Christie’sImportant Watchessale realized$9.3 millionwith an exceptional96% sell-through rate, reaffirming the continued strength and depth of the global watch market. Leading the auction was the Charles Frodsham Silver Grande & Petite Sonnerie Hump-Back Tourbillon Carriage Clock from theEdlis | Neeson Collection, which achieved$952,500—nearly five times its low estimate. Participation was robust across all channels, with competitive bidding in the saleroom, over the phones, and online. Global engagement remained strong, with52% of bids from the Americas,19% from Asia Pacific, and29% from EMEA, and42% of bidders and buyers new to Christie’s.
Rebecca Ross, Head of Sale, Christie’s New York, remarked:“We are thrilled with the results of our Important Watches auction. Throughout the sale, it was exciting to see multiple lots exceed their high estimates—most notably the Charles Frodsham carriage clock. From rare Patek Philippe pieces to Cartier classics, spirited competition came from every channel. Collectors responded with remarkable enthusiasm, and these results underscore the global appetite for exceptional timepieces.”
Among the standout moments was the Patek Philippe Serpico Y Laino Black Enamel Calatrava Ref. 2526, which achieved$660,400. This exceptional example is the only known first-series reference 2526 featuring a black enamel dial with luminous indexes, retailed by Serpico Y Laino. Another highlight, thePatek Philippe “The Scout” Piece Unique—an 18k gold Lepine-style keyless lever open-face watch with Breguet numerals and a hand-engraved case—featured a miniature enamel painting by G. Menni after Charles Marion Russell. It sold for$520,700, far surpassing its$100,000low estimate.
Strong results also emerged for Cartier, including a rareGold Cushion-Shaped Wristwatchcharacterized by its distinctive “Batman” case shape and dial reminiscent of the iconic Driver’s watch. Estimated at $8,000-$12,000, it realized$76,200, nearly ten times its high estimate.
Christie’s watch offerings continue withWatches Online: The New York Edit, open for bidding through17 December.
Patek PhilippeRetailed By Serpico Y Laino. The Only Known, Historically Important, And Extremely Attractive 18k Gold Automatic Wristwatch With Black Enamel Luminious DialPrice Realized:$660,400
Patek PhilippeAn Exceptional And Unique 18k Gold Lepine-Style Keyless Lever Open Face Watch With Breguet Numerals, Handengraved Case, And Miniature Enamel Painting Depicting ‘The Scout’ By Charles Marion Russell, Miniature By G. MenniPrice Realized:$520,700
RolexAn Extremely Well-Preserved And Coveted Stainless Steel Automatic Wristwatch With Sweep Center Seconds, Bracelet, And Black Gilt ‘4-Line’ DialPrice Realized:$381,000
RolexA Highly Rare And Desirable Stainless Steel Chronograph Wristwatch With ‘Paul Newman’ Dial And BraceletPrice Realized:$317,500
ChopardA Highly Impressive Platinum Limited Edition Minute-Repeating Openwork Wristwatch With ‘Full Strike’ Single-Button Activation And Dual Power Reserve IndicatorsPrice Realized:$152,400
CartierAn Extremely Rare And Unusual 18k Gold Cushion-Shaped Wristwatch With Arabic Numeral DialPrice Realized:$76,200
