Auctions

Sotheby’s Important Watches Sale Fetches $16.6M

AuctionsDec 11, 2024

Sotheby’s Important Watches Sale Fetches $16.6M

The offering included vintage Rolexes, timepieces worn in “Titanic,” Steve McQueen's watch, and a special Citizen pocket watch.

Heuer Monaco Ref. 1133B
The highest grossing lot at Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in New York last week was a Heuer Monaco Ref. 1133B, pictured above, that Steve McQueen wore while filming the 1971 movie “Le Mans.” It sold for $1.4 million, the second highest price achieved for a Heuer timepiece at auction.
New York—Sotheby's Important Watches auction in New York last week garnered $16.6 million, with the auction house noting strong demand for rare vintage Rolexes with notable provenance. 

It was 85 percent sold by lot, with enthusiastic bidding seen in the room, on the telephone, and online, Sotheby’s said.

The top lot was a Heuer Monaco Reference 1133B that Steve McQueen wore while filming the 1971 movie “Le Mans,” which sold for $1.4 million, the second highest price achieved for a Heuer timepiece at auction.

The auction house said the watch, which was estimated to sell for $500,000 to $1 million, was arguably the most important Heuer to ever come to market.

McQueen, who was heavily involved in the making of the film and decisions about his wardrobe, wanted his character, driver Michael Delaney to look like Swiss racing legend Jo Siffert. 

Property master Don Nunley offered several authentic racing chronographs for McQueen to choose from, and Sotheby’s said he gravitated toward the Heuer Monaco with the blue dial, in part because, like Siffert, Delaney had a Heuer patch on his suit.

Steve McQueen Heuer Monaco Ref. 1133B
Steve McQueen, left, wearing a Heuer Monaco watch and his Gulf racing suit during the filming of “Le Mans.” One of the Monaco chronographs the actor wore while filming the 1971 racing film made its auction debut last week at Sotheby’s. (McQueen photo copyright of Mel Traxel, courtesy of TAG Heuer; watch photo courtesy of Sotheby’s)


Nunley had more than 20 additional Heuer pieces, including six Monaco models, sent to set. The Monaco on offer was not one of the six but another that McQueen personally chose from Nunley, according to Sotheby’s.

The exact Heuer Monacos used in specific scenes remain unclear, the auction house said, but it's known that McQueen wore the Monaco on offer, case number 160,304, as it was the only one fitted on a steel bracelet. 

The timepiece was part of the offering “Heuer Champions,” a selection of vintage chronographs from the brand now known as TAG Heuer. The collection was 92 percent sold and outshone its pre-sale estimate, fetching $2 million. 

The second highest grossing lot of the auction was a Patek Philippe Nautilus Reference 5723/112R-001, circa 2018, that four heavily interested bidders drove to a final price of $900,000. 

The watch, pictured below, was estimated to sell for $400,000 to $800,000.

Patek Philippe Tiffany & Co. watch
A watch featuring a baguette-cut, ruby-set bezel with a chocolate dial signed by both the maker Patek Philippe and the retailer Tiffany & Co. The watch is one of only two examples that have ever been brought to market, said Sotheby’s.


Also a highlight of the sale, a Rolex Reference 1803 Day-Date from 1963 that belonged to former president of Egypt Gamal Abdel Nasser sold for $840,000, soaring past its estimate of $30,000 to $60,000.

The lot was pursued by seven bidders in a nearly six-minute bidding frenzy, Sotheby’s said.

Offered at auction for the first time by Nasser's grandson, the timepiece was a gift from the ruler’s lifelong friend Anwar El Sadat, who succeeded Nasser as Egypt’s third president. 

former President of Egypt Gamal Abdel Nasser’s Rolex Reference 1803 Day-Date timepiece
The back of former President of Egypt Gamal Abdel Nasser’s Rolex timepiece, which was gifted to him by his friend and successor Anwar El Sadat, features an inscription in Arabic, (pictured above) that translates to, “Mr. Anwar El Sadat 26-9-1963.”


The back of the watch features an inscription in Arabic that reads, “Mr. Anwar El Sadat 26-9-1963,” which Sotheby’s said marked the bond between the two. 

