For collectors of Patek Philippe, yesterday was a day to remember. This is because the watch community witnessed one of the most highly anticipated and expertly curated auctions in quite some time, Christie’s Patek Philippe 175th Anniversary sale. With lots ranging from historically significant documents of Patek history, to multi-million dollar reference 2499’s, we certainly saw a wide selection of important Patek Phillipe horological artifacts. As excitement filled the room, estimates were both surpassed and nearly not met, all making for a truly memorable event. There were a few lots that particularly stood out to me.
Lot 44: Reference 592 Time Only in Steel
Estimated Range: CHF10,000 – CHF20,000
Realized Price: CHF40,000
One piece that stood out to us when the catalogue was first revealed, was the Ref. 592 in steel, with a two tone dial. Its subtle elegance and beautiful two tone dial, similar to that of rarer Ref. 570’s, definitely spoke to collectors, as it this lot realized 40,000 Swiss Francs, exactly double it’s original pre-sale estimate.
Lot 35: Boeing Split Seconds Chronograph Ref. 130
Estimated Range: CHF400,000 – CHF800,000
Realized Price: CHF485,000
The Boeing-owned reference 130 proved to be a clear example of just how scrupulous the modern collector is. Christie’s set estimate was just met at 400,000 Swiss Francs, which certainly didn’t live up to the hype. Despite the impressive provenance and rarely seen details, bidders just couldn’t look past the highly polished case, and the possibly refinished dial.
Lot 24: Possibly Unique Perpetual Calendar Pocket Watch
Estimated Range: CHF50,000 – CHF100,000
Realized Price: CHF118,750
When the estimate was first set for this piece, I was personally surprised that it wasn’t higher. It’s just so rare to see this dial configuration on a Patek pocket watch, not to mention the fact that it featured a Guillame balance. Like several other lots in this auction, estimates were shattered as this piece realized 118,750 Swiss Francs, as it should have.
Lot 59: Pink Gold First Series Ref. 2499 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph
Estimated Range: CHF1,600,000 – CHF2,600,000
Realized Price: CHF2,629,000
Lastly, but most definitely not least, the ultra-rare first series 2499 in pink gold. Often regarded by collectors as the most beautiful watch ever produced, this square pusher bearing example was surely no exception, as it’s dial was kept in excellent condition, along with the sharp and not overly polished lugs. Long before the auction, this piece was unofficially deemed the star of the catalog, and it rose to the occasion seeing as it realized a hammer price of CHF2,629,000.
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