From Watches to Art: Switzerland’s Best Spring Auctions of 2025

Luxe magazine Switzerland
May 1
2 min read

Updated: May 8

From Watches to Art: Switzerland’s Best Spring Auctions of 2025

Each spring, Switzerland becomes the heart of the global luxury market. In 2025, the season is more vibrant than ever, offering collectors and enthusiasts the chance to acquire rare timepieces and world-class contemporary art. With events hosted by Phillips, Sotheby’s, Christie’s, and Art International Zurich, this spring delivers a perfect balance of craftsmanship, heritage, and creative innovation. Whether you’re chasing the elegance of a vintage Patek Philippe or seeking the next breakout artist in Zurich, these auctions define Switzerland’s cultural prestige.

Let’s explore the most important auctions of spring 2025.

1. Phillips The Geneva Watch Auction: XXI

Date: 10–11 May 2025

Venue: Hôtel La Réserve, Geneva

Preview: 7–11 May 2025

Official site: phillips.com

Curated by the renowned Aurel Bacs and Alexandre Ghotbi, this auction will feature nearly 200 exceptional timepieces. Highlights include:

Patek Philippe Ref. 3448 in pink gold the only known version of its kind
Rolex Daytona Ref. 6264 “Paul Newman Lemon” a highly coveted vintage gem

This event confirms Phillips’ continued leadership in high-end horology.

2. Christie’s Rare Watches: Stories in Time

Date: 12 May 2025

Venue: Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues, Geneva

Official site: christies.com

Christie’s spring sale is titled “Rare Watches, Featuring Stories in Time”, and it includes masterpieces by:

F.P. Journe
Abraham-Louis Breguet
Patek Philippe, including a legendary minute repeater

This highly anticipated sale illustrates Christie’s expertise in storytelling through horological heritage.

3. Sotheby’s Important Watches II

Date: 14 May 2025

Venue: Mandarin Oriental, Geneva

Exhibition: 8–10 May 2025

Official site: sothebys.com

Part of Sotheby’s Geneva Luxury Week, this auction focuses on vintage and modern icons, including:

Rolex “Double Red” Sea-Dwellers
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Jumbo” models
Limited-edition independent watchmakers

A must-attend event for serious collectors.

4. ART INTERNATIONAL ZURICH 2025

Date: 23–25 May 2025

Venue: PULS 5, Zurich

Official site: 2025.art-zurich.com

This 27th edition of Zurich’s leading contemporary art fair offers a dynamic platform for artists and collectors. Expect:

Abstract & conceptual works
Photography, digital installations, and sculpture
Direct engagement with emerging and established artists

Zurich’s industrial-chic art scene contrasts perfectly with Geneva’s refined auction houses, offering collectors a complete cultural experience.

Conclusion

Spring 2025 in Switzerland is a season of excellence from the most refined timepieces in Geneva to cutting-edge artworks in Zurich. With four landmark events in May, Switzerland reaffirms its position as a world leader in both fine art and horology. For collectors, curators, and investors, these auctions are not just opportunities they are essential destinations.