New York, New York — It is an auction for discerning collectors of fabled time pieces. Christie’s New York is gearing up for its New York Important Watches sale to be held Online from May 30th to June 9th with a live auction slated to be held on June 6th. All of the watches in the Live sale will be displayed during Christie’s Luxury Marquee week at Rockefeller Center between June 2nd and June 5th. A Patek Philippe Nautilus that once belonged to a World War II war hero and the thinnest Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Quantième Perpétuel ever are among the remarkable offerings. 

Two of the Stars of the Sale: Left: Audemars Piguet, Royal Oak Quantième Perpetual, an extremely early, exceedingly rare, and historically important steel perpetual calendar bracelet watch with moon phases. Photo ©Christie’s Images Limited 2023, courtesy Christie’s. Handout via The Gourmet Gazette. Right: Patek Philippe, Nautilus, a highly attractive steel bracelet watch with date and “tropical” dial, retailed by Gübelin. Photo ©Christie’s Images Limited 2023, courtesy Christie’s. Handout via The Gourmet Gazette 

“There is no doubt that New York will delight the most discerning collectors this season with our edited selection of vintage and modern must-haves. We are proud to be trusted by family owners with timepieces, completely fresh to market, that are of great history,” commented Rebecca Ross, a specialist and the Head of Sale.

Left: Hermès, Arceau l’heure de la lune, a fine 18k white gold wristwatch with dual moon phases, date, and blue mother-of-pearl dial. Photo ©Christie’s Images Limited 2023, courtesy Christie’s. Handout via The Gourmet Gazette. Right: Patek Philippe, “Cathedral,” a very rare 18k yellow gold perpetual calendar minute repeating wristwatch with moon phases and 24-hour indicator. Photo ©Christie’s Images Limited 2023, courtesy Christie’s. Handout via The Gourmet Gazette 

Both pieces come from carefully curated family collections. The Patek Philippe Nautilus belonged to a successful businessman, a dedicated philanthropist and Italian World War II hero.  The original owner grew up in Sardinia and when the Second World War broke out he joined the fight against Mussolini’s regime in the Alps. The watch is estimated at US$100,000-200,000. Also new on the market from the family of the original owner is the thinnest Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ever. With a case measuring 39mm in a diameter, it is incredibly slim at just 7.5mm, which makes this watch the thinnest Royal Oak Quantième Perpétuel produced to this day. The watch is estimated at US$150,000-250,000. Timepieces from Rolex, Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, Breguet, Hermès among others are also on the agenda. ©Trish Valicenti for The Gourmet Gazette. https://www.christies.com/