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Time at Christie’s and Sotheby’s: Record-Breaking Antique Watch Sales
The world’s most prestigious auction houses, Christie’s and Sotheby’s, are renowned not only for their sales of art and jewelry but also for their offerings of rare antiques and luxury watches. The antique watches auctioned at these houses are not just timepieces; they hold immense value as symbols of aesthetic beauty, craftsmanship, and history. Certain brands and models, in particular, have become favorites among collectors and have fetched record prices at auctions. Let's take a closer look at some of the record-breaking antique watches sold at Christie’s and Sotheby’s.
Record-Breaking Watches: Collectors’ Favorites
Antique watches are highly valued by collectors not only as investments but also as prestigious symbols. Here are some noteworthy watches sold at Christie’s and Sotheby’s auctions:
- Patek Philippe Henry Graves Supercomplication:
Produced by Patek Philippe in 1933 and designed specifically for the prominent American banker Henry Graves Jr., this watch is considered one of the most complex pocket watches ever made. With 24 complications, it was sold at a Sotheby’s auction in 2014 for $24 million, earning the title of the world’s most expensive watch. This timepiece stands out not only as a tool for measuring time but also as a symbol of technical genius and exceptional craftsmanship.
- Rolex Daytona “Paul Newman”:
The iconic Rolex Daytona model became a legend when worn by actor Paul Newman. His personal Rolex Daytona was sold at a Phillips auction in 2017 for $17.8 million, setting the record for the highest price ever paid for a Rolex watch. The inscription “Drive Carefully Me” on the back, a message from Newman’s wife, adds significant emotional value to this watch.
- Breguet No. 160 "Marie Antoinette"
This watch, specially made for French Queen Marie Antoinette, is considered one of the most important pieces in horological history. Completed in 1827, Breguet No. 160 is extraordinary both aesthetically and mechanically. It has disappeared and reappeared several times over the years and was exhibited at a museum in Israel in 2008. Breguet watches have always been favorites among collectors and have fetched record prices at auctions.
Christie’s and Sotheby’s: The Epicenters of the Watch World
Christie’s and Sotheby’s are the most prestigious auction houses for luxury watches and antiques. The auctions held here are a major draw for watch enthusiasts and collectors alike. In addition to brands like Patek Philippe, Rolex, and Breguet, other rare watch brands also fetch high prices at these auctions. The watches sold at these auctions are not just timekeeping devices but are also seen as valuable investments, drawing significant interest.
Watch Collecting: Adding Value to Time
Watch collecting is a passion that goes beyond time, intertwined with history, art, and craftsmanship. Antique watches, in particular, are among the most valuable pieces in this realm. For collectors, the value of a watch is determined by its rarity, history, brand, and mechanical features. The watches auctioned at houses like Christie’s and Sotheby’s showcase the finest examples of this passion.
The record-breaking prices of antique watches reflect the deep interest and appreciation for these works. A watch does more than tell time; it narrates the story of an era, a person, or a brand. For collectors, antique watches hold immense emotional and financial value.