This month, two of the most prestigious auction houses, Christie’s and Phillips, will offer some of horology’s most sought-after modern references. Among the high-end timepieces up for sale are the Rolex Daytona ‘Le Mans’ in yellow gold, the Simon Brette Chronomètre Artisans Edition Titane, and the Konstantin Chaykin ThinKing. These auctions will be a key test of how such rare and coveted watches perform in today’s uncertain economic environment.
Rolex Daytona ‘Le Mans’ 125628LN [Offered by Christie’s]
The standout piece is a yellow gold Rolex Daytona ‘Le Mans,’ a reference that has never appeared in Rolex’s catalog or on its official website. Despite its quiet introduction by tennis legend Roger Federer at the 2024 U.S. Open, the Daytona ‘Le Mans’ has garnered significant attention. Produced as an off-catalogue successor to the 2023 white gold version, this model features a black ceramic tachymeter bezel, red ‘100’ marker, and a unique dial with Paul Newman-style subdials. The movement also includes a 24-hour counter, a nod to the famous Le Mans 24-hour race.
This particular reference, which is highly exclusive, was reportedly only allocated to select VIPs by Rolex CEO Jean-Frédéric Dufour. Christie’s will offer the watch at its Geneva auction with an estimated price range of CHF 150,000 to CHF 250,000. This marks the first time a yellow gold Daytona ‘Le Mans’ will be available at auction. A white gold version previously sold at Phillips for $228,600 in December.
Simon Brette Chronomètre Artisans Edition Titane [Offered by Phillips]
Next up is the Simon Brette Chronomètre Artisans Edition Titane, a striking example from the young watchmaker whose work has rapidly gained recognition. Following stints at Chronode and MB&F, Brette founded his own brand in 2021. The Chronomètre Artisans, an immediate success when it debuted in 2023, was celebrated for its exceptional craftsmanship, winning the horological revelation prize at the GPHG.
The titanium edition, a limited run of just 60 pieces, is a follow-up to the zirconium Chronomètre Artisans. With its finely executed finishing and intricate movement construction, it has attracted a loyal following. The watch, which measures 39mm, will be sold at Phillips’ Geneva auction with an estimated price range of $73,400 to $147,000. This sale could provide a clear indicator of the market’s appetite for Brette’s work, reminiscent of the 2023 auction debut of Rexhep Rexhepi’s Chronomètre Contemporain.
Konstantin Chaykin ThinKing [Offered by Phillips]
In the world of ultra-thin watches, Konstantin Chaykin’s ThinKing stands out as a groundbreaking prototype. Holding the title of the world’s thinnest mechanical watch at just 1.65mm thick, the ThinKing has surpassed offerings from luxury brands like Bulgari, Piaget, and Richard Mille. Unveiled at Geneva Watch Days in 2024, the watch’s incredibly slim design required a special strap made of alligator leather with titanium inserts to provide the necessary durability.
The ThinKing, housed in a nickel-alloy case, will be offered at Phillips with an estimated range of $429,000 to $858,000. The auction lot also includes a titanium PalanKing case, which increases the watch’s thickness to 5.4mm while adding automatic winding and crown-setting functionality.
As these three exceptional timepieces hit the auction block this month, they will provide valuable insight into the current state of the luxury watch market. With each piece offering something unique in terms of design, craftsmanship, and rarity, the results will be closely watched by collectors and enthusiasts alike.
