www.worldwatchweb.com - Sotheby’s autumn sale of Important Watches in Geneva confirmed the strong interest of international collectors for rare and historic timepieces and automata.

Over 400 clients registered to participate in the 243-lot sale, and many others relayed bids online and over the phones through Sotheby’s staff. The auction brought CHF 7,920,100 (US$ 8,129,903), above the pre-sale estimate of CHF 5,505,100-7,659,500 (US$ 5,650,930-7,862,400)*. 42% of the lots sold achieved hammer prices in excess of their high estimate, with sell-through rates of 84% by lot.

Lot 104 –ROLEX - A very rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with brown dial, registers and bracelet circa 1969 ref 6263/6239 Oyster cosmograph ’Paul Newman’ - Est. 60,000—80,000 CHF, sold for 464,500 CHF(US$ 476,805)

Lot 138 - A rare gold, enamel, jewel and pearl-set automaton caterpillar, probably by Henri Maillardet sold for CHF 404,500 / US$ 415,215 (est. CHF350,000-450,000)

Source: Sotheby’s

www.sothebys.com