The Facts
On September 7, 2026, Christie's announced the appointment of Remi Guillemin as Global Head of Watches, based in Geneva. Guillemin, who previously led the Americas and EMEA watch departments, has overseen landmark sales including a 2022 single-owner collection of 111 watches that achieved a 100% sell-through rate, and a 2024 sale of Michael Schumacher's custom timepieces. Under his leadership, Christie's U.S. watch department set a New York auction record when a Richard Mille RM 56-02 sold for over $3 million. The appointment comes as Christie's watch sales surged 39% year-on-year in the first half of 2026, with a $42.2 million Geneva sale in May 2026 setting a company record for a mixed-owner watch auction, and a $35.7 million Hong Kong sale in the same month up 40% year-on-year.
The Signal
This appointment signals Christie's intent to consolidate its global watch leadership amid surging demand for rare timepieces, particularly in Asia. The firm's promotion of Alexandre Bigler and Benson Wong in Asia underscores a strategic focus on the region, which drove 40% growth in Hong Kong. For collectors, the reorganization suggests Christie's is betting on integrated cross-regional expertise to capture high-value consignments, especially as the market for independent brands like F.P. Journe and vintage icons like Audemars Piguet continues to break records. Guillemin's track record in executing 100% sell-through rates and setting price benchmarks—such as the $2.6 million Audemars Piguet world record—positions Christie's to compete aggressively for the top-tier watch collections that increasingly define sector performance.
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- People: Remi Guillemin, Kim Miller, Alexandre Bigler, Benson Wong, Yan Sihong
- Auction Houses: Christie's
- Locations: Geneva, Hong Kong
- Prices: $3 million, $2.6 million, $2 million, $1.8 million
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