Watches

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 21, 2026

Ressence Adds Two New Colors to Its Oil-Filled TYPE 7 Collection

Watches have historically served a purpose as tools for the wrist, whether it be tracking record lap times on a race circuit with a chronograph or using a GMT to accompany a jet-setting lifestyle, jumping from timezone to timezone. Regardless, trends and growing popularity in the luxury watch market continue to blur that vision, with price and exclusivity driving interest among buyers and collectors. The Swiss watchmakers at Ressence take a more traditional tool-watch approach with their TYPE 7 collection, launching its spring campaign, "Your Hands Are Your Best Tools." In celebration of its most versatile tool watch, which debuted in March 2025 to mark the brand’s 15-year anniversary, Ressence just added two new colorways to the TYPE 7 lineup.Originally launched in Night Blue and a limited-edition XV Aquamarine, the watch is now available in a stealthy Black and vibrant Cactus Green finish. The 41mm case is crafted from strong, ultra-lightweight Grade 5 Titanium, with 50-meter water resistance, making the TYPE 7 perfect for everyday wear, whether it’s simple city living or life on the high seas. The most noticeable characteristic of the TYPE 7 is its signature oil-filled dial, which uses liquid to suspend the dial and give it an unmistakable look, displaying hours, minutes, a second timezone, and oil temperature (by color). The case houses two separate sealed chambers, with the upper one filled with 2.5 mL of oil to achieve this incredible feat of engineering.Each new TYPE 7 comes fitted with Ressence’s famous integrated bracelet, which not only offers comfort for your wrists but also pulls the entire modern, minimal design together. These new releases present the option to easily swap the traditional titanium bracelet for a more subtle, sporty rubber strap that matches each dial's color. The all-new black and catcus green Ressence TYPE 7 watches are now available at authorized boutiques worldwide with a retail price of CHF 36,000 ($45,600). GALLERY-EMBED

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 20, 2026

This NBA MVP Gifted His Whole Team Audemars Piguet Watches

Every sports team has its star player, but as NFL Hall of Fame quarterback, Peyton Manning, once said, “The most valuable player is the one that makes the most players valuable." It’s the reason for this unspoken ritual: captains and quarterbacks surprising teammates with extravagant gifts at the end of seasons, as a thank-you for protecting, motivating, and contributing to the team's overall success. And we’re not talking about a nice dinner out or a Starbucks gift card, but gifts like luxury watches, ebikes, golf club sets, and even brand-new cars. Last year, Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named the NBA Most Valuable Player, and to celebrate the occasion, he splurged and bought his whole team new Rolex watches. This year, Shai went back-to-back and was awarded MVP for the 2025-26 season, and knowing he had to take things a step further, the 27-year-old Point Guard shocked his team with new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watches. SportsCenter broke the news after teammate Jaylin Williams posted an Instagram story of the whole team showing off their new AP watches and designer trench coats, with Shai in the background smiling at OKC’s training facility. And, rather than buying the same model in bulk to make it easy on himself, he chose to offer a mix between Audemars Piguet’s classic stainless-steel Royal Oak (ref. 16202ST) on an integrated bracelet and the nautical Royal Oak Offshore Diver (ref. 15720ST). With an 18-player roster, the small token of appreciation is valued at well over half a million dollars. For Shai himself, the yellow gold Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph, with a smoked green-toned dial, is his go-to choice. As the Oklahoma City Thunder kicks off its NBA Western Conference Finals against the San Antonio Spurs, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP status and a locker room full of new Audemars Piguet watches may be the motivation that takes the team to the NBA Finals. View this post on Instagram A post shared by SportsCenter (@sportscenter) Source: ESPN

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 12, 2026

Swatch x Audemars Piguet Royal POP Finally Revealed

Finally, after days of speculation and more than a few AI-generated renderings flooding the internet, Swatch and Audemars Piguet have officially released images and details surrounding what has quickly become one of the biggest stories in the watch world ahead of this Saturday’s launch. What buyers can expect is, more or less, what many suspected all along: an affordable take on the Royal Oak, though notably without the iconic integrated bracelet many enthusiasts were hoping to see. But all the signs of this accessorized pocket watch were there from the start of the collaboration craze. Originally introduced in the late 1980s, the Swatch POP was one of the brand’s more playful and unconventional designs, built around a detachable watch head that could be clipped into different holders, straps, and accessories. The collection featuring Audemars Piguet’s most beloved model will be available in two bioceramic versions: a time-only design with a crown located at the 12 o’clock position and a small-seconds variant with a more traditional crown position at 3 o’clock. Of the eight colorful combinations, two feature a small-seconds display, while the remaining six stick to a more traditional time-only layout, each presented in its own distinct colorway. Powering the Royal POP collection is Swatch’s SISTEM51 movement, the brand’s fully automated mechanical caliber made up of just 51 components assembled entirely by machine with an impressive 90-hour power reserve. Now that we finally have a clearer picture of what to expect from this Saturday’s release, the big question becomes just how massive the lines outside Swatch stores will be, and how much buyers will end up paying on the secondary market if they actually want to wear one. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Swatch (@swatch)

