In Geneva the Christie’s Auction of Important Timepieces spanned nine hours in length, with buyers from 39 
countries participating. The result was record breaking. The top two lots sold for more than $2 million each and six lots sold for more than $1 million. The top lot was a rediscovered pink gold Patek Philippe wristwatch, ref. 3448, sold for US$2.3Million. The calendar wristwatch with moon phases was built in 1968 by Patek Philippe and was only recently uncovered by Christies. Other outstanding lots included the 1953 Rolex “Neptune”, ref. 8382, which sold for more than $650,000 — five times its estimate. This was the only non-Patek Philippe watch in the top 10 selling lots. As to my take… well, my phantom bidding stopped at $5,000. I walked away with nothing.