Close Up: $1.14 Million Rolex Reference 8171 “Padellone”

Today we’re taking a close up look at the top lot from Christie’s recent Important Watches auction in New York. The highlight of the auction, which took place on December 17, was Lot 186, a stainless steel and diamond-set automatic triple calendar Rolex wristwatch with moon phases and two-toned silvered dial.

Known as the “Sleeping Beauty”, pre-auction estimates had this circa-1953 model pegged at a value of between $250,000 – $350,000. However, after a fierce bidding war that spanned across four countries, it sold for $1,145,000 to an anonymous buyer, setting a world auction record for a Rolex reference 8171.

In total, Christie’s New York Important Watches auction saw 333 lots sold, for a total of $12,926,175.

Photo courtesy Christie’s.

Adrienne Faurote

Editor in Chief · Haute Time

As a former New Yorker, now a “Miamian,” Adrienne Faurote joined Haute Living in August of 2021. She currently serves as the Haute Media Group Editor-in-Chief, overseeing all editorial platforms within the Haute Media Group while also maintaining her role as Fashion, Jewelry & Watch Director. Prior to her position at Haute Living, Faurote was the Market Editor at Marie Claire Magazine US, amassing over ten years in the industry, becoming an authoritative voice in all things fashion, jewelry, and watches.