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 12, 2026

TAG Heuer Honors the Indy 500 With a Limited-Edition Formula 1 Watch

Having experienced the energy of the Indianapolis 500 firsthand, it’s easy to understand why it’s considered one of the most iconic and historic races of all time. From the massive crowds and roaring engines to the traditions that surround race weekend, it truly feels like one of the greatest gatherings in all of motorsports. TAG Heuer apparently agrees, as its newest release, Formula 1 Solargraph x Indy 500, takes direct inspiration from the race while continuing the evolution of one of the brand’s longest-running collections.The Formula 1 line first debuted in the mid-1980s and quickly became associated with colorful designs, affordable pricing, and a strong connection to racing. This new Indy 500 edition keeps things fairly restrained compared to other Formula 1 watches, with a 38mm sandblasted steel case paired with a black dial and brown outer track. Small touches of Indianapolis appear throughout the watch, including the brick pattern that pays homage to the Yard of Bricks at the Speedway.The biggest update comes from the Solargraph movement. Instead of relying on a standard watch battery, it runs on light and can store enough power to operate for months after being fully charged. TAG Heuer says even brief exposure to sunlight is enough to keep it running during everyday wear. Limited to 1,110 examples, the release continues the long relationship between motorsports and watchmaking. Source: TAG Heuer

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 12, 2026

Tom Brady Spotted Wearing a $6 Million Rolex at The Roast of Kevin Hart

While Tom Brady is best known as a seven-time Super Bowl champion and Hall of Fame NFL quarterback, he has also built a reputation as one of the biggest watch collectors and enthusiasts in sports, often spotted at games and events wearing some of the most expensive and exclusive watches in the world. The diversity in his taste for watches proves an actual appreciation for all things haute horology, whether it be the complexity behind a Richard Mille RM 35-05 ‘Rafael Nadal’ or the history and significance of a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 6241 “John Player Special”. But this past weekend at The Roast of Kevin Hart, Tom Brady focused fully on the bling factor, wearing an off-catalog Rolex Sea-Dweller reportedly valued at $6 million.While off-catalog Rolex models are nothing new in the watch world, seeing the exclusive treatment applied to a Sea-Dweller certainly is, as these ultra-exclusive releases are usually reserved for models like the Daytona, Day-Date, Yacht-Master, Sky-Dweller, and Submariner. Tom Brady’s Sea-Dweller is part of Rolex’s 2023 off-catalog lineup, featuring an 18k white gold case completely drenched in diamonds, from its baguette-cut bezel and full pavé dial to the table-cut diamond bracelet. Even as retail prices of these pieces are hardly ever revealed, it's rumored that this may be the most expensive off-catalog Rolex ever made. Introduced in 1967, the Rolex Sea-Dweller was originally developed as a serious professional dive watch built to withstand the extreme pressures of deep-sea exploration. And although we can almost guarantee that this seven-figure dive watch will never see the deep depths of the ocean, Tom Brady definitely shocked the watch world by bringing out this one-off piece to share on one of Kevin Hart’s biggest nights. The star-studded roast also brought out names like Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, Kim Kardashian, Ben Affleck, Tony Hinchcliffe, and Rob Gronkowski, to name a few, making it one of the most celebrity-packed comedy events of the year. Source: Tom Brady's Instagram

