Spectacular results for Geneva’s Luxury Sales
Led by the record-breaking Oppenheimer Blue, Christie’s first luxury sale series of the year proves to be a resounding success
Christie’s Geneva Luxury Sales realised CHF 167, 185, 332 / US$169,528,430, led by the most expensive jewel ever sold at auction — the Oppenheimer Blue.
The total includes the sales of Magnificent Jewels Including the Superb Jewels from the Collection of H.S.H. Gabriela Princess zu Leiningen, Rare Watches Including Important Private Collections and Fine and Rare Wines.
Participation from bidders around the world contributed to the strong sell-through rates, with over 90% by value across all three auctions, underscoring the tremendous success of the first luxury sale series of the year.
The season began in at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues on 16 May with Rare Watches, selling 93% by lot and 97% by value. The top price of the evening was achieved by an exceptional Charles-Louis Havas Breguet et Fils pocket watch, which sold for CHF 3,245,000 / US$3,322,880, making it the most expensive watch sold during the season and the second most expensive Breguet et Fils watch ever sold at auction.
Fine and Rare Wines followed on 17 May, drawing bidders from across Europe and Asia and via Christie’s Live for top quality wines, including the Armand Rousseau Collection, Bordeaux from the 1980s and 1990s and 10 bottles of Pétrus 1982.
Strong provenance proved key at the final auction of the series — Magnificent Jewels. Selling 100% by lot, the Superb Jewels from the Collection of H.S.H. Gabriela Princess zu Leiningen realised CHF 22,260,750 / US$22,536,783, bringing the grand total of Magnificent Jewels to CHF 146,818,625 / US$148,639,176. The highlight of the week, the Oppenheimer Blue, previously owned by Sir Philip Oppenheimer of De Beers fame, set a new world record for any jewel at auction, making history in the process.
Following the incredible results of our series in Geneva, we look forward to welcoming you to our New York Luxury Sales in June.