LIFESTYLE | WATCHES
time , wearing one was actually seen as a feminine pursuit and remained so in the ensuing centuries .
The wrist watch undoubtedly went on to become a statement piece for the modern man , but women were the first to make the statement .
“ While men proudly sported pocket watches , it was women who were the first to wear watches on their wrists , primarily in the form of jewellery ,” Ross adds .
“ Although certainly admirable for their elegant and artistic exterior and a sign of luxury , their function was not of much consequence as it is today .”
A significant turning point came during the First World War , when officers began to appreciate that a watch on the wrist was a much more convenient way to keep time .
The rest , as they say , is history . Having started life as what were essentially pocket watches strapped to the wrist , manufacturers were making more and more purpose-built wrist watches as the 20th century progressed .
Going , going , gone ! If anyone in the industry is well placed to assess the luxury watch market , it ’ s Ross , whose tenure at Christie ’ s began in 2014 .
After achieving her master ’ s degree at Christie ’ s Education , specialising in History of Art and the Art Market , Ross ’ appreciation of art was expanded to include timepieces . She had already been exposed to the artistry of clocks and watches from an early age through her father ’ s collection .
Her job now involves travelling worldwide to track down the rarest timepieces for inclusion in various Christie ’ s auctions throughout the year , while also managing client wish lists on a private sale basis .
Ross has been responsible for offering some of the most recognised timepieces in New York auction history . Her Important Watches live auction in June 2022 totaled more than US $ 21.7 million , setting a new record for a watches auction at Christie ’ s New York .
Asked to pick out some of the more notable items sold by Christie ’ s in recent
ABOUT CHRISTIE ’ S
Founded in London in 1766 , Christie ’ s is a world-leading art and luxury goods retailer with a presence in 46 countries in the Americas , Europe , the Middle East and the Asia Pacific . The business is renowned for its expert live and online-only auctions , as well as bespoke private sales . Christie ’ s ’ unparalleled network of specialists offers clients a full portfolio of global services , including art appraisal , art financing , international real estate and education . Its auctions span more than 80 art and luxury categories , at price points ranging from US $ 500 to more than US $ 100 million . Over the years , Christie ’ s has sold eight of the 10 most important single-owner collections in history and achieved the world-record price for an artwork at auction .
106 December 2023