized movement features white agate gemstone wheels, a tribute to Boucheron’s heritage and expertise in precious materials. Part of an exclusive series of 30 pieces, each distinguished by the use of unique materials in the wheels, this particular example is crafted in white gold with striking agate accents.

This timepiece is a testament to the watchmaker's artistry, demanding exceptional mathematical modelling and meticulous handcrafting of its intricate wheels. The crown pays homage to Boucheron's rich heritage, echoing the Maison's signature haute joaillerie style. Furthermore, the case's deeply engraved vertical ridges evoke the iconic Reflet watch, a landmark design introduced by the jeweller in 1947.

Cartier London Crash (1986)

Lot 49. A true icon of avant-garde watch design, this 1986 Cartier London Crash is among the rarest examples of this celebrated series, with only three known models from the year offered at auction in two decades. Estimate: US$400,000-800,000

Introduced in 1967, the "Crash" defied conventions with its audacious, even deliberately provocative design. Crafted solely in yellow gold and available exclusively at Cartier's London boutique, it is believed only 20 examples were made in total.

This particular watch features a domed case back—a unique detail that sets it apart from other versions of the Crash. Presented in remarkable original condition, this timepiece is a sought-after treasure for collectors and a testament to Cartier’s enduring creativity.

F.P. Journe Tourbillon Souverain

Lot 37. The Tourbillon Souverain by F.P. Journe is a milestone in modern independent watchmaking. This third-generation model, crafted in platinum, is powered by a rare rhodium-plated brass movement, an early hallmark of the brand’s craftsmanship prior to its transition to gold movements in 2004. Estimate: US$250,000–450,000

Featuring the ingenious Remontoir d’Égalité, which ensures consistent energy delivery for precision timekeeping, this watch exemplifies both mechanical prowess and understated elegance. With its historical significance and refined design, this piece is a prized find for discerning collectors.

The ’Duo’ is a fascinating historical footnote and a compelling find for collectors.

Patek Philippe Ref. 1252 ‘Chameleon’

Lot 47. An extraordinary blend of artistic design and technical mastery, the Patek Philippe Ref. 1252 ‘Chameleon’ is a highly unusual, hinged bracelet watch in 18k yellow and pink gold, manufactured in 1940. Estimate: US$50,000-100,000

The first and only known reference 1252 'Chameleon' bangle watch crafted in two-tone 18k pink and yellow gold, this rare bracelet watch features a pink silvered dial with a distinctive 'long' Patek Philippe signature. In excellent condition and never before offered publicly, this masterpiece is one of only three known examples, with the other two crafted entirely in yellow gold. One resides in the esteemed Patek Philippe Museum Collection, while the second achieved 387,500 Swiss francs at auction in Geneva on 15 May 2023.

This extraordinary piece offers collectors an unparalleled opportunity to acquire a true horological work of art.

Important Watches – Viewing Times at Christies’ Rockefeller Center:

6 December 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
7 December 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
8 December 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
9 December 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

For more information, please visit christies.com