Christie’s “Important Watches” auction will take place on June 10th, 2024, and will showcase some of the world’s rarest timepieces.
One of three things is likely to happen when you turn up at a live watch auction.
- You pay over the odds for the one timepiece you’ve set your heart on.
- You rock up without any expectations and somehow stumble upon a bargain most unexpectedly.
- You spot a rare gem and wind up taking home a valuable investment.
One of those scenarios, if not all, will be playing out this week in New York. There is simply no time for dithering at these auctions. Hands will fly up left, right, and center as horologists scrabble to secure their next wallet-draining purchase.
On June 10th, 2024, a live auction will take place at Christie’s auction house in Rockefeller Center, New York.
Some of the world’s rarest timepieces are about to go under the hammer at the event. These include masterpieces from Richard Mille, Rolex, Patek Philippe, and independents like F. P Journe.
Last month, Christie’s Rare Watches sale went ahead following a rather unfortunate cyber attack, which somewhat delayed proceedings.
At the auction, former racing driver Michael Schumacher’s eclectic mix of racing watches fetched a whopping $4.4 million. Among these was a Rolex Daytona Paul Newman type, a set of five ruthenium F. P Journe timepieces. Also, a Royal Oak Chronograph from Audemars Piguet.
Christie’s is one of the most prestigious auction houses in operation. Experts authenticate items before going on sale, and the company only deals with a handful of reputable collectors.
Seasoned watch collectors and experienced horologists will know what they’re looking for at this month’s “Important Watches” auction. Something rare, collectible, and, well, important.
Table of Contents
1. Richard Mille RM56-02 AO Tourbillon Sapphire Estimated at $3,000,000-$4,000, 000
Of all the 118 lots to go on sale at this special auction, one will go down in history. The Richard Mille Limited Edition RM56-02 AO Tourbillon Sapphire is the most expensive watch at Christie’s New York.
Richard Mille first showcased the rare timepiece at the Hong Kong Watches & Wonders event back in 2015. Richard Mille released just ten of these limited-edition timepieces.
So, if you have a spare $3-4 million dollars lurking around, this is a rare treasure to invest in.
The design of the Richard Mille RM56-02 AO Tourbillon Sapphire watch derives from the RM-056, launched in 2011. It featured a unique sapphire case. The brand modified it later with the RM 56-01 reference, featuring sapphire bridges, a baseplate, and a third wheel.
The RM 56-02 is the generation that followed. It far surpasses the capabilities of any rival manufacturer. The model boasts a cable-suspended movement held inside a sapphire case.
Suffice it to say that if this watch reaches its estimation, it will go down in history as one of the most expensive timepieces in the world. Richard Mille currently ranks as the sixth most successful luxury watch brand of 2023.
According to the numbers produced by Morgan Stanley and LuxeConsult, Richard Mille had a $1.5 billion turnover in 2023. Perhaps not surprising to those familiar with the brand’s expensive watches, it only sold 5600 watches. This makes the average retail price of an RM watch $275,000!
2. Rolex Stelline Ref. 6062 Estimated at $500, 000–1,000, 000
Next up is the Rolex Stelline ref 6062, a scarce breed featuring a triple calendar and a moonphase. Back in 2019, valuers estimated a rose gold version of the Rolex Stelline at $1M. I think this model could easily fetch more.
The most important and appealing feature of the Rolex Stelline watch is its unique star dial, of which only a few are available.
During the 1950s, it was the only one of its kind to feature the calendar complication combined with a moonphase.
Well, apart from the Rolex Padellone, that is. But that one didn’t feature the Oyster case that the Stelline offered. Of course, the advantage of the Oyster case guaranteed additional dial and movement protection.
This 36mm model exudes the sports elegance of an essential era in watchmaking. It was particularly desirable because it had only been in production for three years.
The next time we saw the moonphase surface again was in the design of the 2017 Cellini Moonphase.
The ref. 6062 Stelline remains a really rare Rolex watch with its striking star-shaped hourmakers.
3. Audemars Piguet Cobra Ref. 5403-341 Estimated at $10-20,000
Just a year before the iconic Royal Oak arrived, Audemars Piguet launched the Cobra. And who else would you expect to create such a striking design besides Gerald Genta? It features a fully integrated bracelet crafted from one piece of woven 18k gold.
Audemars Piguet is synonymous with the integrated bracelet, thanks to its many steel sports watches. These include the Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore. These bombastic luxury sports watches have a standout style you can pick from a crowded room.
Some of the Audemars Piguet Cobra watches feature a two-register layout featuring the day and date. The bracelet’s unique design makes this rare Audemars Piguet watch so appealing to collectors.
As mentioned, AP crafts it from one long piece of woven, chunky gold, giving it an ostentatious look. That mesh-like bracelet resembles the scales of the serpent; thus, the watch’s name is the “Cobra”.
This is the predecessor watch to the icon that shook the watch-wearing world. It’s a golden find for those who follow the brand closely and collect its rarer timepieces.
Crafted from 18k white gold, this Audemars Piguet Cobra watch features a stunning deep blue dial. Experts estimate the watch to reach somewhere between $10-20k. However, if an avid collector is in the room, it could easily go for more on the day.
