NEW YORK, NY.- Christie’s New York announces An Evening of Exceptional Watches on Thursday, December 6th. The auction offers a carefully curated selection of 160 distinct lots that are predominately fresh-to-market and in mint condition, with estimates up to $1,000,000. Highlights include modern, vintage and sport watches from Blancpain, Breitling, Cartier, Heuer, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Omega, Patek Phillipe, Rolex, Tornek Rayville, F.P. Journe and more.

The December sale features a selection of rare Rolex models in exceptional condition led by An Extremely Fine, Rare and Attractive 18K Gold Automatic Triple Calendar Wristwatch with Star Dial and Moon Phases, Rolex Ref. 6062, circa 1952 (estimate: $1,000,000-2,000,000). This superlative 6062 “Stelline” or “Star Dial” was introduced in 1950 and produced for only 10 years. This impressive watch, nicknamed “The Dark Star” has developed a dark and highly attractive patina to its 18K yellow gold case, a unique feature of this important lot. Additional Rolex highlights include A Stainless Steel Chronograph Wristwatch with “Paul Newman” Dial and Bracelet, Reference 6264, circa 1971, with box and papers (estimate: $250,000-350,000); A 14K Gold Chronograph Wristwatch with Black “John Player Special Paul Newman” Dial and Bracelet, Ref. 6241, circa 1968 (estimate: $400,000-800,000); An 18K White Gold and Diamond-Set Automatic Chronograph Wristwatch with Rainbow-Colored Multi-gem-set Bezel and Bracelet, Ref. 116599, circa 2012 (estimate: $150,000-250,000); and A Stainless Steel Chronograph Wristwatch with “Tropical” Dial, Ref. 6234, circa 1960 (estimate: $100,000-200,000), coined the ‘pre-Daytona,’ this piece has both case and dial in very appealing condition.

The sale proudly presents Property of a North American Family, part one of an important collection of Patek Philippe watches. Assembled over decades, this collection is defined by rarity, quality, and condition, and is one of the finest collections known in the world with a mixture of modern and vintage timepieces focusing on the evolution of complications. Featured within this section is one of the most important watches to resurface this year, the Graves-Fullerton 3448J, formerly owned by the Grandson of Henry Graves (estimate: $120,000-180,000).

Other Patek highlights within the sale include A Very Fine and Rare 18K Gold Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Wristwatch with Moon Phases, Ref. 2499/100, manufactured in 1982, which is one of the best preserved from the series in existence (estimate: $400,000-800,000); A Fine and Rare Platinum Cushion-Shaped Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Wristwatch with Moon Phases and Breguet Numerals, Ref. 5020P, manufactured in 2001 (estimate: $300,000-500,000); and A Fine and Rare 18K Pink Gold Chronograph Wristwatch with Pink Dial and Breguet Numerals, Ref. 130, manufactured in 1939 (estimate: $100,000-200,000).

Additionally on offer is A Historically Important Audemars Frères 18K Gold Hunter Case Quarter Repeating Pocket Watch, Formerly Belonging to Former United States President, Franklin D. Roosevelt, circa 1900 (estimate: $30,000-50,000). Thought to be a wedding gift, this elegant pocket watch features a photograph of Eleanor Roosevelt within the interior, and it is preserved in excellent condition.

Taking place concurrently is the Christie’s Watches Online: Winter Holiday Sale (November 27 – December 10 & 11), which presents over 200 watches ranging from vintage to contemporary timepieces. Within the sale is an exclusive selection of 24 unique watches by Moritz Grossmann presented for the first time at auction in celebration of the brand’s 10th anniversary. The full release for the online sale and Moritz Grossmann capsule collection can be read here.

Public preview of both sales includes a full exhibition at Christie’s 20 Rockefeller Center Galleries November 30 – December 6.