NEW YORK, NY.- Christie’s will present Important Watches; a live auction taking place at Christie’s Rockefeller Center on June 10. The auction will offer a curated edit of rare and desirable wristwatches of the highest quality, from prominent brands and independent artisans, encapsulating the rich heritage of the history of watchmaking.
The sale features the most expensive watch ever offered at Christie’s New York – an important Richard Mille Limited Edition RM56-02 AO Tourbillon Sapphire (Estimate $3,000,000-4,000,000). Additionally, the auction includes iconic models associated with prominent figures renowned for their diverse contributions to society, from a United States President to renowned geologist. One other highlight in the sale is a Rolex ‘Prototype Pre-Explorer’ Model Ref. 6098, famously worn by Colonel Patrick Douglas Baird during the 1953 Swiss Canadian Baffin Island Arctic Expedition (Estimate $20,000-40,000). Another notable highlight is an extremely rare and beautifully preserved Rolex ‘Stelline’ Ref. 6062 (Estimate $500,000-1,000,000) which will be offered at auction for the first time. Additionally, the auction will showcase the Patek Philippe Calatrava ‘Duo’ Model Ref. 2526, crafted in 18K gold with a customized ‘Duo’ dial commissioned by Tiffany & Co. for President Lyndon B. Johnson (Estimate $25,000-45,000). Furthermore, a Patek Philippe 18K Gold Two-Tone ‘Tasti Tondi’ Ref. 1463, boasting a two-tone dial and tachymeter scale dial (Estimate $100,000-200,000), rounding up the sale is the striking Richard Mille Limited Edition RM52-01 CA-FQ Tourbillon Skull Model (Estimate $750,000-1,000,000).
Select watches will embark on a global tour to Geneva from 10 to 12 May and Hong Kong from 24 to 26 May, before returning to New York, where all auction lots will be available for viewings during Christie’s Luxury Week at Rockefeller Center from 6 to 10 June.
Rebecca Ross, Head of Sale Christie’s New York says: " Christie’s Watch Department is excited to present our clients with a thoughtfully curated selection of extraordinary timepieces. We are particularly enthusiastic about offering the Limited-Edition Richard Mille RM56-02 AO Tourbillon Sapphire, a remarkable achievement in both pioneering materials and micro-engineering. The timepieces offered in this sale transcend mere beauty; they symbolize significant moments in history, from groundbreaking explorations to technical advancements that redefine possibilities. Collectors have the opportunity to acquire not just watches, but also pieces of horological innovation that remain sources of inspiration today.”
Auction Highlights
Richard Mille RM56-02 AO Tourbillon Sapphire Limited Edition
An extraordinary and important limited edition transparent sapphire crystal skeletonized tourbillon wristwatch with titanium cable-suspended movement and cable tension indicator. Signed Richard Mille, Limited Edition, RM56-02 AO Tourbillon Sapphire Model, circa 2015.
Estimate: $3,000,000-4,000,000
One of the most coveted and wondrous of Richard Mille timepieces, this spectacular "full set" Tourbillon Sapphire RM56-02 AO is an astonishing accomplishment both in the use of groundbreaking materials and micro-engineering. First showcased at the Hong Kong Watches and Wonders in 2015, the RM056-02 is a byword for innovation, a world-class masterpiece in every sense of the word. To the best of our knowledge, this watch is only the second example (from an edition limited to just ten) of this reference to be offered at an international auction.
Rolex Patrick Douglas Baird Ref. 6098
The ‘Prototype Pre-Explorer’ model manufactured in 1952, presented to Colonel Baird by the Swiss Foundation for Alpine Research (S.F.A.R.) in 1953, and worn by Colonel Baird on the Canadian Arctic Baffin Island Expedition in 1953.
Estimate: $20,000-40,000
Christie’s is honored to be entrusted by the family of the late Colonel Patrick Douglas Baird (1912-1984) to offer his treasured, expedition-worn, early ‘Prototype Pre-Explorer’ Rolex reference 6098, for the first time. One of the famed groups of early Rolex Pre-Explorer watches supplied for the 1953 expedition, used as technical instruments by the explorers, and regarded as the most significant vintage Rolexes of all time by collectors.
