In the blooming month of May, Geneva becomes a bustling hub for watch enthusiasts and collectors, welcoming one of the most important watch auction seasons of the year. Gia Bảo was present in this beautiful city, renowned as the world’s watchmaking capital, to attend these prestigious events. On the bustling Mont-Blanc Street, the famous auction houses Christie’s and Antiquorum are preparing for their significant "spring" auctions. Our journey begins at Christie’s, where the Only Watch auction will take place at 7 PM (Vietnam time) on May 10, 2024.

Update Only Watch Auction Results

The results from special auctions like Only Watch are always full of surprises, with many lots fetching prices far different from the estimates. Gia Bảo will highlight three "misses" and five "hits" that promise to astonish you:

Misses:

1. Gerald Genta

- Estimate: 350,000 - 500,000 CHF
- Result: 170,000 CHF

2. Tiffany & Co

- Estimate: 350,000 - 500,000 CHF
- Result: 120,000 CHF

3. Lederer

- Estimate: 100,000 - 200,000 CHF
- Result: 45,000 CHF (This is a watch that Gia Bảo deeply regrets as its result is very low compared to the actual value of the brand and its rarity)

Hits:

1. Konstantin Chaykin

- Estimate: 30,000 - 50,000 CHF
- Result: 110,000 CHF (nearly 4 times)

2. Petermann Bédat x Auffret Paris

- Estimate: 50,000 - 100,000 CHF
- Result: 240,000 CHF (nearly 5 times)

3. Furlan Marri

- Estimate: 20,000 - 30,000 CHF
- Result: 130,000 CHF (nearly 7 times)

4. F.P. Journe

- Estimate: 200,000 - 400,000 CHF
- Result: 2,000,000 CHF (10 times)

5. Patek Philippe

- Estimate: 1,500,000 - 1,800,000 CHF
- Result: 15,700,000 CHF (over 10 times)

Notably, a watch from contemporary independent watchmaker Rexhep Rexhepi achieved a record-breaking result of 2,100,000 CHF, which is 21 times its low estimate of 100,000 CHF.

Preview with Antiquorum in Geneva

Antiquorum hosted an event with nearly 600 lots – the largest number among current auction houses. Highlighting the auction were two Patek Philippe Worldtime Louis Cottier watches, each estimated at 1 to 2 million CHF. The ref 605HU was successfully auctioned for over 3 million CHF, setting a new record for this reference. Congratulations to Antiquorum and Patek Philippe.

The atmosphere before the auctions is always exciting. Families, friends, and watch enthusiast clubs gather to admire, discuss, and exchange in a civilized and courteous manner. The tables are fully occupied, and many groups are waiting outside, but there is no rush, noise, or hustle. Instead, there is careful observation, learning, and very polite and discreet exchanges.

A unique feature of these two watches is the GMT+7 time zone labeled as Saigon. Additionally, the Worldtime Louis Cottier line is notable for the historical overlap of the London and Paris time zones, stemming from the 1884 Washington conference where Greenwich was chosen as the prime meridian over Paris. These historical and immutable elements make the Worldtime Louis Cottier watches highly valuable and sought after, as they are irreplaceable witnesses to a bygone era.

Geneva Shines: Top Watch Auctions with Phillips

The auction that Gia Bảo is most looking forward to in this May’s Geneva auction season is Phillips Auction Bacs & Russo, featuring 200 meticulously selected high-quality watches. The event, held at the prestigious President Hotel, promises to bring thrilling moments to watch aficionados.

Notable Watches:

1. RRCC 1 - A technical masterpiece with skyrocketing value

2. Kari Voutilainen 28 - Exquisitely handcrafted watch

3. Laurent Ferrier - A perfect blend of tradition and modernity

4. Patek Philippe 2523 Worldtime Louis Cottier - A watch in pristine condition

5. Philippe Dufour - A work from the contemporary master watchmaker

6. Akrivia - Innovation and creativity in every detail.

7. Kari Voutilainen Worldtime - A multifunctional watch with impressive design.

8. Patek Philippe 3670 Steel - Rare and valuable.

9. Patek Philippe 3448 White gold - Classic beauty.

10. Charles Frodsham - A piece of art and craftsmanship from the UK.

Update: The RRCC1 watch has astonished everyone by being auctioned for over 1 million CHF, far exceeding its initial estimate.

The spring auction season in Geneva concluded with excitement and joy as numerous impressive records were set by renowned auction houses. From traditional watch brands to contemporary innovations, from industrial production to exquisite craftsmanship, all have contributed to a memorable and emotional auction season, especially with watches bearing a Vietnamese imprint.