The world’s leading auctioneering house (with a 6.3 billion dollar turnover in 2007) is strengthening its presence in the field of watchmaking by venturing off the beaten track. Last year, Christie’s watch sales amounted to 88 million dollars (not to mention clocks or sales by mutual agreement). The models presented in the November 17 auction in Geneva are estimated at a total of between 15 to 20 million Swiss francs, which would put it right up among the top-ranked auctions. To date, such estimates have always been surpassed by actual results. Will the current economic climate make these products particularly safe investments, or will it on the contrary discourage people from treating themselves to such items?

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Whatever the case, Aurel Bacs has certainly done his utmost to delight collectors and investors. Along with his teams, the Co-director of Christie’s watch department has succeeded in putting together a rich and varied horological treasure trove. “Why concentrate on just one theme and thereby cut yourself off from people who are looking for something else? Our philosophy is based on offering a broad but high-quality range that has something for everyone. Our half-yearly Geneva auction is set to become an institution among all kinds of dealers, museums and collectors”. Composed of pocket-watches and wristwatches, historical models and rare contemporary pieces, the range of brands and models on all offer is indeed surprising. Even some brand museum directors are amazed, such as the curator of the Audemars Piguet museum who admits to never having laid eyes on the brand’s first 1957 perpetual calendar watch other than in vintage adverts. Very few of them were produced and the model was soon enriched with a small seconds at 6 o’clock. The value of this extremely rare watch is further enhanced by the fact that it comes directly from its original owner, who never wore it. Another singular item up for auction is a 1950s steel Rolex Bubble Back featuring a very unusual shape and dial colour and also bearing the signature of the retailer at the time: Cuervo y Sobrinos (which has since then become a watch brand in its own right). The tried and trusted brand names are also well represented, such as Patek Philippe with around 15 wristwatches encompassing all the major complications from the 1930s, 40s and 50s, in all gold colours. Patek Philippe connoisseurs will also be thrilled no see the platinum tourbillon watch commissioned by Henry Graves and which won the first Observatory prize. It is the only Henry Graves Patek watch not owned by the Patek Philippe Museum from among the 15 known models ordered by this unparalleled collector with a total estimated value of one million francs.

While undeniably broad, the range of models on offer is also well structured. The November 17th sale will feature three sessions, each starting with a specific theme, followed by a number of models with no particular ties between them, apart from their intrinsic value. As Aurel Bacs insists: “We want to give something to match all tastes, while also including a didactic dimension in this operation”, such as embodied in the collection of timepieces by the Jürgensen dynasty. In the 18th and 19th centuries, three generations of Jürgensen watchmakers (Jürgen, Urban, Frederik, Louis and Jules) cooperated with the great names of the era: Arnold, Berthoud, Breguet and Houriet. Creating watches either under other names or their own, the Jürgensens have left behind them an impressive number of timepieces as exceptional as they are little known. Their vision of watchmaking that was considered highly original in their own time was expressed through models that have become great classics that are well regarded by collectors in search of quality and authentic aesthetic appeal.

Just as original as this first theme chapter, the lot dedicated to double Tiffany signatures is also likely to be highly coveted. These not include Patek Philippe pocket-watches and wristwatches bearing the retailer’s signature, but also the only “Paul Newman” Rolex known to date with a Tiffany dial inscription. Aurèle Bacs spells it out quite clearly: “this watch is apparently one of a kind”.

Representing another fine haul for Christie’s, the third theme chapter consists of fifteen A. Lange & Söhne watches belonging to the same European collector, who has bought every single platinum model in each line from the German brand, in all their different versions. This selection includes the Tourbillon Pour le Mérite which is virtually impossible to find otherwise. Here again, the choice will dictate the fetching price, based on estimates ranging from 8000 to 12,000 CHF.

Will the fascinating surprises Aurel Bacs has in store for his customers prove to be good financial surprises under the auctioneer’s hammer? You can check the details and results are at www.christies.com.