NEW YORK, NY.- Christie’s New York kicked off Luxury Week with its first live auction, Important Watches, on Monday, December 9, 2024 at 2PM. The sale saw exceptional results, realizing $10.9 Million and selling 97% by lot, showcasing strength across all levels with 89% of lots selling above and within their estimates. The top lot was a signed Richard Mille, RM UP-01 Ferrari Ultra-Flat No. 37⁄150, which achieved $1.4 Million. The sale saw vibrant participation, with bidders and buyers in the room, on the phones, and online. Clients came globally, with 43% of the bids coming from Americas, 24% from Asia Pacific and 34% from EMEA. Strong demand was seen for high-quality vintage timepieces as well as creations by independent watchmakers, including the two top lots of the day - both by Richard Mille - which each sold for more than $1 Million. The third highest price in the sale came for a 1986 Cartier London Crash, which sold for more than double its low estimate to achieve $819,000.
Remi Guillemin, Christie’s Head of Watches Europe and US comments: “Today’s sale stands as a testament to the strength of the watch market, we were thrilled to see registrants from across the globe participating, with eager clients engaging on the phones, in the saleroom and online. The sale saw successful results throughout, with exceptional prices coming specifically for vintage timepieces and creations by independent watchmakers like Richard Mille and FP Journe.”
An additional notable result came for a 1940 Patek Philippe 18k Yellow and Pink Gold 'Chameleon' Hingled Bangle Bracelet Watch which sold for $378,000, more than three times its high estimate. A special highlight of the sale was a group of four IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronographs in white ceramic with deep blue dials, flown to space by the Polaris Dawn crew. These customized timepieces, offered to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, collectively achieved $277,200. Lot 1 alone realized $126,000, far surpassing its high estimate of $25,000.
Watches Online: The New York Edit remains open for bidding until December 13.
