Sotheby's
London, United Kingdom · Est. 1744
Founded by Samuel Baker
Sotheby's, founded in London in 1744, operates one of the world's most prominent watch auction departments alongside Christie's and Phillips. Its Geneva sales regularly achieve record prices for rare and historically important timepieces from leading collectors worldwide.
- Founded
- 1744
- Headquarters
- London, United Kingdom
- Group
- Other
- Price Segment
- Mid
- Status
- Active
Key Collections
- Important Watches — Flagship bi-annual Geneva and New York auctions featuring the rarest and most valuable timepieces, including unique pieces, royal provenance, and record-setting complications.
- Fine Watches Online — Regular online-only auctions offering curated selections of collectible watches at more accessible price points, expanding the auction market to new collectors.
Timeline
- 1744 — Samuel Baker holds the first Sotheby's auction in London, initially specialising in rare books and manuscripts.
- 1983 — Sotheby's establishes a dedicated watch department, recognising the growing collector market for fine timepieces.
- 1999 — The Patek Philippe Supercomplication sells at Sotheby's for $11 million, setting a world record for any timepiece at auction.
- 2019 — Patrick Drahi acquires Sotheby's for $3.7 billion, taking the company private after 31 years on the NYSE.
- 2024 — Continues to hold major Geneva watch sales alongside competitors Christie's and Phillips, with increasing emphasis on online bidding.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sotheby's
- Is Sotheby's a watch brand?
- No — Sotheby's is an auction house, not a watchmaker. Its watch department sells pre-owned and vintage timepieces from all major brands at auction, often achieving record prices for rare pieces.
- How do Sotheby's watch auctions work?
- Watches are consigned by sellers, catalogued and estimated by Sotheby's specialists, then sold to the highest bidder either in person, by phone, or online. Buyer's premium (commission) typically ranges from 20–26% on top of the hammer price.