Who is buying Patek Philippe in Belarus?

Belarusians took an active part in the elite auction of watches  in New York.

Antiquorum held a highly spirited and extremely successful auction of Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces, Part 1 on Wednesday, April 25th in New York totaling $4,503,987. The auction of 404 rare and collectible timepieces attracted a standing room only crowd, in addition to several hundred registered internet bidders and phone bidders from around the world.  Active international bidding came from countries such as China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Belarus, France, The United Kingdom, Switzerland as well as the United States. Strong prices were achieved resulting in 117 % sold by value.

Highlighting the sale was the enthusiastic competition for the outstanding Patek Philippe Ref.  3974 [lot 404]. The rare minute-repeater inspired frenzied bidding amongst phone, room and internet bidders. After several minutes of intense bidding, the exceptional timepiece sold to an American bidder for an impressive $902,500, a world record for a single dial Patek Philippe Ref. 3974.

“We are delighted by the outcome for our April auction in New York,” said Michael Friedman, Horological Director, Antiquorum USA. “Today’s results confirmed that the Patek Philippe Ref. 3974 is clearly the next legendary watch attracting both vintage and modern collectors at the highest level.”

Furthermore, many other Patek Philippe timepieces achieved exceptional results, confirming that modern Patek Philippe watches continue to be in demand by the  worldwide collector community.  The private collection of Patek Philippes in today’s sale (lots 387 – 401) exceeded expectations selling for a total of $1,067,500, representing 142 % of the value. World record prices were attained by the Patek Philippe Ref. 5098, the Chronometro Gondolo in pink gold  [lot 390], the Patek Philippe Ref. 5153 Officer-Style in yellow gold [lot 391], and the Patek Philippe Ref. 5135 Annu al Calendar in white gold [lot 394].  

Rare versions of vintage Rolex models also did exceptionally well with the Rolex Ref. 6098 Honey Comb Star Dial [lot 382] selling for $ 43,750 and the  Rolex Ref. 1680 Sultan Qaboos Bin Said of Oman[lot 233] bringing $42,500.

Independent watchmakers also obtained noteworthy results. The Ludovic Ballouard Upside Down Watch in platinum [lot 175] sold for $ 27,500, nearly three times its low estimate; while the FP Journe Ref.  024-CTS Centigraphe Sport in aluminum [lot 176] obtained $ 53,750, double its low estimate.