The final New York watch auctions of the year showcased a dramatic divide between exceptional and ordinary timepieces. One standout was Steve McQueen's vintage Heuer Monaco, a striking rectangular watch famously worn by the actor in the film Le Mans.
Bidding for the Monaco was initially slow, with an online bid ultimately surpassing a pre-auction bid of $1 million in the auction's final moments. The atmosphere in the room was tense, filled with anticipation as collectors and dealers anxiously awaited the outcome.
Despite the competitive landscape, the Heuer Monaco sold for an impressive $1.4 million at Sotheby’s, significantly exceeding its estimated value of $500,000 to $1 million. This sale highlights the limited number of collectors willing to invest heavily in such iconic pieces, especially with the TAG Heuer Museum already possessing several McQueen Monacos.
Over the course of four days, the three major auction houses in New York hosted watch sales, with nearly $100 million worth of timepieces changing hands. These events attract dealers and collectors from around the world, making New York one of the key hubs for horological auctions.