Sotheby's Paris Opens an Autumn Fine Watches Sale — official Sotheby's — Patek Philippe Ref. 5960/1A-001, Paris Fine Watches image

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Sotheby's Paris Opens an Autumn Fine Watches Sale

Sotheby's Paris is holding a Fine Watches auction from 23 September to 7 October, with pieces by Patek Philippe, Rolex, Audemars Piguet and Cartier.

A new autumn date for collectors

Sotheby's has opened its autumn Fine Watches sale in Paris, with online bidding running from 23 September to 7 October 2026. The auction brings vintage and contemporary timepieces together, spanning established names such as Patek Philippe, Rolex and Audemars Piguet alongside Cartier and Breguet.

The official catalogue is available now, but the result of the sale is not yet known. Estimates should be treated as the auction house's pre-sale guidance rather than predictions of the price any watch will achieve.

A Patek Philippe in the catalogue

Among the lots photographed by Sotheby's is a Patek Philippe reference 5960/1A-001, a stainless-steel flyback chronograph with annual calendar, power-reserve and day/night indicators, catalogued as circa 2014. Its design combines multiple displays with a relatively restrained metal case and bracelet, reflecting a particular period in the manufacturer's complicated-watch development.

The image accompanying this feature is the auction house's exact photograph of that lot, not a generic image of another Patek Philippe. Collectors should consult the full catalogue for condition, provenance, completeness and any amendments before bidding.

Viewing the watches in person

Sotheby's lists a public exhibition in Paris from 1 to 5 October, with varying hours across the five days. That provides an opportunity to examine case condition, dial details and scale directly, rather than relying only on a photograph and a specification line.

A viewing can help narrow a shortlist, but it does not replace independent specialist advice for a major purchase. Auction terms, buyer's premium, taxes, shipping and any applicable import duties need to be included in the actual ownership cost.

A wider collecting itinerary

The autumn watch calendar also gives travellers a reason to include Paris in a European cultural trip, alongside galleries and design destinations. The sale is distinct from a manufacturer's new model launch: each offered watch is an individual catalogue lot with its own history and condition.

The official Sotheby's sale page supplies dates, venue information and the catalogue image. No sale result or achieved price is claimed before bidding closes.