Christie’s New York is soon to host its Important Watches auction, with one of the headlining timepieces being a Patek Philippe once owned by renowned artist Andy Warhol.
In addition to the substantial provenance of the piece, Warhol’s vintage Patek Philippe also represents a rare reference of the 3448 timepiece, making it all the more desirable.
The yellow gold watch is a part of “Andy’s stuff,” a vast collection of objects and artworks Warhol was known for among his close circles. Following his passing, a colossal 10-day auction in 1988 saw the dispersal of his collection, with the watch remaining with the original buyer till 2014, before being acquired by the present owner.
Notably, the timepiece is in remarkable condition, with its dial featuring clear markers and signatures. Christie’s shared that the watch had undergone a meticulous cleaning and restoration by Patek Philippe in the mid-1980s, retaining a silky finish characteristic of Stern Frères’ best dials dubbed “satiné opalin.” The watch also showcases the “Aprior” mark, a significant detail that accentuates its uniqueness among collectors.
Christie’s has set the estimate for the 18k Gold Automatic, Warhol-owned, Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Ref. 3448 at $350,000 to $600,000 USD.
In addition to the rare Patek, the auction is also set to feature a range of fine vintage to modern horological timepieces from brands like Rolex, F.P. Journe, Richard Mille, Audemars Piguet and more. All lots will be available to view during Christie’s Luxury Marquee week at Rockefeller Center from December 1 to 4, as well as in Hong Kong and Geneva prior to the tour arriving in New York — with complete information available via a dedicated page.
Elsewhere in watches, a vintage Rolex GMT-Master 1675 headlines an upcoming Bob’s Watches auction.
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