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- Watch enthusiasts gathered in New York City for the biennial Rolliefest event.
- This year’s Rolliefest featured over 200 collectors and $25 million in watches, one attendee said.
- The event showcased both if-you-know-you-know brands and iconic ones like Rolex, Cartier, and Hermès.
Watch enthusiasts descended on New York City in September for an event that attendees have dubbed the Super Bowl of watches, and they brought their collections with them.
Rolliefest, which has taken place every other year since 2019, is a place for collectors to gather, display rare finds, and geek out over their expensive hobby of buying watches. It was founded by Geoff Hess, the global head of watches at Sotheby’s.
The invitation-only event attracts watch collectors from around the world. This year, a ticket cost $1,600. Rolliefest showcased hundreds of watches from more than 200 collectors, and hosted gatherings at the Aspire at One World Observatory, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Waldorf Astoria.
“I’d estimate easily $25 million worth of vintage watches were displayed on the table over a lunch of chicken and waffles,” Joshua Ganjei, who attended Rolliefest and is the CEO of the marketplace European Watch Company, told Business Insider.
The trove of timepieces included more obscure brands that are only easily recognizable to the experienced eye and some of the most iconic labels, like Rolex, Cartier, and Hermès. Eager collectors had the chance to view rare and highly coveted watches, including a Rolex with a dragon dial, a Patek Philippe Triple Calendar Moonphase, and a colorful Hermès Arceau Les folies du ciel.
“It was what I imagine Comic Con is like, but for all of us watch freaks,” Ganjei said.
These are some of the other timepieces that Ganjei and his fellow watch lovers saw at Rolliefest this year.
The Rolex GMT-Master and Submariner were common sights.
The Rolex GMT-Master and Submariner were photographed in several collections and spotted on many wrists at Rolliefest.
Rolex’s Submariner is a classic dive watch — a piece built to withstand underwater pressure — valued for its rarity and timeless style. It is one of the most sought-after steel sports models, watch dealer Paul Altieri previously told Business Insider. A Rolex Submariner Ref. 6536-1, or “Small Crown,” which was seen on an attendee’s wrist, is listed for over $56,000 on watch marketplace Chrono24.
The GMT-Master II is known for its adaptability, making it suitable for both business and casual looks. Several collectors at Rolliefest displayed cases of the watch in its famous color variations. The GMT-Master II had a resale value of $20,595 as of July, according to data from marketplace Bob’s Watches.
The Omega is a watch brand that’s popular with billionaire Jeff Bezos.
An Omega Speedmaster Professional Alaska — named after NASA’s Alaska Project — was showcased at Rolliefest this year. Similar models go for around $20,000 on Chrono24, though watch site Hodinkee reported that rare ones can fetch much more.
Omega, the Swiss luxury watchmaker founded in 1848, earned its place in history when Apollo 13 astronauts used the Speedmaster to help navigate their safe return to Earth. More recently, the Omega Speedmaster went on a Blue Origin mission on the wrist of billionaire Jeff Bezos.
Patek Philippe got attention at Rolliefest.
Patek Philippe is a family-owned watchmaker that has been around for nearly 200 years. It’s considered one of the most prestigious brands in the industry.
One Rolliefest invitee was seen wearing a diamond-set Patek Philippe Ellipse. Another variation of the piece sold for around $64,000 at Sotheby’s in July.
Longines are Swiss watches at an entry-level price compared to others on display.
Unlike some of the other watches on display at Rolliefest, the Longines models photographed appeared modest — devoid of features like diamond settings and gold accents.
Since the 19th century, Longines has stood for Swiss innovation. It most notably debuted the first wristwatch with a rotatable bezel. Longines’ entry-level price point is below that of fellow Swiss brands, Rolex and Omega, starting at less than $1,000 as of September.
Piaget is known for using precious materials in its watchmaking.
This Piaget “Warhol” with a Tigers Eye dial — a recently released option — was spotted during Rolliefest. A similar version is for sale on the Piaget website for $55,000.
Piaget, founded in 1874 in Switzerland, is known for its ultra-thin watch movements and blending technical innovation with high jewelry production.
Hermès isn’t just known for exclusive handbags.
One watch enthusiast at Rolliefest paired their engraved watch with another famous Hermès product: an exclusive Kelly handbag. The watch — a rare Hermès Arceau Les folies du ciel — was first introduced at the international luxury watch showcase Watches and Wonders in 2022.
Its enamel dial is inspired by Hermès artist Loïc Dubigeon’s scarf motif, designed in 1984.
Cartier is a brand worn by royals, powerful executives, and celebrities.
Founded in Paris in 1847, Cartier has grown into one of the world’s most renowned names in jewelry and watchmaking. Though there weren’t many Cartiers photographed at the event, the brand remains a popular staple among collectors and public figures, like Taylor Swift.
A similar model to the Cartier Tank Americaine Dual Time Zone shown at Rolliefest is listed for nearly $24,000 on luxury watch marketplace Chrono24.
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