The “Rare Watches” auction, organized by Christie’s in Geneva on May 12, 2026, featured an exclusive selection of 228 timepieces from the world’s leading watch brands, carefully chosen for their condition, rarity, and quality. The auction realized a total of USD 42,352,655, including buyer’s premium, with 99% of the lots sold.
BEST RESULTS
Lot 14: F.P. Journe – Tourbillon Souverain Model | An extremely rare, early, and important platinum tourbillon wristwatch with power reserve indication, remontoir d’égalité, and brass movement. Sold for USD 3,125,091.
Lot 59: Audemars Piguet – “Coussin Tortue” Model | A unique, important, and historically significant platinum cushion-shaped single-button chronograph wristwatch with two-tone dial, sold to the American market. Sold for USD 2,734,294.
Lot 186: Cartier – “London Crash” Model | An exceptionally rare and important 18k gold asymmetric wristwatch with original “Crash” deployant clasp. Sold for USD 2,030,861.
BEST PERFORMANCES
Lot 1: F.P. Journe Circa 2003 – A very rare and large stainless steel wall clock – 1,488% increase over the low estimate, achieving a final price of USD 203,406.
Lot 59: Audemars Piguet Circa 1937 – “Coussin Tortue” Model | A unique, important, and historically significant platinum cushion-shaped single-button chronograph wristwatch with two-tone dial, sold to the American market – 967% increase over the low estimate, achieving a final price of USD 2,734,294.
Lot 8: Patek Philippe Circa 1954 – A highly unusual and attractive 18k gold wristwatch with fancy lugs – 853% increase over the low estimate, achieving a final price of USD 146,453.
BREAKDOWN BY BRAND
Patek Philippe
Ranking first among the highest-selling brands of the auction, Patek Philippe achieved the highest total sales, reaching USD 15,451,562.
Rolex
Ranking second among the highest-selling brands of the auction, Rolex generated total sales of USD 6,159,145.
Audemars Piguet
With a watch sold for USD 2,734,294, Audemars Piguet ranked as the third best-performing brand of the auction, generating total sales of USD 4,955,492.
Together, these three brands generated total sales of USD 26,566,199, representing 63% of the auction’s total sales.
AVERAGE PRICE PER LOT
Based on a total of 228 lots, with 3 unsold lots, the average price per lot was USD 188,234.
CONCLUSION
This auction once again demonstrated the strength of the auction market, with École d’Horlogerie de Genève, Patek Philippe, and Rolex emerging as the three leading brands of the sale.
GEOFFROY ADER
