⏱ 1 min 30 read
Updated on 13 November 2026 : Christie’s exact total reached 47,824,592 francs, its record for a watch auction. According to Haute Time, Sotheby’s totalled 26,317,216 francs on 8 and 9 November, and the three houses (Christie’s, Sotheby’s, Phillips) about 203 million dollars.
Background
Every autumn, Geneva hosts the leading auctions of collectors’ watches. Phillips, Sotheby’s, Antiquorum and Christie’s follow one another in November. These sales serve as a benchmark for watch market prices. In 2026, Christie’s offered in particular watches from the private collection of former Formula 1 driver Michael Schumacher.
The key points
The wristwatch sale by Christie’s, held at the Hôtel des Bergues in Geneva, raised nearly CHF 48 million. All 44 lots found buyers, according to the Italian agency Adnkronos, quoted by Watson on 10 November 2026. Bidders from 66 countries took part in the sale, which lasted more than eight hours.
Five F.P. Journe watches owned by Michael Schumacher drew particular attention. They were offered to mark 30 years since he joined Ferrari in 1996. The Tourbillon Souverain and Chronomètre à Résonance models each sold for CHF 1,536,000. Historic Patek Philippe pieces were also in demand.
Key figures
- 48 million francs: approximate total of the sale
- CHF 6,709,200 : a trilogy of F.P. Journe watches in rose gold, sold to a single buyer
- CHF 1,536,000 : price of each of the two most expensive F.P. Journe watches owned by Michael Schumacher
- CHF 1,075,200 : Patek Philippe perpetual calendar chronograph launched in 1941
- CHF 1,024,000 : yellow gold Patek Philippe made in 1978 for the then Sultan of Oman
- CHF 501,400 : separate charity sale in support of the fight against leukodystrophies
What it means for businesses
- Independent watchmaking : F.P. Journe, a Geneva manufacture, again ranks among the most contested lots of the season
- Geneva hotels : the autumn sales attract collectors from dozens of countries
Further reading
Sources
- Haute Time – Christie’s Geneva Watch Auction Results, November 2026
- Watson – Two Schumacher watches sold for 1.5 million each in Geneva
Let’s share Romandy’s news
We build the news together.
An idea, an opinion, a wish, a detail to add? Tell us!
