The Historic Watch Auction of Spring 2026: Five Sale Results that Redefined the Market

The horology world was shaken by an astounding 2026 auction season, which set multiple records and left experts and enthusiasts stunned. First off, Phillips set 43 records, including the highest single sale, amounting to a staggering $96,328,083—usurping their previous record established only last fall. Additionally, the online auction helped the auction house exceed the $100 million mark for the first time.

Sotheby’s was not to be outdone. It broke the record for the most expensive A. Lange & Söhne watch ever sold—a pocket watch, in fact—a record which had only stood for several weeks following a sale at the house’s Hong Kong auction.

However, it was not just the overall sales totals that were breathtaking, but also the specific watches that fetched these extraordinary prices. Of particular note was the stainless steel Akrivia AK-06, which sold for $3.8 million—30 times its original retail price.