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Press release
Christie's leading watch team 
obtained such an extraordinary performance from the combination of carefully selected watches of great rarity, impeccable provenance, exceptional condition and attentive scholarship.
Aurel Bacs, International Head of Christie's Watch Department, commented: “Totaling more than US$ 29.1 million, Christie's Geneva achieved an historical result for a various owners sale. This tremendous outcome reaffirms the unrivalled position of Christie's team in the watch arena. We've never seen such an intense buying activity with enthusiastic bidding in the room, on the telephone and online, with buyers recognizing quality at all price levels. I was delighted the customized Project X Designs Rolex Sea Dweller watch offered by Sir Roger Moore sold for SFr. 75,000 to benefit UNICEF”.
Patek Philippe watches played the leading role, breaking numerous world records.
Rolex, along with Vacheron Constantin, Audemars Piguet, and Cartier, also saw outstanding results, as well as independent brands such as F.P. Journe. Standouts included the 1953 Rolex „Neptune? ref. 8382 (selling for five times its estimate for SFr.609,000), a 1945 Rolex ref. 3525, and the 1910 Vacheron Constantin scarab-form pendant watch.
The top lot of the sale was a rare pink gold calendar wristwatch with moon phases, ref. 3448, manufactured in 1968 by Patek Philippe, which sold for SFr.2,099,000 / $2,338,286 / €1,700,190 (from an estimate of SFr.500,000-1,000,000), setting a world record price for this reference at auction.
This watch previously unknown, was recently rediscovered by a Christie's specialist.
Bids came from private collectors and museums as well as from investment funds, proving that quality watches are now considered a world class collector?s asset.
With 222 buyers from 39 different countries, Asia and China in particular played a pivotal role showing unprecedented depth of audience for fine collectors? watches.
James Bond's Mythical Rolex wristwatch specially adapted for ‘Live and Let Die' by film production designer Syd Caine in 1972 sold immediately after the morning session for SFr. 219,000 ($243,966 / €177,390).
Upcoming sales dates and venues:
• 30 November
Christie's Hong Kong
Important Watches
• 16 December
Christie's New York
Watches