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 11, 2026

Phillips' $96 Million Watch Auction Sets a New Record in Geneva

The luxury watch market just crossed another monumental milestone, and once again, Phillips is at the center of it. During its Geneva Spring Season auctions, Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo achieved the highest-grossing watch auction total ever recorded, bringing in more than $96 million across nearly every lot offered. Out of 225 watches presented at The Geneva Watch Auction: XXIII, 224 sold, an almost unheard-of success rate. More importantly, the results support the fact that the watch industry’s demand for rare vintage watches, independent watchmakers, and historically important timepieces continues to climb. As expected, some of the biggest names in Swiss watchmaking dominated headlines. Patek Philippe once again proved its prestige, led by an ultra-rare Ref. 2523 “South America” world timer that sold for over $10 million after an intense bidding battle. F.P. Journe continued its rapid rise among collectors with multiple world records set for rare Chronomètre à Résonance models. But the most interesting part of the auction was the growing attention paid to independent brands and pocket watches. Collectors kept their eyes on watches from names like Akrivia, Louis Richard, and Louis Audemars & Co., showing that today’s buyers are looking beyond mainstream luxury names for rarity and historical significance. Sold Above $1 Million Patek Philippe Ref. 2523 "South America" - $10,245,807 F.P. Journe Chronomètre à Résonance "Souscrietion No. 18" - $6,274,125 Louis Richard "Triple Detent Constant Force One Minute Tourbillon Chronometer" - $5,106,816 Patek Philippe Ref. 6002G-010 Sky Moon Tourbillon - $4,172,454 Akrivia AK-06 - $3,861,000 Louis Audemars & Co, No. 12112 "La Royale" - $3,238,092 F.P. Leurne Chrenometre a Resonance "Pisa" - $3,000,502 F.P. Journe, Octa Chronograrhe 38mm Brass Movement - $2,206,562 Greubel Forsey X Philippe Dufour X Michel Boulanger Naissance d'Une Montre 1 N° 1/11 - $2,124,837 F.P. Lourne Tourbillon Souverain à Remontoir d'Egalité - $1,961,388 Agassiz Watch Co. "Victory Watch - Charles de Gaulle" Pocket Watch - $1,879,664 Paul Ditisheim "Minute Detent Escapement Tourbillon" - $1,634,490 Cartier, Mystery Clock - $1,569,110 Audemars Piguet Ref. 5503 Triple Calendar Chronograph with Moonphase Display - $1,405,661 The results also say a lot about where the modern collector market is headed. Watch auctions are no longer driven solely by traditional vintage Rolex and Patek buyers. Today’s bidders are younger and often very educated on independent horology, complicated movements, and niche watchmaking history. Phillips reported participation from bidders across 74 countries, with heavy activity online, over the phone, and inside the Geneva auction room itself. That helped push 14 watches beyond the million-dollar mark while setting 43 world records. The record-breaking auction also confirmed that rare watches now occupy the same territory as blue-chip art, collector cars, and fine jewelry, with no sign of slowing down anytime soon. Source: Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 08, 2026

Girard-Perregaux Revives ’70s Style With New 'Chocolate' Laureato

Back in the 1970s, the watch world was heavily shaped by a handful of defining trends, like TV-shaped cases, integrated bracelets, quartz movements, and especially two-tone designs, and Girard-Perregaux was right in the middle of it all with the iconic Girard-Perregaux Laureato. Now, more than five decades later, Girard-Perregaux is returning to its roots, honoring an era of fashion and watchmaking rarely replicated with an all-new Laureato Chronograph featured in a stunning two-tone ‘Chocolate’ colorway. Starting with the case, the Laureato’s sizeable yet comfortable tonneau-shaped design is crafted from 904L steel and contrasts with warm rose-gold accents on its octagonal bezel, crown, and pushers. The beautiful brown 'Clou de Paris' dial steals the show, with similar tones on the hands and indices that pull the entire look together. As with previous Laureato models, the balance between polished surfaces, angular lines, and softer curves remains key for nailing that quintessential 1970s luxury sports watch styling. Instead of using the traditional integrated steel bracelet, Girard-Perregaux opted for a brown rubber strap with that familiar hobnail texture, making it more casual and wearable.Powering the watch is Girard-Perregaux’s in-house GP03300 automatic chronograph movement. The caliber features 419 components, 63 jewels, a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, and a power reserve of approximately 46 hours. Alongside its chronograph function, the movement also displays hours, minutes, small seconds, and date. The latest Laureato Chronograph continues to highlight Girard-Perregaux’s ability to combine sporty design, everyday comfort, and traditional haute horology in a watch that’s timeless in all every way.