Also in the top ten lots were a Patek Philippe Reference 5208P that was estimated at $700,000 to $1.1 million and realized for $780,000, and a fresh-to-market Rolex Reference 6238 Transitional Daytona “John Player Special” that sold for $768,000 against an estimate of $500,000 to $1.5 million.  

The Rolex, which the auction house said was in “pristine condition,” was offered from the original owner’s family, who had recently discovered the watch hidden in a small flowerpot in his New York home. 

 Related stories will be right here … 

The auction also featured the sale of Rolex watches from the collection of Alfred ‘Al’ Giddings, the Emmy award-winning cinematographer and co-producer of the 1997 film “Titanic.” 

The gold 1680/8 “Nipple Dial” Submariner worn by Bill Paxton in the movie drew “a spirited battle” between three bidders, the auction house said.  

It sold for $264,000, more than four times its high-end estimate of $60,000. 


A 1680 “Red” Submariner that Giddings wore on more than a dozen dives to the Titanic wreckage fetched $54,000 against an estimate of $20,000 to $40,000.  

“The results of today’s sale illustrate that watches do so much more than just tell time,” said Sotheby's Global Head of Watches Geoff Hess. 

“Whether they’ve been worn to the depths of the ocean, worn by historical political figures or even legendary Hollywood icons, they are far beyond something you wear on your wrist – rather they are instruments that evoke feeling and emotion. It’s this passion that connects the watch community and brings back ‘the fun’ to collecting.” 

Additional highlights include the sale of a yellow gold Patek Philippe Reference 1518 from 1950, and an Art Deco Cartier “Mystery Clock.” 


Notably, toward the end of the sale, a limited-edition pocket watch designed in celebration of Citizen’s 100th anniversary sold for $20,400, with proceeds going to benefit 1% for the Planet, an international nonprofit whose members, like Citizen, pledge at least 1 percent of their profits to environmental causes.

Nearly 1,000 people from across 55 countries registered to participate in the Important Watches sale, with more than 30 percent of participants under the age of 40.

Sotheby’s watch auctions will continue with the Fine Watches sale, which is open for bidding through Dec. 13.  

The Latest

Saks on Amazon flagship window
MajorsMay 16, 2025
Saks Fifth Avenue, Amazon Partner on Luxury Online Storefront

Plus, parent company Saks Global announces plans to cut ties with up to 600 vendors.

Graphic for My Next Question webinar with guest Peter Smith
Recorded WebinarsMay 16, 2025
Watch: Physical Retail Is Not Dead

Peter Smith joined Michelle Graff to chat about the state of brick-and-mortar stores and share a few book and podcast recommendations.

Tejen Candy Bowl Torque Necklace
CollectionsMay 16, 2025
Piece of the Week: Tejen’s ‘Candy Bowl’ Torque Necklace

The necklace features a candy-colored Australian white opal in 18-karat Fairmined gold, as the brand was named a Fairmined ambassador.

antique_Vegas_2024_by_headshot_stories_9454.jpg
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the Globe

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

1 Camilla Dietz Bergeron.jpg
Supplier BulletinMay 15, 2025
Treasure Hunting at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show

Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show

Weekly QuizMay 15, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Jessica McCormack Fruit Salad Campaign Imagery
CollectionsMay 15, 2025
Jessica McCormack’s ‘Fruit Salad’ Collection Is Fresh for Summer

The designer has taken the appeal of freshly picked fruit and channeled it into a capsule collection of earrings, necklaces, and pendants.

Stock image of diamonds
SourcingMay 15, 2025
Tariffs Take Toll on India’s Gem and Jewelry Industry in April

The country’s gem and jewelry exports fell 5 percent year-over-year last month, while imports declined 18 percent.

Supplier Spotlight -Recorded-Webinar.png
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest Addition

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

Disability advocate Catarina Rivera, JVC ADA compliance guide, circle of hands wearing jewelry
Policies & IssuesMay 15, 2025
State of Retail: How to Better Serve Customers With Disabilities

Around 54 million Americans and counting live with a disability. Here’s how to make your jewelry store and website more accessible.

Sekou Andrews
Events & AwardsMay 15, 2025
Poet Sekou Andrews to Give Closing Keynote at Converge

The event is also accepting poster submissions now through June 16.

