Christie's Geneva Rare Watches: an Oman "Khanjar" Nautilus, F.P. Journe Rarities and Zidane's First Watch for Charity

Christie's Geneva Rare Watches auction, 9 November 2026, Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues: 218 lots and Watches for ELA charity sale
Graphic: Montre24

Christie's will close the Geneva auction weekend with its Rare Watches sale on Monday, 9 November 2026 at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues. The catalogue counts 218 watches, including more than 35 vintage pieces, 39 watches by independent makers and seven unique pieces. The watches can be viewed at the hotel from 5 to 8 November; the preview is open to everyone.

A Nautilus made for the Sultan of Oman

One of the most talked-about lots is a Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 3700/1 in yellow gold with a dial bearing the "Khanjar", the curved dagger that appears on Oman's national emblem. The watch was made in 1978 for Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said and comes from its original owner, who worked close to the Sultan. It is described as one of only five publicly known yellow gold Ref. 3700 examples with this dial. Estimate: CHF 500,000–1,000,000.

Other highlights

  • Patek Philippe Ref. 1518, the first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph, in yellow gold, made and sold in 1948. Only 281 examples were made between 1941 and 1954. Estimate: CHF 500,000–1,000,000.
  • F.P. Journe Tourbillon Souverain "Reference T", circa 2001: CHF 650,000–1,400,000.
  • F.P. Journe Ruthenium series: five watches numbered 92/99 (Octa Jour et Nuit, Octa Chronographe, Octa Calendrier, Tourbillon Souverain and Chronomètre à Résonance), offered as separate lots with estimates from CHF 300,000 to 1,200,000 each.
  • F.P. Journe Vagabondage I, II and III in pink gold, each numbered 36/68: CHF 400,000–800,000 each.
  • Cartier Octagonal Allongée, Cartier London, 1990, the first example of this series at international auction: CHF 400,000–600,000.
  • Voutilainen Vingt-8 SC, a unique piece in stainless steel with an onyx dial, circa 2020: CHF 300,000–500,000.
  • Sylvain Pinaud Origine, a unique piece in platinum, circa 2024: CHF 100,000–200,000.

Watches for ELA: Zidane's first watch

The same day, Christie's holds the second edition of Watches for ELA, a charity sale for ELA International, the European Leukodystrophies Association, which funds research and supports families affected by these rare genetic diseases. Twenty brands, from Montblanc, Tissot and Bovet to independents such as Konstantin Chaykin and Kollokium, have donated unique pieces.

The most personal lot comes from Zinedine Zidane, a patron of ELA for more than 25 years: a steel Cartier Pasha, the first watch he bought for himself. "This Cartier Pasha was the first watch I bought for myself with my first salary when I was playing in Bordeaux," the former France captain said.

The Christie's sale comes after the Phillips Geneva Watch Auction XXIV (7–8 November). Montre24 will report on the results of the Geneva auctions.

Sources: Christie's sale information as reported by HauteTime; Europa Star; Timekeepers Club (October 2026).