Clapton's watch was not the bestseller of the auction at Christies. The top price of the sale was paid for the ‘J.B. Champion Platinum Observatory Chronometer’, a unique platinum chronometer wristwatch, ref. 2458, which was specially manufactured by Patek Philippe for J.B. Champion, the legendary American watch collector, in 1952. This historically important timepiece realized SFr.3,779,000 / $3,990,624 / €3,136,570, setting a world auction record for a watch without complications.
World Record for rare Rolex
In the meanwhile, at another famous auction house, a new world record is made. During Antiquorum's November auction of 'Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces' held on Sunday, November 11 at the Mandarin Oriental in Geneva, the extremely rare Rolex Single Red Prototype, Ref. 1665 Sea-Dweller Submariner, is sold for an astouning CHF 490,900, more than 400% of its pre-sales estimates. It is the highest price ever paid for a Rolex sport watch and for a Sea-Dweller.
