Ahead of its live “Important Watches” auction at Rockefeller Center on June 10, Christie’s has offered a first look at its curated edit of 118 rare and highly desirable timepieces that will go up for bidding.
“We are particularly excited about offering the Limited-Edition Richard Mille Rm56-02 AO Tourbillon Sapphire, a remarkable achievement in both pioneering materials and micro-engineering,” said head of sales at Christie’s New York, Rebecca Ross.
The star wristwatch, which is one of the rarest in the brand’s rolodex, is expected to fetch between $3,000,000 USD and $4,000,000 USD at auction. The sale also features four additional Richard Mille timepieces, like the Limited-Edition RM52-01 CA-FQ Tourbillon Skull Model, estimated to earn between $750,000 USD and $1,000,000 USD.
“This edition of Christie’s Important Watches New York is particularly interesting for the depth and richness of its offering,” added Ross. “Next to modern, contemporary and vintage watchmaking wonders, including rare and significant pieces by Rolex, Patek Philippe as well as surprising creations by Audemars Piguet, Cartier and Vacheron Constantin, there will also be some of the finest works by great independents, such as F.P.Journe and Daniel Roth.”
Standout designs include F.P.Journe’s No. 33 of 33 Tourbillon Souverain Ruthenium timepiece, worth between $250,000 USD and $350,000 USD, and the skeletonized Daniel Roth Jumping Hours Retrograde made in white gold and diamond-set, which should fetch between $20,0000 USD and $40,000 USD.
From Rolex, the Ref. 6098 Prototype Pre-Explorer, worn by Colonel Patrick Douglas Baird during the 1953 Swiss Canadian Baffin Island Arctic Expedition, is also set to rake in between $20,000 USD and $40,000 USD. Patek Philippe has the Ref. 2526 Calatrava Duo, composed of 18K gold with a custom dial, that should go for $25,000 USD to $45,000 USD.
Audemars Piguet’s Ref. 5403-341 Cobra, done up in white gold with a silvered blue dial, is estimated to be worth between $10,000 USD and $20,000 USD, while Cartier’s Gondole, Cloche, Bagnoire and Tank Asymmétrique models are set to secure sales between $10,000 USD and $70,000 USD.
All lots will be on view during Christie’s Luxury Week at Rockefeller Center from June 6 to 10. Take a look at the leading timepieces in the gallery above.