The bi-annual Only Watch auction is a recurring event for collectors and watch fans in General. Not many of us will be in the financial position to participate in any of the watches (the most affordable watch this year was a Trilobe, reaching CHF 17,000). However, the fantastic line-up of 47 one-off watches is a pleasure that can be enjoyed by everyone.
This year 30 watches reached above estimate, 9 reached the estimated bandwidth while 8 watches sold below the estimate. The top 4 sales involved the usual suspects, and some surprises.
Patek Philippe Ref. 6301A-010 Grande Sonnerie- CHF 15,700,000
Traditionally, Patek Philippe delivers the watch with the highest contribution to the final result. This year is no exception and the CHF 15,700,000 this 6301A-010 steel Grande Sonnerie Minute Repeater counted for more than half of the total sale revenue. The unique watch, with hand-made green guilloche dial sold to a well-known Patek collector in the room.
Richard Mille RM S14 Talisman- CHF 2,380,000
The Richard Mille Talisman is more jewellery than watch, but the unique composition nevertheless reached a second spot. This piece feels a bit shamanic, and you could easily expect healing capabilities coming from it. The case is made of Rhonodite, titanium and gold and the winning bid almost quadruples the estimate. Of course, unique is unique and Richard Mille collectors live in a different monetary reality than most of us.
Rexhep Rexhepi Chronometre Antimagnetique- CHF 2,100,000
The pieces from Rexhep Rexhepi have settled firmly in the “Hors Classe” of auction sales, and this unique Chronometre Antimagnetique is no expection. A true testament to high watchmaking and probably a prelude to the next generation RR’s, this piece outperformed even the entry of Rexheps’ former mentor F.P. Journe…
F.P. Journe Chronometre Blue Furtif- CHF 2,000,000
One of the regular top stars at Only Watch, F.P. Journe always goes the extra mile in his contribution. This year again a new caliber is introduced, and the Chronometre Blue Fortif is housed in a tantalum case and bracelet. Understated in the looks and extraordinary cool.
Apart from the Top 4 the remaining 43 pieces all fetched prices between CHF 17,000 and 700,000. Great outperformers were the Petermann Bédat x Auffret Chronomètre D’Observatoire reaching CHF 240,000 and the Furlan Marri x Dominique Renaud x Tixier Secular Perpetual, indicating that the next generation of watch collectors darlings are knocking at the doors. You can check all the entries on the Only Watch page.
