Important Watches Totals $9.3 Million With Global Engagement

Christie's Important Watches sale has spoken with authority, realizing $9.3 million against a remarkable 96% sell-through rate—a decisive reaffirmation of the global watch…

• December 11, 2025
• ByKayla Johnson

Christie's Important Watches sale has spoken with authority, realizing $9.3 million against a remarkable 96% sell-through rate—a decisive reaffirmation of the global watch market's continued depth and vitality. Leading the auction was the Charles Frodsham Silver Grande & Petite Sonnerie Hump-Back Tourbillon Carriage Clock from the Edlis | Neeson Collection, which achieved $952,500—nearly five times its low estimate. Competitive bidding surged across every channel—saleroom, telephone, and online—with global engagement reflecting the market's borderless appetite: 52% of bids from the Americas, 19% from Asia Pacific, and 29% from EMEA, while an impressive 42% of bidders and buyers were entirely new to Christie's.

As Rebecca Ross, Head of Sale, Christie's New York, reflected, spirited competition coursed through the auction from every channel, with multiple lots exceeding their high estimates. Among the standout moments: the Patek Philippe Serpico Y Laino Black Enamel Calatrava Ref. 2526—the only known first-series reference 2526 with a black enamel dial featuring luminous indexes—achieved $660,400. The Patek Philippe "The Scout" Piece Unique, an 18k gold Lepine-style open-face watch adorned with Breguet numerals, hand-engraved case, and a miniature enamel painting by G. Menni after Charles Marion Russell, soared to $520,700, vastly surpassing its $100,000 low estimate.

Cartier delivered dramatic results as well: a rare Gold Cushion-Shaped Wristwatch distinguished by its "Batman" case shape and Driver's watch dial realized $76,200—nearly ten times its high estimate. A coveted stainless steel Rolex with black gilt "4-line" dial commanded $381,000, while a Paul Newman dial chronograph achieved $317,500. Chopard's platinum Full Strike minute repeater rounded out the highlights at $152,400. The results underscore an unequivocal truth: the global appetite for exceptional timepieces has never been more voracious, nor the market more dynamic.

CHRISTIE’S IMAGES LTD. 2025

Patek Philippe

Patek Philippe