Christie’s Posts Record Watch Sales and $14M Bulgari Diamond Sale
Luxury auction house reports record-breaking watch revenue alongside significant high-end jewelry transactions in Geneva.
1Record Watch Sales Performance
Christie’s achieved a record-breaking $58.7 million during its Rare Watches sale at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues in Geneva. This figure represents a significant increase, more than doubling the $27 million generated during the equivalent sale in November 2025. The event maintained a perfect 100 percent sell-through rate across 218 lots.
2F.P. Journe Trio Dominance
A rare trio of F.P. Journe Vagabondage watches in pink gold emerged as the highlight, collectively fetching $8.2 million. Each individual piece significantly exceeded its high estimate of $976,000. These blue-chip timepieces, known for their unique wandering digital displays and extremely limited production numbers, continue to drive intense interest among global watch collectors.
3Bulgari Diamond Market Results
The Magnificent Jewels sale generated $49.7 million across 112 lots, anchored by a 24-carat Fancy Intense Pink emerald-cut diamond ring by Bulgari. The ring sold for $14.8 million, landing squarely within its pre-sale estimate of $12 million to $18 million. This transaction remains a focal point for high-end jewelry market valuation trends.
4Comparative Revenue Analysis
While the watch segment surged, the jewelry sale total fell short of the $75 million achieved in November 2025. That previous year’s total was heavily influenced by the $25.6 million sale of the Mellon Blue diamond. Excluding top lots, the remaining jewelry inventory saw a 29 percent decline compared to the previous year.
5Strong First-Half Momentum
Christie’s reported its strongest first-half performance since 2021, reaching an overall total of $4.5 billion in sales. Luxury categories, specifically watches and jewelry, contributed significantly to this growth, rising 15 percent to reach $539 million. This data reflects a broader resilience in the luxury goods market despite fluctuations in specific auction segments.
6Upcoming New York Sales
The auction house’s second-half performance hinges on upcoming marquee evening sales scheduled for next week in New York. Approximately 850 artworks are expected to hit the block, with projections estimating total revenue exceeding $800 million. These sales will serve as a critical indicator of the broader art market's health for the year.
7Luxury Market Strategic Position
Luxury goods remain a primary growth engine for major auction houses, providing a stable counterbalance to the traditional fine art market. While jewelry and watches show distinct performance cycles, the consistent sell-through rates suggest sustained buyer appetite. Christie’s continues to leverage these high-value categories to maintain its dominant position in the industry.
8Fine Art Remains King
Despite the impressive gains in luxury watches and jewelry, fine art remains the primary revenue driver for Christie’s. The upcoming New York sales will determine if the house can sustain its momentum from the first half of 2026. The interplay between these luxury assets and fine art defines the current auction house strategy.
Original article: ARTnews — Christie’s Posts Record Watch Sales and $14M Bulgari Diamond Sale