HONG KONG.- Sam Hines, Sotheby’s Worldwide Head of Watches, comments: “With significant prices for timepieces by both established houses and independent watchmakers, the total of our autumn sale increased 15% year-on-year, making it the highest in the past five years. The records for the most valuable wristwatch sold at auction in Asia and for an automatic Rolex Daytona demonstrated that buyers are willing to pursue the hottest and most hard-to find watches available. Whether in London, Geneva, New York or Hong Kong, from sourcing to selling, this is a truly fluid and international market. We look forward to our sale in Geneva on 13 November, where we will continue to offer the rarest and most sought after watches.”

SALE RESULTS:

• Demand for vintage Rolex remains high, led by a Very Fine and Rare Stainless Steel Chronograph Wristwatch with Bracelet Ref 6241 Case 2372607 Cosmograph Daytona 'Paul Newman' circa 1970

• Sold for HK$2,375,000 / US$302,813 (Lot 2264, est. HK$1,600,000 - 2,400,000 / US$204,000 - 306,000)

• Since its release in 1966, this watch has remained one of the most sought after vintage Daytonas on the market

• Strong interests in independent brands:

• Roger Smith – A Fine And Rare Pink Gold Wristwatch with Power Reserve Indication, Co-Axial Escapement and Engraved Dial No 08 - C Series 2 Made in 2006, sold for HK$1,375,000 / US$175,313 (Lot 2286, est. HK$1,100,000 - 1,600,000/ US$140,250 - 204,000)

• Richard Mille – Fine and Rare White Gold Skeletonized Dual Time Zone Tourbillon Wristwatch with Power Reserve and Torque Indicator Ref Rm003 Mvt 0020 Case 20 Circa 2011, sold for HK$1,750,000 / US$223,125 (Lot 2289, est. HK$1,200,000 - 1,800,000 / US$153,000 - 229,500)

• Vianney Halter – A White Gold Wristwatch Case 58w.208.Cl Classic circa 2005, sold for HK$275,000 / US$35,063 (Lot 2284, est. HK$80,000 - 120,000 / US$10,200 - 15,300), double the high estimate

• Vianney Halter – An Unusual Yellow Gold Perpetual Calendar Wristwatch Case 12y.36.A Time Machine Perpetual Antiqua circa 2007, sold for HK$562,500 / US$71,719 (Lot 2285, est. HK$280,000 - 400,000 / US$35,700 - 51,000)

• Strong online participation – almost 40% of bidders came from online