Sotheby’s sale of Important Watches on 9 May 2010 saw international collectors out in force, staking their claim both for big brands and, even more noticeably, for rare and historic timepieces. In total, the sale realized CHF 6,854,825 / US$ 6,338,588, well within pre-sale expectations of CHF 5,910,100-7,775,800 (US$ 5,465,010 - 7,190,205)*. 53% of the lots sold achieved prices in excess of high estimate, with sell through rates of 78.4% by lot and 81.8% by value.

An exceptional Three Colour Gold, Enamel and Split Pearl Shield Form Automaton, made for the Chinese Market, c. 1805-10, sold for CHF746,500

In the sale was an oversized Pilot Edition Antoine de Saint Exupéry watch by IWC (lot 45). The entire proceeds from the sale of which (CHF62,500) will now be donated to charity by IWC Schaffhausen. See our News of 28 April 2010

Source: Sotheby’s

www.sothebys.com