Sparkling success: highlights from the “Rough Diamonds” auction

The auction house told Sotheby’s auction of 24 bizarre high-design watches that took place in a wine cave in Geneva and was sold out within 60 minutes. 

Introduction

The “Rough Diamonds” auction, a collaboration between Sotheby‘s and the creative watch collective heist-out, exceeded all expectations by achieving approximately $1.3 million in sales, nearly double its high estimate. 

This remarkable success highlights the growing interest in unique and overlooked vintage timepieces.

The Star Lot: Patek Philippe Set by Gilbert Albert

The standout piece of the auction was a stunning Patek Philippe set, reference 3290, designed in 1962 by Gilbert Albert. 

Comprising a bracelet watch, a ring, and a necklace crafted in yellow gold, enamel, and pearls, this exceptional lot fetched 393,700 Swiss francs ($435,727). Surpassing its high estimate of 50,000 Swiss francs, it attracted the attention of eight phone bidders, resulting in a thrilling bidding war that lasted over six minutes.

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Outstanding Results: Highlights of the Auction

Two other lots also garnered significant attention and achieved outstanding results:

• Audemars Piguet Cobra ‘Royal Khanjar’ Bracelet Watch: This white gold bracelet watch, featuring day and date functions, dated 1985, exceeded expectations by selling for 165,100 Swiss francs ($182,724), well above its high estimate of 100,000 Swiss francs.
• Jacqueline Dimier’s Car-Shaped Wristwatch for Audemars Piguet: A unique creation from circa 1995, this car-shaped white gold wristwatch adorned with diamonds and emeralds fetched 107,950 Swiss francs ($119,474), surpassing its high estimate of 80,000 Swiss francs.

A Collaboration with heist-out: Redefining Vintage Timepieces

The “Rough Diamonds” auction was a joint effort with heist-out, a creative watch collective founded by Maxime Couturier and Lorenzo Maillard. 

Their aim was to showcase avant-garde and overlooked vintage watches, emphasizing their atypical and gender-neutral qualities. The success of the auction demonstrates the resonance of this vision with collectors, affirming the appeal of unique and underappreciated timepieces.

Conclusion

Josh Pullan, global head of Sotheby’s Luxury Division, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, noting that the sale’s success validated their shared vision with heist-out. 

The “Rough Diamonds” auction has not only exceeded expectations but has also highlighted the growing demand for distinctive and unconventional vintage watches in today’s market.