A rare and exceptionally intricate wristwatch crafted in 1907 has shattered expectations and set a new world record at an international auction held this week. The century-old timepiece, celebrated for its extraordinary mechanical complexity, drew intense bidding from collectors across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
The watch, created by a master horologist of the early 20th century, features an array of advanced functions—remarkable even by today’s standards—including a minute repeater, perpetual calendar, moon phase indicator, and precision chronograph. Experts have described it as “a mechanical miracle decades ahead of its time.”
Auctioneers reported that the bidding war lasted over 12 minutes, with multiple phone and in-room bidders driving the price far beyond its estimated value. The final hammer price set a world record for any antique wristwatch, cementing the piece’s status as one of the most coveted artifacts in horological history.
“This watch isn’t just a timekeeping device — it’s a masterpiece of human ingenuity,” said the auction house director. “The fact that it survived more than a hundred years in such pristine condition only adds to its legend.”
The buyer, who has chosen to remain anonymous, is believed to be an established private collector with a long-standing interest in pre-war European watchmaking.
Historians note that complicated watches from the early 1900s are exceedingly rare, as the craftsmanship required demanded thousands of hours of manual work and engineering precision that only a handful of watchmakers at the time could achieve.
The record-breaking sale is expected to spark a renewed surge of interest in vintage mechanical timepieces, particularly early complication watches that showcase the origins of modern haute horlogerie.
