RARE PATEK PHILIPPE SOLD FOR 4 X ESTIMATE, TOPPING NY FINE WATCHES SALE

A rare Patek Philippe ref. 36, purchased in 1935 and offered by its original family owner, sold for an astonishing $256,562, four times its pre-sale estimate, to a private collector, after a two-way bidding battle, at the Bonhams Fine Watches Sale in New York on Wednesday (13 October), which totalled more than $1 million.

The quintessentially 1930s timepiece featured an attractive two-tone aviator dial, and was double-signed by Birks-Ellis, the Tiffany's of the North, which made it an extremely rare example.

Max Traber, Specialist, Bonhams Watches US, remarked: "The top lot, a beautiful 1935 Patek Philippe ref. 96 took everyone's breath away. In the end, two phone bidders battled for the watch. The winner refusing to let it go at any cost. Both the buyer and seller were delighted. It was an exciting moment."
"This extraordinary sale was filled with exceptional timepieces and we are thrilled with the results."

Audemars Piguet Lunette Monnaie, c.1940, sold for $112,812

Another wristwatch from long-term one-family ownership far exceeding its pre-sale estimate was a circa 1940 Audemars Piguet Lunette Monnaie, one of only five steel examples, which achieved $112,812.

Rolex Submariner Comex No. 6084, Ref. 16800, c. 1982, sold for $162,812

A c.1982 Rolex Submariner Comex No. 6084, Ref. 16800, first issued to a Comex deep-sea diver, also made a splash in the Bonhams sale, realising $162,812, more than quadruple its pre-sale estimate.

Nine of the top 10 highest sellers in the auction sold above estimate in the boutique sale of fine pocket watches and wristwatches, with other highlights including another Patek Philippe, a c. 1960s Ref. 3448, an exceptional 18K gold perpetual calendar bracelet watch with moon phase, which realised $106,563.

Max Traber continued: "We are thrilled with these results, which reflect the extraordinary sale filled with exceptional timepieces."

The next sale for Bonhams New York Watches will take place on April 14, 2022. Consignments of fine watches and wristwatches are being invited now. Contact [email protected] for further details.