Important Geneva Watch Auctions Achieve Strong Results

Auction houses Antiquorum and Sotheby's had extremely strong results from their auctions, both of which took place on May 11, in Geneva.

The star of the Sotheby's thematic sale was the unique "Trossi Leggenda" Patek Philippe chronograph from the early 1930's, which sold for $2.2 million, thus achieving a record of being the most expensive wristwatch ever sold by Sotheby's. Several other Patek Philippe watches set impressive prices as well, as did some Rolex Daytona chronographs, which soared well over the $100,000 mark. A Breguet minute repeater from the early 20th century also did extremely well, selling for $126,870. Overall, the total results of the sale amounted to CHF10.9 million.

Antiquorum's sale results were also notable, at CHF10.4 million. Their thematic sale, entitled "The Collection of a European Nobleman", showcased an extremely important collection of modern luxury wristwatches. With energetic bidding coming in from around the world, by telephone, online, and on-site, competition was spirited.

Many fine brands, including Jaeger-LeCoultre, Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, and F.P. Journe were able to achieve notable prices. F.P. Journe's Sonnerie Souveraine watch topped the results with a price of $487,931. A Jaeger-LeCoultre GyroTourbillon and a Vacheron Constantin "Saint Gervais" watch both came in at just under $400,000. An example of Patek Philippe's Ref. 5110 10-Day Tourbillon sold for $237,011, while an A. Lange & S?hne Lange 1 Tourbillon from 2000, found a buyer at $165,804.