Colonel Baird was the leader of the expedition that also included Jürg Marmet, whose expedition-worn Rolex Pre-Explorer reference 6298 was sold by Christie’s Geneva, 7 November 2022, lot 127.
Rolex Stelline Ref. 6062
An exceedingly rare and superbly preserved 18k gold automatic triple calendar wristwatch with moon phases, luminous star hour markers and bracelet signed rolex, oyster perpetual, 'Stelline' model, ref. 6062, case no. 942’554, circa 1953.
Estimate: $500,000-1,000,000
A rare and beautiful Rolex reference 6062 with ‘Stelline’ star-shaped hour markers is – to the best of our knowledge – at auction for the first time. This timepiece boasts exceptional originality and condition, from the pristine, silvered dial in version ‘Type 755, Mark 1’ – the most exclusive of them all – to the crisp case markings. Renowned for its complexity and luxurious yellow gold construction, this watch unites rarity, mechanical complexity and superlative condition, this example of reference 6062 ‘Stelline’ represents a golden opportunity for the discerning collector of the finest vintage Rolex watches to add this legendary model to his or her collection.
Patek Philippe Calatrava ‘Duo’ Model Ref. 2526
A historically important and rare 18k gold automatic wristwatch, with 'Duo' dial made by Tiffany & Co. for U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson. Bracelet signed Patek Philippe, signed and customized by Tiffany & Co., Calatrava 'Duo' model, ref. 2526, movement no. 682'115, case no. 760'628, manufactured in 1954.
Estimate: $25,000-45,000
The origin of gold Patek Philippe reference 2526 and 2552 watches with the "Do unto Others…" (‘Duo’) inscription was long a mystery among collectors.
They are now known to have been gifts from then-Senator Lyndon B. Johnson to influential figures. This watch was a gift from LBJ to Senator Robert Kerr of Oklahoma, who later gave it to a pilot (grandfather of the present owner) as thanks for a skilled, safe flight through a tumultuous storm.
This particular example of the 'Duo' watch is one of the earliest known and maybe the original 'Duo' dial design. Lyndon B. Johnson owned the same configuration, which was also fitted on a signed Tiffany & Co. 18k gold bracelet and was just two case numbers away from this one.
The ’Duo’ watch is a fascinating historical footnote and a compelling find for collectors.
Patek Philippe Two-Tone 'Tasti Tondi' Ref. 1463
An extremely rare, 18K yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with two-tone and tachymeter scale dial, manufactured in 1953.
Estimate: $100,000-200,000
Considered one the most beautifully designed chronographs of the mid-20th century, reference 1463 is Patek Philippe’s only vintage chronograph with a ‘water-resistant’ case and round pusher. Only 400 yellow gold models were ever made, and just 160 are known to the market.
This excellent example, which comes to market from the original owner’s family, features a classic, two-tone dial with silvered outer scale and off-white center was made entirely by hand by the masterful Stern Frères. The screw-back case by Taubert ensures water resistance, while the Valjoux-based movement, caliber 13-130, offers reliable performance. Produced from 1940s to the mid-1960s, the reference 1463 remains a coveted timepiece for its blend of functionality and timeless design.
Richard Mille Limited Edition RM52-01 CA-FQ Tourbillon Skull Model
An extremely rare and highly attractive lightweight limited edition white quartz carbon TPT® skeletonized tourbillon wristwatch with diamond-set skull. Signed Richard Mille, tourbillon skull model, ref. Rm52-01, circa 2018.
Estimate: $750,000-1,000,000
“By making the aesthetic choice to completely integrate this complex symbol of vanitas vanitatum into the mechanics of the watch, we were making references to the ‘promise of eternity’ as well as a need to enjoy life to the fullest. The finish is breath-taking, providing a glimpse of the immutable forces at play in the universe.” - Richard Mille
Richard Mille enthusiasts and collectors worldwide will immediately recognize the importance of this exceptional RM52-01 CA-FQ white quartz carbon TPT® Skull Tourbillon. To the best of our knowledge, the present watch is the first of its kind to be offered at auction, it is further distinguished in being one of only ten examples made in ultra-lightweight white quartz carbon TPT®.
