Geneva, 12 November 2017“From the start, today’s auction of Important Watches in Geneva saw enthusiastic bidding, with 75% of lots sold, many above the pre-sale estimate. We had a great response to our extensive selection of wristwatches by Audemars Piguet, some of them highly rare. We also saw strong results for a very nice collection of eight timepieces by Urban Jürgensen, which was 100% sold.” Mikael Wallhagen, Head of Sotheby’s Watch Department, Geneva.

AUCTION HIGHLIGHTS· A rare platinum perpetual calendar split seconds chronograph wristwatch by Patek Philippe, reference 5204, with moon phases, leap year-year and day/night indication offered in its original double seal, sold for an above-estimate price of CHF 225,000 / US$ 226,188 (lot 182, estimate CHF 180,000 – 280,000 / US$ 185,000 – 288,000).

· A superb bespoke enameled pocket watch by Patek Philippe, illustrated by renowned enameller G. Menni and inspired by English painter John E. Ferneley’s oil painting, The Barton Hunt achieved CHF 218,750 / US$ 219,905 (lot 334, estimate CHF 200,000 – 300,000 / US$ 206,000 – 309,000).

· An impressive Astronomical wristwatch in white gold by Patek Philippe, reference 5102, featuring a remarkable rendition of the Northern Hemisphere’s celestial chart brought the evening to a close, realizing CHF 156,250 / US$ 157,075 (lot 338 CHF 120,000 – 180,000 / US$ 124,000 – 185,000).

· A wonderful collection of eight timepieces by Urban Jürgensen was 100% sold, achieving a combined total of CHF 351,250 / US$ 353,105. The selection (lots 266-273) was led by lot 273, an extraordinary pocket watch featuring ground-breaking watchmaker Derek Pratt’s innovative tourbillon design which marked a masterful chapter in the Urban Jürgensen’s illustrious company history which sold for CHF 102,500 / US$ 103,041 (lot 273, estimate CHF 60,000 – 100,000 / US$ 62,000 – 103,000).

· There was great enthusiasm in the room for Royal Oak models by Audemars Piguet, including a limited edition skeletonized example in platinum created for the 40th anniversary of this iconic angular design, which sold for CHF 125,000 / US$ 125,660 (lot 43, estimate CHF 80,000 – 120,000 / US$ 82,500 – 124,000)

· Continuing Sotheby’s long-standing collaboration with IWC Schaffhausen in support of the Antoine de Saint-Exupéry Youth Foundation, the IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Annual Calendar Edition “Le Petit Prince” garnered a winning bid of CHF 38,000 / US$ 38,201 (lot 183).