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The prestigious Christie’s house in New York is set to present its last auction of the season, “Important Watches and American Icons,” from November 26 to December 2019, alongside its online auction, “Christie’s Watches Online: A Horological Holiday,” featuring a carefully curated selection of more than 150 lots with pieces from important private collections and renowned American icons. In total, all lots combined are estimated to reach up to $600,000 due to their historical notoriety, pristine condition and rarity. This year’s auction will include modern, vintage and sports watches from Richard Mille, F. P. Journe, Rolex, Patek Philippe, Omega and more.
One of the main highlights of this year’s auction is Patek Philippe’s impressive lot, featuring its 3450 model, sold by Tiffany & Co. Prices for this model vary between $250,000 and $500,000. Also on display will be Patek Philippe’s 5016P model, a truly exceptional and highly sophisticated piece that ranges between $400,000 and $600,000.
Other pieces to note at this year’s auction include Rolex’s stainless steel chronograph wristwatch, reference 3330, which costs anywhere upwards of $100,000 to $200,000. Also on display will be a Breguet desk clock that was manufactured at the height of the Art Deco period. Prices for this desk clock range anywhere between $200,000 to $400,000.
American icons
A unique twist to this year’s auction is its curated selection of one-of-a-kind watches that once belonged to American Icons. One noteworthy lot in this section is one of its paired lots, featuring an L. Leroy & Cie. pocket watch that once belonged to Ernest Hemingway, along with a Vacheron Constantin pocket watch owned by Charles C. Ritz, which ranges in price between $15,000 to $25,000. This paired lot symbolized their friendship and Hemingway’s affinity for the grand hotel, which would later result in a bar named after him.
Other noteworthy pieces in this section includes a pair of Patek Philippe watches that belonged to the 41st President of the United States George H. W. Bush, and a Patek Philippe gold, enamel, and platinum watch in the form of a backpack that once belonged to Elbert E. Farman, the former Consul-General to Cairo, Egypt. This one-of-a-kind watch dates back to 1876 and is approximately valued between $50,000 to $100,000.
Also featured in Christie’s, “American Icons,” collection is a Breitling watch once owned by astronaut Wally M. Shirra, which is approximately valued between $10,000 and $15,000. Another noteworthy piece on display is the Omega Seamaster 300, which was once owned by LTC George Aikman Finter. This piece, which will be sold alongside important documents that once belonged to the former Lieutenant Colonel, ranges in price between $12,000 to $18,000.
Christie’s Watches Online: A Horological Holiday, officially opens today, Nov. 26, online and concludes on December 10. During this time 200 pieces ranging from antique to contemporary watches will officially be up for bid. In collaboration with The Webster, Christie’s Watches Online will feature a curated selection of holiday looks that exemplify the highest quality of designer clothing and timepieces combined. Professionally crafted by The Webster’s lead stylist, Linda Addouana, for the first-time, Christie’s will showcase expertly selected pairings of clothing and watches for both men and women. Public preview of both sales includes a full exhibition at Christie’s 20 Rockefeller Center Galleries December 6 – 11. ■
