Christie’s New York Important Watches Exhibition Opens in Rockefeller Center

After a number of successful auctions in Geneva and Hong Kong, Christie’s New York is putting over 260 vintage and modern timepieces, pocket watches, and pens up for sale as a a part of its Important Watches auction on Wednesday, June 17.  Leading up to Wednesday’s auction, the pieces will be displayed for public exhibition at Rockefeller Center.

highlights from the impressive lot of timepieces include a 1903 Patek Philippe Two Train Trip Minute Repeating Split-Seconds Chronograph (Lot 118; estimate: $50,000 – $70,000), one of only three known to exist. Other notable pieces from Patek Philippe include a unique Hunter Case Pocket Watch with miniature enamel by famed artist Susan Rohr of Renoir’s Two Sisters (Lot 65; estimate: $120,000 – $180,000), a Patek Philippe Reference 3424 designed by Gilbert Albert (Lot 57; estimate: $50,000 – $80,000) and a Patek Philippe Reference 2499 Third Series (Lot 185; estimate: $260,000 – 360,000), which was introduced to the market in 1950 and is said to be one of the most coveted timepieces in history.

From Vacheron Constantin comes a Single-Button Chronograph formerly owned by King Alexander I of Yugoslavia (Lot 81; estimate: $40,000 – $60,000). The piece is in remarkable condition, and has never been offered at auction.

Finally, from Rolex comes the Reference 6264 (Lot 40; estimate: $80,000 – $120,000), an exceptionally rare piece that was only manufactured for three years, from 1970 to 1972. This piece in particular bares the Tiffany & Co signature on the dial. Also included in the auction is a Rolex Submariner Reference 6538 . The piece has a “big crown” and is in unpolished and original condition.

Visit Christie’s for a full rundown of the pieces being auctioned on Wednesday.