Press release
Aurel Bacs, International Co-Head of Christie's Watch Department:
“With a total of SFr. 19,032,388, nearly twice its pre-sale low estimate, the Geneva Important Watches Sale achieved the highest result for any watch auction offered in 2009 worldwide, selling 97% by value and 94% by lot.
In a thrilling atmosphere, almost 900 bidders from 5 continents competed enthusiastically in the room, as well as on Christie's Live and by telephone. The extraordinary performance of this Christie's sale confirms the undisputed leadership of the company in Geneva and in the international Watch market.
A Connoisseur's Vision, a collection of ten Patek Philippe watches was 100% sold, totaling SFr.5,835,600 and nearly doubling its pre-sale low-estimate. Nine world record prices have been achieved for numerous models manufactured by Rolex and Patek Philippe.
Top Ten
Lot 84 - Patek Philippe. An 18K gold perpetual calendar wristwatch, ref. 1526
Estimate: SFr. 1,000,000-1,500,000
Purchase Price: SFr. 2,400,000 ($ 2,773,065, € 1,847,781)
Buyer: Swiss Private Museum
Lot 159 - Patek Philippe. An 18K gold single button chronograph wristwatch, 1924
Estimate: SFr. 200,000-300,000
Purchase Price: SFr. 939,000 ($ 934,305, € 622,557)
Buyer: Swiss Private Museum
Lot 161 - Patek Philippe. A platinum wristwatch, ref. 3448/100, with extra dial
Estimate: SFr. 500,000-800,000
Purchase Price: SFr. 783,000 ($ 779,085, € 519,129)
Buyer: Swiss Private
Lot 219 - Patek Philippe. An 18K pink gold perpetual calendar wristwatch, ref. 2438/1
Estimate: SFr. 500,000-800,000
Purchase Price: SFr. 711,000 ($ 707,445, € 471,393)
Buyer: Swiss Private
Lot 335 - Patek Philippe. An 18K gold wristwatch, black enamel numerals, ref. 1579
Estimate: SFr. 300,000-500,000
Purchase Price: SFr. 675,000
$ 671,625
€ 447,525
Buyer: American Private
Lot 47 - Rolex. An 18K pink gold wristwatch, ref. 6062, with gold bracelet
Estimate: SFr. 250,000-350,000
Purchase Price: SFr. 597,000
$ 594,015
€ 395,811
Buyer: European Collector
Lot 380 - Patek Philippe. A stainless steel wristwatch, ref. 1579
Estimate: SFr. 400,000-600,000
Purchase Price: SFr. 591,000 ($ 588,045, € 391,833)
Buyer: Asian Private
Lot 218 - Patek Philippe. An 18K pink gold wristwatch, ref. 1436
Estimate: SFr. 350,000-550,000
Purchase Price: SFr. 507,000 ($ 504,465, € 336,141)
Buyer: Swiss Private
Lot 85 - Patek Philippe. A stainless steel chronograph wristwatch, ref. 1463
Estimate: SFr. 300,000-500,000
Purchase Price: SFr. 459,000 ($ 456,705, € 304,317)
Buyer: European Private
Lot 160 - Patek Philippe. An 18K gold wristwatch, ref. 2499/100
Estimate: SFr. 250,000-350,000
Purchase Price: SFr. 435,000 ($ 432,825, € 288,405
Buyer: American Private