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 01, 2026

IWC Schaffhausen Kicks Off Miami Grand Prix Weekend with Kimi Antonelli

When Formula One weekend arrives in Miami, it flips a switch. Even days before cars hit the track for practice and qualifying, the city is already in full-blown festivities, and IWC Schaffhausen wasted no time joining in on the party. The brand hosted a small, early-week event in the Miami Design District, welcoming clients, locals, and other industry insiders. The special guest of the evening was Kimi Antonelli, the current championship leader for Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One, and one of the youngest drivers now carrying big expectations.The night was calm and cool. No theatrics or overpacked guest list, just Antonelli in conversation, talking about how quickly things have ramped up this season. He spoke about adjusting to the pace of Formula 1, managing pressure, and the constant balance between speed and consistency. A star-struck moment for most, it seemed more like a much-needed midweek check-in for Kimi before a busy race weekend. The night also celebrated the broader IWC–Mercedes relationship, which has been in place for over a decade and focuses on shared engineering DNA rather than brand-stamped dials.Around the room, a collection of IWC’s latest releases, fresh off their Geneva debut, was on display, giving guests a first look at pieces that pave the way for the brand's future. The lineup showcased aviation-inspired designs, updated movements, and functionality that mirrors the precision mindset of Formula 1. The room moved between conversations about lap times, travel schedules, and watchmaking, with little separation between the two. It was a low-key start to what will be a very exciting race weekend in Miami. Source: IWC Schaffhausen

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 30, 2026

TUDOR Reveals The Black Bay Chrono "Carbon 26" at Miami GP

As the fuel-soaked festivities ramp up in Miami ahead of the Formula One Miami Grand Prix weekend, teams are already rolling out some seriously cool activations. From South Beach-inspired Ray-Ban sunglasses by Scuderia Ferrari to McLaren’s latest trackside teamwear drop with PUMA, the crossover between motorsport and lifestyle is stronger than ever. Now, alongside a bold new yellow livery inspired by Red Bull Summer Edition, the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls team has one more surprise, quite literally. Enter the new special edition TUDOR Black Bay Chrono created just for the 2026 Miami Grand Prix.A tradition that we witnessed last year with the Black Bay Chrono Carbon 25 actually dates back even further for Tudor. The Swiss watchmaker’s wheel-to-wheel racing roots started in the 1960s, when the Tudor Watches Racing Team was campaigning the Porsche 906 in Japan. Now, decades later, Tudor is back to keep Visa Cash App RB drivers Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad on time with the all-new Black Bay Chrono “Carbon 26”. It’s all about material and purpose. Carbon fiber isn’t just for looks; it’s used throughout the case, the bezel, the dial, and even the smallest details to shave weight wherever possible. Equipped with an in-house MT5813 movement, the watch is engineered as a proper tool, with the tachymeter bezel tying everything back to its racing heritage.Lookwise, the connection to the Visa Cash App RB VCARB 03 is where you see the inspiration, with pops of yellow across the dial that mirror the livery. Limited to 2,026 pieces, the Black Bay Chrono Carbon 26 actually reflects something happening on track right now. Look out for TUDOR’s newest watch on the wrist of Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad as they look to finish in the top spot at this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix.

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 27, 2026

Sotheby's 'Important Watches' - Six World Records and $52 Million in Sales

Earlier this month, the watch world welcomed a whole new 2026 lineup of luxury timepieces from the biggest names in the industry, courtesy of Watches and Wonders. And while the latest-and-greatest in haute horology speaks to most collectors and enthusiasts, it's the vintage watch scene that continues to hold significance for those who appreciate early craftsmanship and a bit of a story behind the watches on their wrists. The team at Sotheby’s proved that the demand and popularity for vintage watches is higher than ever, setting six new world record sales over this past weekend as part of its Important Watches auction event in Hong Kong. Now recognized as Sotheby’s most successful watch sale in its history, Important Watches brought in a total of more than $52 million and, along with several world records, showcased Hong Kong as the highest-achieving watch sale in Asia to date. Taking the top spot of the entire auction was a 1971 Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ‘ Paul Newman John Player Special Cherry’ (Ref. 6264) in yellow gold that sold for a jaw-dropping $1,469,886. Other notable sales in the top ten came courtesy of historic Patek Philippe references, limited-edition F.P. Journe models, and even Tom Brady’s 1-of-1 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourbillon “The Roast”. The real story of the weekend was centered around Sotheby’s six new world records. In the world of Cartier, the watches that made headlines included a yellow gold 1987 Cartier London Crash (Sold for 15,616,000 HKD), a 1992 Cartier London Tank J.J.C. Allongée (Sold for $1,992,512), a 1973-74 Cartier London Baignoire (Sold for $620,618), and a 1967-68 Cartier London Tank Normale (Sold for $587,954). The other two record-setters were an A. Lange & Söhne Reference 701.007 (Sold for $1,322,897) and Patek Philippe ‘La Maison Platine’ Reference 2552 (Sold for $767,607). All in all, Sotheby’s Important Watches auction in Hong Kong proved to be its most successful watch auction to date, with an extremely diverse showcase that spanned every corner of the watch world. GALLERY-EMBED

Watches

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe