Christie's New York Important Watches Totals: $10.9 Million

NEW YORK – Christie’s New York kicked off Luxury Week with its first live auction, Important Watches, on Monday, December 9, 2024 at 2PM. The sale saw exceptional results, realizing $10.9 Million and selling 97% by lot, showcasing strength across all levels with 89% of lots selling above and within their estimates. The top lot was a signed Richard Mille, RM UP-01 Ferrari Ultra -Flat No. 37/150, which achieved $1.4 Million. The sale saw vibrant participation, with bidders and buyers in the room, on the phones, and online. Clients came globally, with 43% of the bids coming from Americas, 24% from Asia Pacific and 34% from EMEA. Strong demand was seen for high -quality vintage timepieces as well as creations by independent watchmakers, including the two top lots of the day - both by Richard Mille – which each sold for more than $1 Million. The third highest price in the sale came for a 1986 Cartier London Crash which sold for more than double its low estimate to achieve $819,000.

Remi Guillemin, Christie’s Head of Watches Europe and US, comments: “Today’s sale stands as a testament to the strength of the watch market. We were thrilled to see registrants from across tile globe participating, with eager clients engaging on the phones, in the saleroom, and online. Tile sale saw successful results throughout with exceptional prices coming specifically for vintage timepieces and creations by independent watchmakers like Richard Mille and F.P.Journe.”

An additional notable result came for a 1940 Patek Philippe 18k Yellow and Pink Gold ‘Chameleon’ Hinged Bangle Bracelet Watch which sold for $378,000, more than three times its high estimate. A special highlight of the sale was a group of four IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronographs in white ceramic with deep blue dials, flown to space by the Polaris Dawn crew. These customized timepieces, offered to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, collectively achieved $277,200. Lot 1 alone realized $126,000, far surpassing its high estimate of $25,000.

Sale Highlights

Lot 20. Richard Mille RM UP-01 Ferrari Ultra-Flat No. 37/150. Richard Mille, in partnership with Ferrari. An exceptional and conceptual ultra-flat titanium limited edition wristwatch with function selector and visible titanium balance. Signed Richard Mille, Ferrari Model, Ref. RM UP-01 Ti, No. 37/150, Circa 2024. Price Realized: $1,381,000

Lot 38. Richard Mille Unique RM018 'Hommage A Boucheron' - Part of 'The Collectibles'. An impressive and unique 18k white gold skeletonized tourbillon wristwatch with white Agate wheels, made to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Boucheron. Signed Richard Mille, Boucheron, Ref. RM018 WG, Unique Piece, Circa 2008. Price Realized: $1,197,000.

Lot 49. Cartier London Crash 1986. A supremely rare, unusual and highly coveted 18k gold asymmetrical wristwatch with ‘Crash’ deployant clasp. Signed Cartier, London, Crash model, case no. 24175B, movement signed Cartier, case and clasp with London hallmarks for 1986. Price realized: $819,000

Lot 44. Rolex Daytona ‘Paul Newman’ ref. 6239. An iconic and highly attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with ‘Paul Newman’ dial and bracelet. Signed Rolex, Daytona ‘Paul Newman’ model, ref. 6239, case no. 2’005’321, circa 1969. Price Realized: $453,600.

Lot 37. F.P. Journe Tourbillon Souverain 3rd Generation Ref. T. An extremely rare and early platinum tourbillon wristwatch with power reserve, Remontoir d’Egalite, and brass movement. Signed F.P. Journe, Tourbillon Remontoir d’Egalite model, Ref. T, No. 041/99T, circa 1999. Price realized: $378,000

Lot 47. Patek Philippe ‘Chameleon’ Ref. 1252. A possibly unique and extremely unusual 18k yellow and pink gold ‘chameleon’ hinged bangle bracelet watch with pink dial. Signed Patek, Philippe & Co. ‘Chameleon’ model, ref. 1252. Movement no. 865’356, case no. 621’691, manufactured in 1940. Price realized: $378,000.

IWC worn by astronaut Jared ‘Rook’ Isaacman during the Polaris Dawn mission to space. An extraordinary ceramic and titanium automatic dial chronograph wristwatch worn by astronaut Jared ‘Rook’ Isaacmam during the Polaris Dawn mission to space. Signed IWC, Pilot’s watch chronograph edition ‘Polaris Dawn’, case no. 6'403'907, no. 1/4, Circa 2024. Price realized: $126,000.

For more results, please visit christies.com