Shattering records at the annual watch auction 2020
At the annual Only Watch auction this year, the bidding broke all records and the organization raised over 35 Million Euro for research on curing Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. We take a look at four of the most expensive watches from this year’s auction.
By Ishan Raghava
Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime
For ages now, some of the most expensive watches sold in the world have come from the Patek Philippe brand. A combination of classic design, technological wizardry, standard-setting quality and the image of the brand has all contributed to this. Naturally, then, at most auctions, avid watch collectors line up for the Patek Philippe lots in the hope to acquire what almost always becomes a family heirloom. This year at the Only Watch auction, the Grandmaster Chime was special – because, like all the other watches in the auction, this is a one-of-a-kind piece – and is the only Grandmaster Chime in the world produced in Stainless Steel. Featuring two dials, a reversible case and 20 complications, this Patek Phillipe creation finally sold – after a prolonged bidding war – for over 28 Million Euro (31 Million Swiss Franc). Possibly contributing to this astronomical price is the fact that Patek Philippe primarily produces timepieces in precious metals and a Steel Patek is as rare as hen’s teeth. No wonder, then, that this watch set a new world record – and for a worthy cause too.
Akrivia Chronomètre Contemporain
One of the coolest looking watches at the Only Watch auction, the Chronomètre Contemporain from Akrivia is a stunning design. This timepiece features a classic design, with modern touches, is crafted from Platinum and features a unique dial. The dial is a hand hammered grand feu enamel dial in a distinctive blue grey colour, accented with white enamel numerals. Given its stunning looks, it was no surprise that the Akrivia sold for 327,000 Euro (360,000 Swiss Franc).
F.p. Journe Astronomic Blue
Speaking of records, complications from F.P. Journe have always done very well at Only Watch and this year was no different. With its case made out of rare Tanatalum, the Astronomic Blue grand complication watch features a tourbillon and minute repeater, equation of time, sidereal time, sunrise and sunset, moon phases, 2nd time zone and annual calendar, and is dedicated to recalling a long-forgotten art – that of losing oneself in the stars to better find one’s way on Earth. This unique piece sold for over 1.6 Million Euro (1.8 Million Swiss Franc).
Audemars Piguet Code 11.59
A unique piece from Audemars Piguet’s Code 11.59 collection, the Only Watch edition is a stunning looking watch. Its dual tone Pink and White Gold case, as well as the rhodium-toned openworked plate, highlights the multi-layered composition of the watch. Powering the Code 11.59 is a Pink-Gold toned Titanium Tourbillon, which gives the timepiece has a power reserve of 80 hours. At the auction, it brought in a cool 910,000 Euro (1 Million Swiss Franc).
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