At the heart of the recent Sotheby’s auction, christened “Rough Diamonds,” a captivating timepiece stole the spotlight, captivating enthusiasts with its exquisite craftsmanship and historical significance. The Patek Philippe Ref. 3290 ensemble from 1962, meticulously crafted by Gilbert Albert and adorned with enamel and pearls, mesmerized bidders, igniting a fervent bidding war that lasted over six minutes. Seven contenders vied passionately for ownership, propelling the final price to an astounding CHF 393,700 ($435,727), a remarkable sevenfold increase over its initial estimate, as revealed by Sotheby’s.
The event, held on April 11, proved to be an overwhelming success, surpassing all expectations by amassing a total of CHF 1.2 million ($1.3 million), nearly doubling its projected upper limit.
Reflecting on the exceptional results, Josh Pullan, global head of Sotheby’s luxury division, expressed his satisfaction, stating, “Rough Diamonds emerged from the aspiration to curate a watch auction that truly resonated with collectors. Tonight’s outcomes, with every single one of the 24 lots acquired by a diverse and enthusiastic pool of buyers, affirm that vision. The pinnacle being the Gilbert Albert-designed Patek Philippe, the epitome of uniqueness and extravagance, claiming the highest value of the evening, underscores the discernible appetite among collectors for avant-garde and boldly distinctive timepieces, presented within a unique narrative.”
Among the noteworthy performers were two Audemars Piguet treasures. The first, a 1985 Cobra Royal Khanjar, commanded an impressive CHF 165,100 ($182,724), while a whimsical car-shaped wristwatch in white gold, adorned with diamonds and emeralds from 1995, fetched CHF 107,950 ($119,474), exceeding their anticipated values. Additionally, a 1976 Patek Philippe bangle watch surpassed expectations, more than doubling its projected value to reach CHF 63,500 ($70,279).
The auction’s success not only highlights the enduring allure of horological masterpieces but also underscores the vibrant and dynamic nature of the luxury watch market, where collectors eagerly seek out exceptional and unique timepieces to add to their prized collections.
