With total sales of CHF74.8 million and 43 world records set over two days, The Geneva Watch Auction: XXIII highlighted the enduring appeal of exceptional watchmaking across vintage, contemporary, and independent brands.
This surpassed the auction house’s previous records and helped push its Geneva Spring Season beyond the USD100 million mark for the first time in watch-auction history. An impressive 224 of 225 lots found buyers, representing a sell-through rate of 99.6 per cent by lot and 99.9 per cent by value.
The results reflect a collector market that remains highly selective but willing to compete aggressively for rarity, provenance, and technical significance. There were more than 1 800 registered bidders from 74 countries competing in the room, online, and via telephone.
Leading the auction was a rare Patek Philippe Ref. 2523 “South America” world timer, which fetched CHF7.96 million and established a new record for the reference. The Patek Philippe Ref. 6002G-010 Sky Moon Tourbillon also featured among the top lots, realising CHF3.24 million.
Interest in independent watchmaking showed no sign of slowing. F.P. Journe delivered some of the auction’s strongest results, led by the Chronomètre à Résonance “Souscription No. 18”, which sold for CHF4.88 million. Several other Journe pieces also set new benchmarks. Akrivia’s stainless-steel AK-06 proved equally compelling, reaching CHF3 million.
Pocket watches attracted spirited bidding, too. The unique Louis Richard Triple Detent Constant Force One Minute Tourbillon Chronometer realised CHF3.97 million, while the Louis Audemars & Co. La Royale Super Complication sold for CHF2.52 million.
With 14 lots exceeding the million-franc mark and 43 world records, Geneva Watch Auction: XXIII showcased the strength of today’s collector market, where vintage icons, independent watchmakers, historic pocket watches, and exceptional complications all found eager buyers.
