Antiquorum's Spring Auction Fetched Over 18 Million CHF
Antiquorum's Spring auction held in Geneva on May 13, has reached the remarkable result of over 18 million CHF (that is about 15 million US$). The Spring auction followed Omegamania that enjoyed huge success in April. The auction offered 696 lots and 81 % of all the lots were acquired. The sold lots reached noteworthy 150 % in value.
Among the auction's participants there were those coming from North America, Asia, Russia, Germany and Italy. Almost 100,000 people tracked the auction sales online. The Antiquorum online bidding system and Live Auctioneers allowed internet bidders worldwide take part in the auction - so they acquired 9% of the auction.
The Patek Philippe Ultra-Complicated Pocket Watch with Double Chronograph (one of just two presently known) became the top lot of the auction. The watch was sold for an amazing sum of money - 928,900 CHF. After fierce bidding among a participant from Taiwan and an American collector, the rare pocket watch passed into the possession of the latter. Another creation of the brand - 'Platinum Ref. 5033P' was purchased by an Italian buyer for 828,100 CHF. One more American collector became the owner of the 'Ref. 2499, Yellow Gold 3rd Series' for 794,500 CHF, while the 'Platinum 5016' passed to a bidder from Taiwan who offered 772,100 CHF for the timepiece.
Audemars Piguet timekeeping creations were also successfully sold for much greater value than originally estimated. The brand's Astronomic wristwatch created in yellow gold with triple date was pre-estimated 22,000 CHF but went for 175,500 CHF. An Audemars Piguet chronograph in 18K yellow gold produced back in 1943 was pre-estimated 50,000 CHF but marked 96,760 CHF.
Omega watches were also among the most valuable timepieces presented at the auction. Most of the brand's timepieces did 300% of their pre-estimate and even much more. 'Seamaster Ploprof 600M - 2nd generation' was acquired for 17,700 CHF - that is over 300 % of its pre-estimate. Omega 'Dynamic' managed to double its estimate - it went for 22,420 CHF. Two Omega lots made more than 6 and 4 times their pre-estimates - such huge success is partially due to the Omegamania effect.
Cartier timepieces entered the list of the most highly appreciated ones. For example, a 'Pendulette Chevalet Kingfisher Feather Dial' creation was acquired for 110,920 CHF,while it pre-estimate was 20,000 CHF.
Pocket watches developed by Breguet, Patek Philippe and other leading watchmakers enjoyed high demand. Breguet 'Grande & Petite Sonnerie, Minute-Repeating Clockwatch' was acquired for 187,000 CHF.