Audemars Piguet chronograph makes millions at Christie’s auction

An Audemars Piguet chronograph has been sold by Christie’s as part of its Rare Watches auction in Geneva, taking place over 11-12 May.

The single-button chronograph “Coussin Tortue” was sold for CHF 2,134,000 / $2,747,696, while its estimated price was initially CHF 200,000-400,000 / $260,000-510,000.

Competitive bidding for the piece lasted 10 minutes and was sold to a client on the phone with Remi Guillemin, head of watches for Europe & Americas.

Widely regarded as one of the rarest wrist-worn chronographs produced by Audemars Piguet, the timepiece remained in the family of its original owner for over 90 years and was originally bought in 1935.

In 1930, Audemars Piguet started the production of six movements for its first chronograph wristwatches. The retail price at the time was 280 Swiss Francs.

Between 1930 and the start of the 1980s, Audemars Piguet’s total production of chronograph wristwatches amounted to only 307 examples.

The Rare Watches auction will continue Tuesday 12 May, starting at 1pm CEST at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues in Geneva, offering lots 121 to 231.