Christie’s Geneva Auction Achieves Over SFr. 19 Million
Christie’s November 16 Geneva auction set nine world record prices for Patek and Rolex references on the way to achieving the highest total for any watch auction in 2009: SFr. 19,032,388, or just under $19 million. This was nearly twice the pre-sale low estimate. The results reflected sales of 97% by value and 94% by lot. 900 bidders from 5 continents participated in the sale live, online and on the telephone. The top price of SFr. 2,400,000 was paid for a Patek Philippe ref. 1526 perpetual calendar wristwatch. Rounding out the top 5 were a gold 1924 Patek single-button chronograph at SFr. 939,000, a platinum Patek ref. 3448/100 perpetual calendar with moon phases at SFr. 783,000, a pink gold Patek ref. 2438/1 perpetual calendar at SFr. 711,000, and a gold Patek ref. 1579 chronograph at SFr. 675,000. The top 5 are pictured below.Patek Philippe ref. 1526, front and back1924 Patek Philippe single-button chronographPatek Philippe ref. 3448/100Patek Philippe ref. 2438/1Patek Philippe

ROO FC 26400 / ROO Ceramic 26402 or ROO SS 44mm 26400
Hi TRF's looking at a few options on my next purchase i already own a submariner 116610ln and i would like to add a ap as my next collection, so i narrowed it down to these 3 options would be great if i have some question answered and some input on these watches.I have not seen these pieces in person and i will when i travel to the nearest boutique . I prefer the 44mm models as compared to the 42mm with the rubber pusher ,it just dont appeal to me that much because of the dial and rubber chrono pushers i preffer the styling of the 44mm my question are as follows:1) how do they wear on a 6.5 -7inch wrist, i dont think a have a large wrist (4links on the 6oclock and 5and a half links on 12 oclock on my submariner)2) how durable are the forged carbon and the ceramic ? in terms of scratches knocks and dings, I am a very very clumbsy person as i frequently knock on my watches.3) is it worth that amount of $$ around 30,000usd for the FC and Ceramic on chrono24 as this is my frist time buyin

Dark side of the Moon Boutique only
I don't know how true this News is, but I heard yesterday that this new Ceramic Speedmaster would only sold through Boutiques for the 1st year or so, keeping it exclusive and so no discount. Anyone else heard this ?

Travel Kit
I had a sudden business trip to Los Angeles this week and decided to bring just one watch, with GMT complication of course. The beauty of the 233 with its quick change strap is the look can vary with minimal bother. This is a zippered pouch from a company called Granite Gear, not sure exactly where I got it. It will hold 2-3 straps, the release tool and a screwdriver in case a buckle gets loose. You can even tuck the watch in to place in the hotel safe if needed when going to the pool (yes, I know, that's why I should have brought a rubber strap too )

service costs by model
Do the costs associated with servicing a Rolex differ between models? For example, the Sub no date has less going on inside it than say the SkyDweller. If both watches went to Rolex for serving, would it be more expensive for the SkyDweller if both watches were simply getting cleaned up and regulated?