Own a Piece of Pop Art History: Warhol's Patek Philippe Goes Under the Hammer

A Legacy of Timekeeping: Andy Warhol's Distinguished Watch Collection

Andy Warhol, a pivotal figure in 20th-century pop art, was an avid collector of fine watches. His personal collection included an impressive array of timepieces from prestigious brands such as Rolex, Cartier, and Patek Philippe. Following his passing in 1987, a remarkable 313 watches from his New York residence were presented at a landmark 10-day Sotheby's auction in 1988. This event was unprecedented, marking the first time such a vast and high-quality single-owner watch collection entered the market, drawing considerable global attention from horology enthusiasts.

The Calatrava Ref. 570: A Timeless Design with Historical Roots

Among Warhol's treasures is the Patek Philippe Calatrava Reference 570, a model that first appeared in the Sotheby's sale decades ago. This particular timepiece, originally launched in 1938, was an evolution of the groundbreaking 1932 Reference 96. The Ref. 96, influenced by the minimalist Bauhaus movement, set the design standard for Patek Philippe's elegant dress watches. The Ref. 570 maintained this sophisticated aesthetic but featured a slightly larger 35.5 mm case, a size considered substantial for its era.

Distinguishing Features: The Double-Signed Dial and Hausmann & Co. Heritage

Warhol's Calatrava Ref. 570 is crafted from yellow gold and boasts a silver dial adorned with applied yellow-gold markers. A unique characteristic of this watch is its double-signed dial, bearing the inscription of Hausmann & Co. beneath the Patek Philippe name at the 6 o'clock position. Hausmann & Co., established in Rome in 1794, remains a highly esteemed watch and clock retailer, adding another layer of prestige to this already notable piece. This specific detail, combined with its connection to Warhol, significantly elevates its desirability compared to other Calatrava models.

Anticipated Auction Performance: A Return to Christie's

This distinguished timepiece is set to return to Christie's, having previously exceeded expectations at an auction in 2021 when it sold for $150,000. For its upcoming appearance, the Calatrava is projected to achieve a sale price between $200,000 and $400,000. Its remarkable provenance and the increasing interest in celebrity-owned artifacts contribute to its high estimated value.

Other Notable Timepieces at the Christie's Important Watches Sale

The Christie's Important Watches sale will feature an array of other significant timepieces. These include a pair of Patek Philippe Tiffany & Co. Calatravas, which were specially commissioned for President Lyndon Baines Johnson, and a vintage 1939 Cartier Tank Normale with ties to David O. Selznick, the producer of 'Gone With the Wind.' Additionally, the auction will showcase an exceptionally rare white-gold Patek Philippe Ref. 3448G 'Red Dot,' a diamond-encrusted Patek Philippe Nautilus Haute Joallerie, a Richard Mille RM022 'Red' Aerodyne Dual Time Zone, and a 1970 Cartier London Baignoire Allongée. The auction is scheduled to take place at the Rockefeller Center on June 12.