The Grand Complications Sky Moon Tourbillon by Patek Philippe. (Image: Courtesy of Christie’s)
New record
A Patek Philippe Sky Moon Tourbillon set a world record as part of Christie’s Watches Online: Top of the Time auction.
It was the last lot – and the most spectacular: a Patek Philippe “Grand Complications Sky Moon Tourbillon” from 2015 went under the hammer at an online auction by Christie’s Hong Kong on Monday for 5.8 million dollars.
The rare watch, measuring 44 millimeters in diameter and featuring a hand-engraved 18-karat white gold case, was part of an auction featuring 111 lots from manufacturers including Piaget, Jaeger Le Coultre, Rolex, Bulgari and Cartier. 93% of these were sold at auction. The auctioned “Sky Moon Tourbillon 6002 G” comes with various accessories, including matching cufflinks. Its reverse side is modeled on a glittering starry sky.
Online auctions are becoming more important
“The global watch market remains extremely vibrant, as reflected in the strong attendance at this auction, further cementing Hong Kong’s status as the international epicenter for watch collectors,” said Alexandre Bigler, Vice President and Head of Watches, Christie’s Asia Pacific.
Online auctions are seen as an important channel for millennials: according to Christie’s, 40% of bidders belong to this generation. However, physical auctions continue to yield higher results. In November 2019, a Patek Philippe “Grandmaster Chime” sold for $31.2 million at a Christie’s auction in Geneva – to a private telephone bidder. The complex watch with a reversible case still holds the record for the most expensive watch of all time from an auction.
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