Top picks from the current online auction at Christie’s New York

Ryan Chong

How I got started: ‘I first really wanted a watch when I was about 12 years old. As a kid growing up and surfing in San Diego, I wanted to be able to keep track of the tide cycles. The first watch that I can remember receiving was a Freestyle Shark Tide. As I got older and became more familiar with mechanical watches and their history, my tastes changed.

‘I have been greatly influenced by Christie’s International Head of Watches John Reardon and as a result I have fallen in love with Patek Philippe watches and the company’s storied history. The watches that I wear today, though, relate back to the ethos of my first watch — they are tool watches that serve a purpose. I wear my Tudor Submariner ref. 7016/0 and my Rolex Explorer II ref. 16570 the most.’

My picks from our online sale: ‘The recent craze for Aquanaut means these early Patek Philippe examples [above] are more in demand than ever. I particularly like this watch because it is the sportiest Patek Philippe watch made and, on top of that, it’s a quartz movement.

‘GMT-Masters are among the most iconic Rolex watches ever made because of their colour-blocked bezels. I like this “Coke” example [above] because it dates to 2001 and is a later example of the reference that has a Super-LumiNova dial.’

Rebecca Ross

How I got started: ‘My father was a watch collector, which means I was exposed to the artistry of clocks and watches at an early age. I went on to study history of art and the art market, and was awarded a certification from the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie in April 2015. Now I focus on history and education surrounding horology.

‘I got my first watch, a Swatch, when I was 13 years old. I’m delighted to have recently added a steel 1950s Movado with a “tropical” dial to my collection. I am constantly inspired by the people I meet, both experts in the industry as well as my clients, and by the artistry of the watches themselves.’

My picks from our online sale: ‘This modern Breguet [above] has an 18k white gold case and full diamond-set bezel which, at 40mm, gives a powerful impression. What I like most about this watch is the minute-repeating function, activated through a simple slide in the band. I also like that you can see the gongs at work through the sapphire-crystal display back.

‘I would love to add a World Time complication to my collection. This 18k pink gold example by Franck Muller [above] foregrounds both form and function. Its design is exquisite: the manufacturer has managed to add a day/night indication as well as a date function, while maintaining a simple aesthetic. I particularly like the elongated screwed lugs, which offer a vintage flair.’

Brandon Frazin

How I got started: ‘My passion for watches began at a young age. My father always collected watches and would let me look at and play with them when I was growing up. His collection comprises mostly stainless-steel sports watches. There’s no doubt that this is where my fascination with vintage Sports Rolex stemmed from.

‘I can’t remember my first watch, but I do remember getting a manually wound Seiko when I was about eight years old. I remember winding the crown and listening to the movement and being completely fascinated by it.’

My picks from our online sale: ‘Recently, I have become more interested in Omega Seamaster 300s. This example [above] is a ref. 166.024 from circa 1967. The sword hands, twisted lug case, and “Big Triangle” at 12 o’clock are just a few of the stand-out characteristics. The sword hands remind me of the Rolex Military Submariner and other Omega Seamaster 300s that were military-issued. The case design of this watch is similar to that of the Speedmaster Professional, which is another one of my favourite models.’

Other key watches at the Watches Online Sale: