Press release
Independent watchmakers, from Breguet to George Daniels, are at the core of Sotheby's international watch sales this year and the May sale will pay tribute to the founding fathers of modern horology, while also celebrating inventions that revolutionised watchmaking, such as the tourbillion.
Covering five centuries of watch history, the 388 lots, estimated in excess of CHF 10 million/$10.9 million comprise iconic pieces from each pivotal era, from a 1540 French table clock (lot 208) to an exceptional grande complication pocket watch Reference 959 by Patek Philippe.
The antique pocket watches and the Rolex sections are also highlighted by illustrious provenance, with many timepieces that belonged to great names of the European aristocracy and Rolex models owned by the acclaimed British author, Graham Greene and Ibn Saud, the first King of Saudi Arabia.
The highlights of the sale
