NEW YORK, NY.- Christie’s New York auction of Important Watches on June 11 will offer over 360 rare timepieces valued in excess of $9 million. This vast selection features the world’s leading makers, with haute horology examples showcasing a diverse selection of fine watch making over the last three centuries. This highly anticipated auction is led by a Patek Philippe, Reference 5033. The present reference, discontinued in 2012, offers a rare opportunity for the connoisseur of complicated modern Patek Philippe wristwatches to acquire one that was produced in such limited numbers. Additional highlights include the extremely sought-after Rolex ‘Daytona’, Reference 6262 with pulsometer scale and an early 19th century 18K gold and enamel openface center seconds duplex pocket watch made for the Chinese market, by the celebrated London watchmaker, William Ilbery (c. 1760-1851).

John Reardon, International Head of Christie’s Watches, commented: “In my new role as International Head of Watches at Christie’s, it has been a thrill to see the new heights achieved for the exceptional timepieces offered across our Geneva and Hong Kong salerooms this spring auction season. Looking ahead to our June 11 auction of Important Watches at Christie’s New York, the sale brings forth a well-rounded selection of modern and vintage wristwatches, in addition to a host of highly sough after independent makers. As the finale to this spring auction season, our New York team is thrilled to present an exceptionally broad view of horology that is sure to entice collector across a global level.”

HIGHLIGHTS FROM PATEK PHILIPPE
As the star lot of the morning session of the New York Important Watches auction, this never before offered in public Patek Philippe, Reference 5270 (estimate: $130,000 – 160,000) is a rare treat for watch collectors. The Reference 5270 was introduced to the market at the Basel Fair in April of 2011, and was available only in white gold. It replaced the celebrated reference 5970, making a few subtle changes to the appearance and design of the watch, and featured the in-house CH29 movement. In October of 2013, Patek Philippe presented the "KunstWerkUhr" Exhibition in Munich, Germany. Following the success of the exhibition, Patek Philippe released two limited edition models, the 5130 and the 5270. The present example, on offer June 11, is the first known example of the Reference 5270 Munich edition to come to the auction market, making it a very rare find for the Patek Philippe collector of limited editions. Furthermore, already considered a modern classic, the present Reference 5004 (estimate: $200,000 – 300,000), is an extremely rare platinum perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moon phases, which boasts a highly complex split-seconds function, and is easily recognizable by its oversized split-seconds pusher in the crown.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM ROLEX
Introduced in 1955, the true James Bond Submariner Reference 6538 (estimate: $80,000 – 120,000) is a must-have. This present example is a remarkable specimen with a rare and notable detail featuring a superb gilt four-line chronometer dial. Examples of the Reference 6538 "Big Crown" are relatively scarce, and the four lines examples are highly sought after amongst Rolex aficionados. The present Submariner in itself is a rarity, and in such condition is very uncommon. This exceptional Rolex, fresh to the market, comes from the great-grandson of the original owner, William Bumpy Graham Bell (photographed left). Additionally highlights include a Daytona, Reference 6262, in stainless steel, made for the Peruvian Air Force, circa 1969 (estimate: $60,000 – 80,000).

MODERN
VACHERON CONSTANTIN
Christie’s New York will present a selection of six exceptional modern Vacheron Constantin watches (Lots 41-46) on June 11. The offerings include a Reference 30050 18K gold twin barrel tourbillion wristwatch with power reserve (estimate: $40,000 – 60,000) • an 18K gold skeletonized keyless lever dress watch (estimate: $15,000 – 20,000) • a Reference 13508 lady’s 18K gold and diamond-set skeletonized wristwatch (estimate: $10,000 – 15,000) • a Reference 30051 limited edition 18K pink gold skeletonized barrel tourbillion wristwatch with power reserve (estimate: $60,000 – 80,000) • a Reference 30066-67/1 18K pink gold skeletonized tourbillion wristwatch with date and power reserve (estimate: $80,000 – 120,000) • a Reference 30030 limited edition 18K pink gold skeletonized minute repeating wristwatch (estimate: $150,000 – 250,000).