Who are the leaders in watch auctions in France?

Do you know the country’s most prestigious auction houses? When did they first venture into the collectible watch market? What makes them stand out?

By Justine Lamarre for MadameWatches.com

AGUTTES, A LEADER IN FRANCE

Founded in 1974 in Clermont-Ferrand and based in Neuilly-sur-Seine since 1995, Aguttes is an independent, family-run French auction house. Under the leadership of Claire Hofmann, the department holds eight auctions per year, alternating between traditional in-room events and fully digital sales.
In 2024, the auction of a Rolex Daytona 6262 “Dark Chocolate Dial” for €705,399 earned Aguttes the record for the highest watch auction in France. The year 2025 already looks remarkable: between January and July, Aguttes achieved €1.8 million (fees included) with more than 300 watches offered at auction, boasting a 91% sell-through rate.
Among the highlights, the house continues to shine in the Rolex Vintage category, notably with the sale of a Daytona 6264 “Champagne Dial” on March 25, 2025, for €223,600. Cartier also brought surprises, with the exceptionally rare Crash Watch, a true collectible where Aguttes made its mark twice: first with a yellow gold Crash from a 1991 limited edition of 400 pieces, sold for €305,500; then with a white gold and diamond Crash, reference 2462, sold for €119,600. [...]

Upcoming auction
COLLECTIBLE WATCHES
Tuesday, October 7, 2025 – 2:30 pm
Aguttes Neuilly

For more information, or to include a lot in our next auctions, please contact:
Claire Hofmann
Head of Department
+33 7 49 97 32 28 – hofmann@aguttes.com