Collectible Watches

Watchmaking Excellence at Auction

In 2024, the Collectible Watches department achieved total sales of €3 million and set the highest auction result in France for a watch that year with the Rolex Daytona “Paul Newman” Ref. 6262 featuring a “Dark Chocolate Dial.” Thanks to prestigious specialized sales, we have built privileged relationships with international collectors and enthusiasts passionate about vintage, antique, and contemporary timepieces. Through four annual events, our auctions showcase the greatest names in watchmaking such as Patek Philippe, Rolex, Breguet, Audemars Piguet, Cartier, and many others.

Through the timepieces and collections entrusted to us, we are committed to telling the story of watchmaking, as illustrated by the sale “A History of Time,” which totaled €1.4 million and further expanded our network of buyers.
The department also benefits from the growing momentum of the Luxury & Lifestyle division, particularly in the fields of Automobiles, Wines, and Jewellery, where strong synergies naturally exist.

The Watch Auction Market

In the global watch auction market, Paris has now joined leading hubs such as Geneva and Hong Kong. As the capital of luxury, it attracts a wide audience of collectors, and requests for valuations are steadily increasing. Our sales regularly feature both the rarest pieces and the most iconic watchmakers, including Patek Philippe, Rolex, Breguet, Audemars Piguet, and Breitling.
These brands, which represent only 10% of the market by volume, account for the highest hammer prices at Aguttes.

Over the years, Aguttes has developed strong and trusted relationships with collectors, watchmakers, and art market professionals. Our team understands their preferences, the timepieces they seek, and the gaps they are hoping to fill. The Watches department also benefits from the powerful buyer network of the wider Lifestyle division, particularly in collaboration with the Automobile, Wine, and Jewellery departments, with which synergies are clear.

Masculine and iconic models, for instance, have joined “La Vente Officielle”, held alongside the Tour Auto rally. The collection “A History of Time” introduced 80 watches and portable clocks to a global audience, showcasing 500 years of horological history. The sale reached a total of €1.47 million, further strengthening our international buyer base.

Record-Breaking Sale in 2024

A new record was set in France in 2024 for a watch sold at auction:
“At Aguttes on December 9th, a rare Rolex model fetched over €700,000 […]. This was a headline-making lot presented in Neuilly-sur-Seine during the Collectible Watches sale.”
— Le Figaro, December 12, 2024

Iconic Watchmakers & Their Signature Models

Certain models have contributed significantly to the reputation of the watchmakers listed above. The “Royal Oak,” instantly recognizable by its octagonal bezel, was designed by Gérald Genta for Audemars Piguet. Similarly, the “Reverso,” created in 1931 by René Chauvot for Jaeger-LeCoultre, was designed to protect polo players’ watches during matches thanks to its reversible case.

Rolex timepieces continue to enjoy unwavering success and regularly achieve top auction results. Throughout the 20th century, Rolex developed many now-iconic models, such as the Oyster (1926), the GMT Master (1954) designed for Pan Am pilots, and the Comex Submariner and Comex Sea-Dweller, engineered to accompany professional divers into the depths.
This unique horological expertise makes these watches highly sought after by luxury watch collectors and connoisseurs.

Benefit from Our Expertise to Sell Your Watches at Auction

Our house offers unrivalled communication strength and provides sellers with modern, targeted tools to ensure wide international visibility. We pay particular attention to the production of our sales catalogues—both in print and digital formats—ensuring thoughtful design and high-quality content.

During our marketing campaigns, we activate our internal buyer portfolio across all specialties, as well as qualified external prospects. We engage with them through multiple channels: online and offline advertising, social media, email campaigns, traditional media, influencers, and auction platforms, always using high-quality materials in terms of images, text, and video.

Free and Confidential Valuations of Your Collectible Watches

Our specialist and expert are available to provide free, confidential valuations of your collectible timepieces, offering you professional advice on both sales and investment strategies.

They travel throughout France and across Europe, working with our regional offices to conduct appraisals of your watches. Ahead of an appointment, you may also send us your request—including a description, photographs, and any relevant documents—via our online valuation form or directly by email to our specialist.