NEW YORK, NY.- Christies New York December 6 auction An Evening of Exceptional Watches achieved a total of $10,488,250 with 89% sold by value and 81% sold by lot. The top lot of the sale was An Extremely Fine, Rare and Attractive 18K Gold Automatic Triple Calendar Wristwatch with Star Dial and Moon Phases, Rolex Ref. 6062, circa 1952, which realized $1,572,500, establishing a new record for a yellow gold Rolex Ref. 6062 with a silvered dial. This superlative 6062 Stelline or Star Dial was introduced in 1950 and produced for only 10 years. Nicknamed The Dark Star, this watch has developed a dark patina to its 18K yellow gold case, a unique feature of this important lot.
Other notable results included A Rolex 14K Gold Chronograph Wristwatch with Black John Player Special Paul Newman Dial and Bracelet, Ref. 6241, circa 1968, which sold for $552,500; A Rolex Stainless Steel Chronograph Wristwatch with Paul Newman Dial and Bracelet, Reference 6264, circa 1971, with box and papers, which realized $275,000; and A Tornek-Rayville Extremely Rare Automatic Stainless Steel Anti-Magnetic Diver's Wristwatch, Made for the US Navy, circa 1965, Ref. TR-900, which sold for $156,250, establishing a new record for the reference.
The selection of important Patek Philippe watches from Property of a North American Family performed exceptionally well, which featured A Very Fine and Extremely Rare 18k Gold Perpetual Calendar Wristwatch with Center Seconds and Moon Phases, Ref. 2438/1, manufactured in 1954, that sold for $348,500. Other Patek highlights included A Very Fine and Rare 18K Gold Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Wristwatch with Moon Phases, Ref. 2499/100, manufactured in 1982, that sold for $504,500; and A Fine and Rare Platinum Cushion-Shaped Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Wristwatch with Moon Phases and Breguet Numerals, Ref. 5020P, manufactured in 2001, which realized $312,500.
Additionally, the Historically Important Audemars Frères 18K Gold Hunter Case Quarter Repeating Pocket Watch, Formerly Belonging to Former United States President, Franklin D. Roosevelt, circa 1900, achieved $62,500, more than doubling its low estimate.
The Christies Watches Online: Winter Holiday Sale continues through December 10 & 11.