Sotheby’s has reported a strong performance for 2025, marked by record-breaking watch results and significant growth in jewellery sales. The auction house’s global watch sales rose by 22 percent year-on-year to reach an unprecedented US$193.6 million, establishing a new high for the category.
A highlight of the season was Audemars Piguet’s Grosse Pièce pocket watch, which achieved US$7.7 million, far surpassing its top pre-sale estimate of US$1 million.
Jewellery sales also demonstrated notable momentum, rising 18 percent from the previous year to US$317.7 million. Although the figure remains below Sotheby’s 2014 record of US$603 million, growth was fuelled by landmark auctions, the sale of private collections and expanding demand from emerging markets.
Among the year’s top lots were the 10.03-carat fancy vivid blue “Mediterranean Blue” (photo 1), which sold for US$21.1 million; the 31.68-carat fancy vivid orangy-pink “Desert Rose” (photo 2), achieving US$8.8 million; and a 4.50-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, realising US$6 million.
Quig Bruning, head of Sotheby’s Jewels for the Americas and EMEA, described 2025 as “an exceptionally strong year for the jewellery market”, highlighting growing global appetite for rare gems and exceptional craftsmanship. (Photo courtesy: Sotheby’s)
19-01-2026
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