Patek Philippe recently set two world records. They may not have been set in record time, but these timepieces each set a record. The Important Collectors’ Wristwatches, Pocket Watches, & Clocks Auction was held by Antiquorum on September 17 in New York and it was there that two of the wristwatches achieved the highest bids ever.
The first Patek Philippe to set a record was Ref. 5016 in platinum, which sold for $780,000. The timepiece unites its platinum case with a tourbillion, minute repeater, perpetual calendar with retrograde date hand and a moon phase display. Ref. 3939 set the second world record when it sold for $684,000. For many connoisseurs, this platinum watch is the quintessential representation of Patek Philippe’s blend of sophistication and discretion. It has a minute repeater, tourbillion, subsidiary seconds dial, and interchangeable full back and sapphire crystal case back. In addition to the two record-setting pieces, Patek Philippe auctioned off other timepieces, all of which received high bids.
The auction raised $9,214,974 by selling 414 rare collectible timepieces. Those in attendance were a standing room only crowd and were joined by 490 Internet and phone bidders. In addition to Patek Philippe items, Omega and Cartier were also auctioned for excellent high bids. There were two other timepieces that may not have set records, but were memorable auction items. The first was the Vacheron Constantin wristwatch that was a gift from Zsa Zsa Gabor to Marlon Brando. The timepiece went for $18,000, which is six times its estimated price. The other noteworthy item was a Seiko wristwatch that was designed for and worn in space by video game designer, Richard Garriott.
