Highlight: Vacheron & Constantin Perpetual Calendar Minute Repeater Piece Unique Outstanding Results for Unique Timepieces at Antiquorum's June New York Sale
Watch aficionados came together on June 8th for Antiquorum's summer sale of Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces, which totaled a remarkable $4,500,075. The all-day sale held in Antiquorum's New York City auction room featured an exceptional collection of 351 luxury timepieces, of which 118% were sold by value. Competitive bidding for the auction came from Taiwan, Hong Kong, the Russian Federation, Belgium and Indonesia, as well as the United States.
The two highlights of the sale were undoubtedly the Vacheron & Constantin Perpetual Calendar Minute Repeater Piece Unique and the Audemars Piguet Grand Complication Piece Unique specially made for Arnold Schwarzenegger. The Vacheron Constantin elicited a spirited bidding war between two Asian bidders, with the successful bid coming at $374,500. Equally exciting was the competition among American and European collectors for the Audemars Piguet Grande Complication Piece Unique, which exceeded its high estimate, also selling for $374,500.
"We are very pleased by the outstanding results for the Audemars Piguet Grande Complication and the Vacheron Constantin Perpetual Calendar in today's sale. The outcome of our June auction in New York confirms that the market for high-end complicated and unique timepieces continues to thrive worldwide," said Evan Zimmermann, President & CEO, Antiquorum Auctioneers.
Bidding for Patek Philippe timepieces was highly competitive, as highlighted by the 17 lots comprising an East Coast private collection. The platinum Patek Philippe ref. 5050 with Roman dial [lot 118] sold for an incredible $140,500, while the yellow gold Patek Philippe ref. 3970 [lot 117] achieved $85,300. The Patek Philippe platinum perpetual calendar ref. 3940 [lot 102] also garnered significant attention, selling for $68,500, and the Patek Philippe yellow gold chronograph ref. 5070 [lot 105] attained $78,100.
The vintage Rolex market remains strong, as shown by the results for the Rolex references 6236 and 6062. At $128,500, the "Jean-Claude Killy" ref. 6236 [lot 168] sold above its high estimate, while the Rolex ref. 6062 [lot 169], a rare stainless steel wristwatch with triple date offered in exceptional condition, attained $176,500. Other Rolex timepieces achieving important results include the Patent Pending Rolex Double-Red Sea Dweller [lot 161] which sold for $69,700, and the yellow gold Rolex ref.1680 Meter First [lot 56] which went for over twice its high estimate, at $27,500. Another significant result was achieved by the Longines "Retour En Vol", ref. 5967 [lot 291]. This pink gold chronograph attained $20,000, nearly twice its low estimate. The pink gold Omega with ruby dial [lot 284] realized over four times its high estimate at $11,875.
"With both modern and vintage watches from various manufacturers selling strongly, today's sale proved that timepieces in exceptional condition continue to be in demand by collectors across the globe," said Charles Tearle, Watch Director and Auctioneer, Antiquorum USA.
Antiquorum's final sale of the season, to be held in Hong Kong on June 25th, will feature an extraordinary collection of enamel pocket watches and modern Patek Philippe wristwatches.