NEW YORK, NY.- Antiquorum’s auction of “Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces” held on Wednesday, April 9th in New York totaled $2,688,837.The collection of 302 timepieces inspired competitive bidding with some lots selling for as much as double and triples their estimates. Bids came in from Taiwan, Singapore, China, The Czech Republic, Kuwait, Andorra and the United States.

Highlighting the sale was the aggressive competition for the Rolex Ref. 6263 Paul Newman in Steel [lot 289]. The rare chronograph inspired a passionate bidding war between eight phone bidders and a room bidder, finally selling to the room bidder for a staggering $231,750, over three times its high estimate.

“We are delighted by the outstanding result for the Rolex ‘Paul Newman’ Ref. 6263 in our April auction,” said Saori Omura, Watch Director, Antiquorum USA. “As confirmed by today’s results, rare timepieces offered from the property of its original owner continue to be highly sought-after by savvy collectors across the globe.”

Patek Philippe also did exceptionally well in the sale with the Patek Philippe Ref. 5102 “Celestial” [lot 162] exceeding its high estimate and selling for $207,750. In addition, the Patek Philippe Ref. 1463 Chronograph in Yellow Gold [lot 302] attained a remarkable $147,750. Furthermore, the Patek Philippe Ref. 3970 Perpetual Calendar in White Gold [lot 301] brought $105,750; while the Patek Philippe Ref. 5059 Retrograde Perpetual Calendar in Platinum [lot 161] achieved $ 75,000.

“We are extremely pleased by the level of competitive bidding in today’s auction,” said Evan Zimmermann, President & CEO, Antiquorum. “We noticed especially spirited competition for rare and fresh to the market timepieces offered in our April sale.”

FP Journe was also well represented in the sale with the FP Journe Tourbillon Souverain in platinum [lot 100]. The rare chronometer wristwatch with visible one-minute tourbillon regulator sold for $80,000.

Several exceptional examples from Rolex attained significant results in the April sale. The Rolex Ref. 6241 “Paul Newman” in Steel [lot 290] drew considerable attention from collectors and sold for $99,750. Also achieving a noteworthy price, the Rolex Ref. 1804 Day Date in platinum with diamonds [lot 234] fetched $33,750. Not to be overlooked, the Rolex Ref. 6542 Bakelite Bezel [lot 70] generated tremendous excitement, selling for $32,500, over four times its high estimate.

Another outstanding highlight of the sale was a racing suit [lot 288] that belonged to the legendary Paul Newman himself. Causing quite a stir prior to the auction, the racing suit and helmet worn by the celebrated actor in the early 1980’s was coveted by Paul Newman fans and racing enthusiasts alike, ultimately selling for $ 56,250.

The much anticipated IWC Pilot’s Watch Spitfire Chronograph Edition “Tribeca Film Festival 2014” attracted worldwide interest; four phone bidders, a room bidder and an internet bidder battled over the unique piece which finally sold for an impressive $55,000.