4. Rolex Ref. 6098 Estimated at $20,000-$40,000
The Rolex 6098 is an exciting timepiece for vintage Rolex watch collectors. Arriving just before the Rolex Explorer, it is also known as the “Overtone” or the “Big Bubbleback”.
The Rolex Oyster 6098 was the watch chosen for the Mount Everest expedition in 1952. Its diameter was 36mm, which was somewhat large compared to its then-popular 32-34mm sizes. Its rounded case also accommodates a large movement and attaches to a “Super Oyster Crown.”
However, the crown doesn’t screw into the case. Instead, the wearer needs to push it into the case. This was a helpful feature during the 1950s. It ensured the wearer wouldn’t forget to return the crown to its natural position before exposing it to water.
This Rolex Ref 6098, due to go on sale at Christie’s, was Colonel Patrick Douglas Baird’s very own timepiece.
In 1953, during the Canadian Arctic Baffin Island Expedition, Baird wore the watch on his wrist. As the expedition’s leader, Baird sought practical and functional use in the timepiece. So did the extreme explorers tackling the grueling summit of Mt. Everest.
Climbers wore these early Rolex chronometers, testing them for durability and performance, sometimes one on each wrist. Subsequently, this design shaped the modern Rolex Explorer, which still proves popular in the company’s catalog today.
5. Patek Philippe Calatrava Duo Ref. 2526 Estimated at $25,000-$25 000
The Nautilus Tiffany blue dial naturally springs to mind when we think of Tiffany & Co.’s collaborations with Patek Philippe.
The first of that limited edition run sold for a staggering $6.5 million in 2022. Yet the partnership between the two Maisons began back in 1851.
Tiffany & Co. remains the only retailer to have its name featured on a PP dial. As such, these unique timepieces are some of the world’s most sought-after timepieces by avid collectors.
Thousands of elite watch collectors still consider the Tiffany & Co. watches from Patek Philippe to offer an extra layer of exclusivity. This has resulted in watches going under the hammer for exceptional prices.
It goes without saying that the relationship between Tiffany & Co. and Patek Philippe is prestigious.
This Calatrava ‘Duo” watch displays a Tiffany & Co. signed dial that we expect to reach a hammer price of $25,000 – $45,000. Bearing the “Du Unto Others” inscription, it remains somewhat of a mystery, and we still know little about the timepiece.
Information suggests that Tiffany & Co. made the watch for President Lyndon B. Johnson. He gifted it to Senator Robert Kerr of Oklahoma.
Research indicates that Lyndon B. Johnson also owned one of these watches. As such, it is one of the earliest of the “Duo” dial designs and features an 18k gold case.
6. Richard Mille RM 52 Skull Tourbillon Estimated at $750,000–$1,000,000
The Richard Mille RM52 Skull Tourbillon will go under the hammer at Christie’s “Important Watches” auction for the first time.
In 2013, they launched the watch’s white quartz carbon TPT case. It boasts a skull that looks aesthetically distinctive and serves as an anchoring bridge for the movement.
The watch’s tourbillon cage moves through the skull’s jawbone in what one can only describe as a fascinating spectacle.
The case of this collectible Richard Mille watch is incredibly lightweight and strong. Comprising hundreds of layers of quartz, it’s an excellent talking point and a compelling find for any RM enthusiast.
Measuring 42mm in diameter, the model secures with a rubber band and titanium folding clasp. It’s also one of only ten models made.
One of the most eye-catching features of the RM52 Skull Tourbillon watch is the Skull’s diamond set teeth. They catch the light as they suspend a jewel from the movement inside the mouth.
This is a truly rare and complex symbol of Richard Mille’s exceptional workmanship.
7. Patek Philippe Two-Tone ‘Tasti Tondi’ Ref. 1463 Estimated at $100,000 – $200,000
The beauty and exclusivity of the Patek Philippe Ref. 1463 “Tasti Tondi” watch distinguishes it from others.
Before the introduction of the ref. 1463, PP’s chronograph featured a snap-back case, while the pushers were square in profile. This watch, however, features attractive rounded pushers and a screw-down case back, promising improved water resistance.
Although most 1463 watches feature a yellow gold case, some are available in steel or rose gold. This specific timepiece features a tachymeter scale and is 1 of just 400 worldwide.
Expected to reach a $100,000 – $200,000 sale, this vintage chronograph boasts a silver and white two-tone dial made entirely by hand.
The watch signifies a groundbreaking and pivotal moment in the brand’s history. Creating a waterproof case required considerable skill and expertise.
The push-pieces were taut and solid, constituting a relatively waterproof design.
The fluted surface finishing in the push pieces of the “Tasti Tondi” chronograph also bears a superior anti-slip design.
This is a beautiful homage to Patek’s history and an absolute treat for enthusiasts.
The Takeaway
Auction houses are the one thing to keep your eye on if you fancy your chances at sniffing out a rare and wonderful timepiece. They’re a great chance to observe some creations that you’d never usually have the opportunity to see otherwise.
Moreover, some important auctions feature collections owned by celebrities and famous sportsmen. Take Sylvester Stallone’s legendary watch collection, for example, sold at Sotheby’s this month.
Christie’s “Important Watches” Auction certainly won’t disappoint this month. While horologists await the sale of some of Christie’s most exciting offerings this year, many other remarkable timepieces await.
Which luxury watch are you most excited to go under the hammer? Let us know in the comments below.
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