“Once again, thanks to its dynamism, expertise and professionalism, Artcurial has confirmed its leading
position in Monaco. Hosted in prestigious surroundings by the Société des Bains de Mer, these excellent
results bode well for the upcoming winter season” — Louise Gréther, Director of Artcurial Monaco.
Jewellery
With two dedicated jewellery auctions, the jewellery department at Artcurial realised a total of €3,216,900
premium included on Monday 20 July. In a context that remains uncertain, over half the lots sold above the
high estimate, including three lots above €100K.
Some of the highest prices came during the evening sale, with bidders battling for several minutes on the
telephone and in the room over two Van Cleef & Arpels clip brooches: lot 331, in gold and rubies sold for
€22,100 (nearly 6 times its estimate) and lot 353, a “Pirate” brooch in gold and enamel fetched nearly ten
times its estimate, selling for €23,400. The heated bidding continued for lot 359, a compression by César,
estimated at €10,000 which sold for €58,500, demonstrating the appeal for collectors of pieces by César
and jewellery artists in general.
This season has also shown strong demand from collectors for Italian jewellers (including Repossi,
Pomellato, Bulgari and Marina B), already in evidence in the previous sale. A highlight of the sale was a ring
with an 8.73 carat oval diamond, an old cut, estimated at €15,000 which changed hands for €106,600. The
highest price was achieved by another exceptional ring: a 10.42 carat emerald-cut diamond of the highest
quality which sold for twice its estimate, at €839,800 (lot 442).
Finally, interest amongst collectors is always strong for the Art Deco period, confirmed by the price of
€91,000 achieved for a stunning necklace in rock crystal, diamonds, enamel and aquamarine by Jean
Fouquet, and the ring N° 436 in platinum, rock crystal, diamonds, mother of pearl and set with an 11 ct
sapphire.
Fine Watches & Le Temps est féminin
Artcurial’s Fine Watches department held two separate sales on 19 and 21 July: Fine Watches and Le
Temps est Féminin, dedicated to Ladies Watches. The combined total was €3,191,416 including premium.
The incredible dynamism seen for collectors’ watches during these two days of sales resulted in a record
total of €2,738,990 for Fine Watches, with 80% of lots sold and an increase of 26% for the two sales on the
previous winter session.
The Bull Collection was at the heart of this success. The lots came under the hammer in an animated
atmosphere, with six prices over €100K, one over €200K and an average of €40K per lot. Patek Philippe,
Rolex and Audemars Piguet dominated with their three flagship models Nautilus, Daytona and Royal Oak.
The two highest prices were for two Nautilus models by the Swiss house Patek Philippe. One was a
“Special Series 40th anniversary” ref.5711/P (lot 13), which sold for €232,200, and the other was a Nautilus
Jumbo ref.3700/001 (lot 4) which sold for €126,100, double its estimate. The third highest price was
achieved for a Rolex Daytona ref.6263/8, which at €119,600 was nearly double its estimate. Amongst other
notable results, lot 69 was a lovely vintage Rolex from Vietnam, which also made double its estimate,
demonstrating the strength of the vintage watch market.
This sale highlighted the return of jewellers to the world of ladies’ watches. Piaget has dominated the
market for several seasons but Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels also demonstrated their strong appeal. Two
of the highest prices were achieved for Cartier watches – one in platinum and diamonds which sold for
€72,800 (lot 554) and lot 505 which made three times its estimate, selling for €27,300. Lot 574, a Van Cleef
& Arpels ‘secret’ yellow gold wrist watch with rubies and diamonds made three times its estimate, selling
for €44,200. This sale is demonstration that Artcurial has established itself in 2020 as the leading player in
this field in Monaco as well as France.
“This year Artcurial demonstrated its lead in Monaco and maintained its position on the international stage,
confirmed by a very dynamic market and the selection of rare watches from the Bull Collection and le
Temps est Féminin. A single leitmotif: less is more…” — Marie Sanna-Legrand, Director of Fine Watches.
Hermès Summer Collection
On Sunday 19 July, the Hermès Vintage & Fashion Arts department opened the 3 days of auctions with a
sale that is always eagerly awaited, the Hermès Summer Collection. On offer were some sixty bags by the
iconic Maison du Faubourg, as well as 5 Louis Vuitton X Suprême accessories.
With a sale total of €581,240 including premium, Artcurial demonstrated the continuing demand from
international collectors for exceptional models.
Mini, collector, vintage, exotic, harlequin...the most unusual models were extremely popular amongst
collectors who have become increasingly informed about distinctive and rare items. However, it was the ever
popular classics in exotic skins that achieved the highest prices: a blue jean Niloticus crocodile Birkin 30
bag (lot 1006) doubled its estimate at €65,000, a matt red H alligator Birkin 35 sold for €31,200, and a matt
Mykonos Blue Niloticus crocodile Birkin 35 fetched €29,900 (lot 1001).
There were strong results for other Hermès classics, such as Bolide and Constance bags, as well as their
mini versions. A burgundy porosus crocodile Constance 24 bag (lot 1021) sold for €13,000 and a pink
Schéhérazade niloticus crocodile Kelly Cut clutch fetched €15,600 (lot 1011).
“The demand for Hermès bags continues with a marked trend for small sizes. The range of colours and the
quality of skins on offer appealed to our buyers, who stretched far beyond the French borders..” — Alice
Léger, Specialist Hermès Vintage & Fashion Arts.
Artcurial Motorcars in Monaco
In a return to the Rock, Artcurial Motorcars realised close to €7.2 in the Monegasque sale. Enthusiasts
rediscovered the auction house’s distinctive ambiance in the glamorous surroundings of the Principality of
Monaco, renowned for its passion for the automobile.
Following 4 days of viewing both on the Place du Casino and in the private museum of HSH The Prince of
Monaco’s collection, Artcurial Motorcars’ first sale after the period of confinement took place at the Hotel
Hermitage. Large numbers of collectors were able to attend the auction taken by Matthieu Lamoure and
colleague Pierre Novikoff. Strict compliance with social distancing regulations failed to dampen the convivial
atmosphere of the sale.
The 1955 Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing with NSL engine (lot 663) was one of the sale’s successes. Presented
in spectacular, original condition with just 38 000 miles from new, this 300 SL coupé sold for €1,416,000
including premium. With 100% French history and in impeccable presentation, the 1957 Mercedes-Benz
300 SL Roadster (lot 633) also attracted multiple bids and changed hands for €858,200 premium included.
Ever-present along the Mediterranean coastline, cabriolets were in demand, particularly when they belonged
to the stars, such as the 1962 Bentley S3 Continental cabriolet Park Ward (lot 635). Bought new by Eddie
Fisher while married to Elizabeth Taylor, the car found a new owner for €304,000 premium included.
Another elegant pre-war cabriolet coming from the renowned Volante Collection, the 1939 Bugatti 57
Cabriolet 4-seater by Vanvooren (lot 619) offered a great opportunity to acquire a unique and historic vehicle.
The car changed hands for €500,600 premium included.
Finally, the Monegasque passion for motorsport was evident in strong bidding for race and rally cars,
notably the rare 1966 De Tomaso Vallelunga which changed hands for €500,600 (lot 678), and the 1978
Alpine A110 1600X (lot 644) which fetched €81,100.
“This was the first physical auction following the confinement and the majority of the star cars in this
Monegasque sale changed hands. The Artcurial Motorcars team is delighted to have exceeded its objective
in reaching an international clientèle who placed bids in the room, on the telephone and online.” — Matthieu
Lamoure, Auctioneer, Artcurial Motorcars.
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