As the auction industry adjusts to the rise of e-commerce and shifting consumer preferences, Christie's has joined competitors Sotheby's and Phillips in the digital marketplace with the recent launch of Christie's Shop.
Featuring a curated selection of iconic timepieces from brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe (PP), and Audemars Piguet (AP), Christie's Shop offers luxury pre-owned watches for instant purchase – no bidding, no waiting. Since its recent debut, several items have already been sold or reserved, reflecting notable interest in the new platform.
So, what does Christie's Shop bring to the table? Here's a closer look at the newly launched platform's offerings and features.
Each item sold on Christie's Shop is backed by a two-year authenticity warranty
What's on Offer?
As of publication, Christie's Shop features a selection of 45 watches, priced from US$5,000 to US$200,000, appealing to a diverse range of buyers:
- Above US$100,000:
The top tier includes nine standout pieces, such as Rolex's coveted Paul Newman Daytona, AP's Royal Oak Quantième Perpetuel, and a bespoke Perpetual Calendar "London Edition" by Patek Philippe president Thierry Stern. Also featured is Boucheron's dazzling Reflet Pompon diamond watch, a showpiece of opulence.
- Below US$10,000:
At the more accessible end, five watches are available under US$10,000, including a limited-edition Louis Erard x Alain Silberstein collaboration, TAG Heuer's iconic Monaco series, and Cartier's sophisticated Ballon Bleu, known for its trademark crown design.
- US$10,000 - 100,000:
The bulk of the offerings fall in this range, with highlights such as Patek Philippe's Calatrava, a popular entry point for collectors, and Rolex's Daytona Beach, listed at US$62,900 – comparable to its price at Hong Kong auctions in 2022.
Editor’s Note: Inventory on Christie's Shop is updated regularly, and some watches may already be sold or reserved by the time of publication.
Rolex's Daytona "Paul Newman", the highest-priced watch currently on the platform
Several watches have already found new owners
Several watches have already been reserved by customers
Platform Design and Features
Christie's Shop is tailored to both seasoned collectors and first-time buyers, offering intuitive navigation and expert guidance. The platform organizes its inventory into two straightforward categories – brand and type – making it simple for users to browse and explore.
For those unsure where to start, Christie's curates a list of "experts' must-haves", while additional resources – including articles on watch trends and collecting tips – are readily available to inform and inspire shoppers.
Buyers with a specific model in mind can use the platform's built-in search tool for quick and easy access. And for rare or hard-to-find pieces, Christie's team is reachable via email to assist with sourcing and provide personalized recommendations.
Featured Brands:
- Rolex
- Patek Philippe
- Cartier
- Audemars Piguet
- Others: Boucheron, Breguet, Chanel, Chopard, Omega, TAG Heuer, Vacheron Constantin, and more
Types:
- Time Only Watches – Simple, minimalist designs with only hours, minutes, and seconds display
- Sports Watches – Durable, versatile pieces for active lifestyles
- Ladies Watches – Elegant timepieces for women
- Complications Watches – Featuring advanced mechanisms like perpetual calendars and chronographs
Christie's Expert Team:
- Jill Chen | Deputy Head of Watches, Asia Pacific
- Cissy Ngan | Specialist, Asia Pacific
- Harmmond Wong | Specialist, Asia Pacific
"Experts' must-haves" from Christie's specialist team
Rolex Daytona Beach Ref.116519 | US$62,900
Detailed Listings and Comparison Tools
Each watch on Christie's Shop includes a comprehensive description, covering key details such as the reference number, materials, dimensions, year of manufacture, and whether original boxes and papers are included. Watches are also assigned a condition grade using a six-tier scale: Like New, Extremely Good, Excellent, Very Good, and so on.
For example, a Patek Philippe olive green Aquanaut currently listed as Excellent is described as:
- Movement: operating, service needed
- Case: with very minor signs of wear; in overall excellent condition
- Strap: with minor signs of wear
- Buckle: with very minor surface scratches
To help buyers make more informed decisions, Christie's Shop includes a comparison tool that allows users to evaluate up to three watches side by side, though prices are currently not displayed in this feature.
Watches on Christie's Shop are graded on a six-tier condition scale; this Aquanaut is graded as third-tier "Excellent"
A comparison tool allows buyers to evaluate up to three watches side by side
Authenticity and Shipping
Christie's guarantees authenticity for all watches sold on the platform. Each piece is thoroughly evaluated and sourced from trusted sellers, with purchases backed by a two-year authenticity warranty.
Once purchased, watches are shipped within 10 business days, with secure and insured delivery provided by Christie's. Shipping is free to most regions worldwide, but Mainland China is currently excluded.