Sale Totals $17 Million; Audemars Piguet Jumping Hour sells for $1,016,000 from a $30,000 Estimate
Christie’s Important Watches auction delivered impressive results on June 12, generating more than $17 million in sales while achieving a remarkable 99% sell-through rate by lot. The auction attracted strong global participation, with nearly half of all bids coming from the Americas.
Leading the sale was an exceptionally rare Patek Philippe “Red Dot” Ref. 3448G perpetual calendar, one of the most coveted vintage references among collectors. The watch sold for $2,759,000, comfortably surpassing its high estimate of $1.6 million and reaffirming continued demand for museum-quality Patek Philippe timepieces.
One of the auction’s biggest surprises came from an Audemars Piguet 18K white gold Jumping Hour from 1928. Estimated at just $30,000, the rare watch sparked intense bidding before ultimately selling for $1,016,000.
Several other standout lots demonstrated the strength of the vintage watch market. A highly sought-after Patek Philippe stainless steel wristwatch with concave bezel achieved $304,800 against a low estimate of $15,000, while a unique Patek Philippe white gold wristwatch featuring a lapis lazuli dial realized $95,250.
Modern collectors also showed strong interest in contemporary independent watchmaking. A Richard Mille RM022 “Red” Aerodyne Dual Time Zone sold for $762,000, underscoring the continued appeal of the brand among serious enthusiasts.
Provenance proved equally important throughout the sale. A Patek Philippe once owned by Andy Warhol realized $170,180, while two Patek Philippe Tiffany & Co. Calatravas formerly owned by President Lyndon Baines Johnson exceeded expectations. The Ref. 2552 sold for $241,300 and the Ref. 2526 brought $184,150.
The auction also featured selections from the collection of noted real estate developer Todd Michael Glaser. Leading the group was a Cartier Unique Platinum Tank Cintrée Ref. 2843J, which sold for $279,400. The collection generated a combined total of $1.65 million.
Together, the results highlight the enduring strength of the rare-watch market, where exceptional rarity, originality, and notable provenance continue to drive competitive bidding among collectors worldwide.