Pope Francis
Policies & IssuesMay 14, 2025
Here’s What Happened to Pope Francis’ Ring

Before Pope Leo XIV was elected, a centuries-old procedure regarding the late pontiff’s ring was followed.

Jeweler Constance Polamalu at Bloomstone, a store that specializes in lab-grown diamonds
Lab-GrownMay 14, 2025
State of Diamonds: What’s Next for Lab-Grown Diamonds?

While the product has entrenched itself in the market, retailers and consultants are assessing the next phase of the category’s development.

Surveillance footage Tiffany & Co. Seattle robbery
CrimeMay 14, 2025
Seattle Detectives Seek Public’s Help in Tiffany & Co. Robberies

The police are trying to identify the man suspected of robbing two Tiffany & Co. locations in the area.

Jeff Corey, new chairperson of the board for the Jewelers Board of Trade
MajorsMay 14, 2025
Jeff Corey Elected Chair of JBT Board

The well-known Maine jeweler takes over for Brian Fleming and will serve a one-year term.

Foundrae Ingot Pendant
Policies & IssuesMay 14, 2025
Foundrae Donates $11K to Ethical Metalsmiths

The donation was the result of the brand’s annual Earth Day Ingot event.

Eiseman Jewels ribbon cutting ceremony
IndependentsMay 13, 2025
Eiseman Jewels’ Renovated Dallas Store Is Bigger and Better

Located in NorthPark Center, the revamped store is nearly 2,000 square feet larger and includes the first Tudor boutique in Dallas.

Diamond Council of America
MajorsMay 13, 2025
DCA Announces New Learning Platform, Course Updates

The nonprofit has made updates to the content in its beginner and advanced jewelry sales courses.

Malyia McNaughton and Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez
MajorsMay 13, 2025
BIJC Launches New Education Fund

BIJC President Malyia McNaughton will shift roles to lead the new foundation, and Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez will succeed her as president.

Harwell Godfrey Snake Giza Ring, Foundrae Mind, Body Soul Story Necklace, Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Titan By Pharrell Williams Bracelet
TrendsMay 13, 2025
State of Jewelry Design: The Top 10 Jewelry Trends of the Past Decade

As a nod to the theme of JCK Las Vegas 2025, “Decades,” National Jeweler took a look back at the top 10 jewelry trends of the past 10 years.

Lightbox’s Reminiscence Poet earrings in 14-karat white gold with lab-grown diamonds
Lab-GrownMay 12, 2025
Lightbox to Go Dark by Summer, De Beers Says

The company plans to halt all consumer-facing activity this summer, while Lightbox factory operations will cease by the end of the year.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesMay 12, 2025
Tariffs on Chinese Imports Temporarily Slashed as U.S.-China Reach Deal

Following weekend negotiations, the tax on Chinese goods imported into the United States will drop by 115 percent for the next 90 days.

Artists’ Jewelry: From Cubism to Pop, the Diane Venet Collection
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2025
Jewelry By Picasso, Dalí on Display at Florida Art Museum

“Artists’ Jewelry: From Cubism to Pop, the Diane Venet Collection” is on view at the Norton Museum of Art through October.

2025 CASE Award Submission Graphic
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2025
CASE Awards Now Accepting Entries For 2025

The deadline to submit is June 16.

Lugano Diamonds store in Greenwich, Connecticut
IndependentsMay 09, 2025
Lugano Diamonds CEO Resigns Amid Internal Investigation

Moti Ferder stepped down Wednesday and will not receive any severance pay, parent company Compass Diversified said.

Coeur Percé Scapular Necklace and Love Baby Locket
CollectionsMay 09, 2025
Pieces of the Week: Marie Lichtenberg’s Collaborations for Mother’s Day

Lichtenberg partnered with luxury platform Mytheresa on two designs honoring the connection between mothers and daughters.

Gemfields emeralds
SourcingMay 09, 2025
Gemfields Resumes Emerald Mining in Zambia

The miner announced plans to recommence open-pit mining at Kagem.

Stock image of a man’s hands in handcuffs
CrimeMay 08, 2025
Former NYC Jewelry Store Employee Arrested in 2017 Choking Death of Boss

Michel Desalles allegedly murdered Omid Gholian inside World of Gold N Diamond using zip ties and then fled the country.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy