Christie's Appoints New Global Head of Watches

Christie's, a leading name in the luxury auction market, has officially announced the appointment of Remi Guillemin to the pivotal role of global head of watches. This strategic leadership decision places Mr. Guillemin, operating from Geneva, at the helm of the company's extensive international watch auction and private sales operations. His promotion reflects a period of robust growth and success within Christie's watch division, signaling the company's commitment to further expanding its footprint in the high-end timepiece market. With a distinguished tenure exceeding ten years at Christie's, Mr. Guillemin brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record, having previously spearheaded the watch departments across the Americas, as well as Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Kimberly Miller, Christie's global managing director of luxury, expressed profound confidence in Mr. Guillemin's capabilities, highlighting his unparalleled expertise, keen focus on meticulous curation, and exceptional client relationships. Miller emphasized that these qualities have been instrumental in expanding Christie's market presence and achieving remarkable milestones. Under Mr. Guillemin's leadership, Christie's U.S. Watches division achieved a significant company record in New York with the sale of a Richard Mille RM 56-02, fetching over $3 million. Furthermore, he was the driving force behind the highly successful 'Legendary and Unique Watches' sale in 2022, which saw the sale of 111 exceptional timepieces, underscoring his strategic vision and market acumen.

In conjunction with Mr. Guillemin's appointment, Christie's also revealed several other key promotions within its global watch team. Alexandre Bigler, Harmmond Wong, and Cissy Ngan have all been elevated to new roles, strengthening the division's leadership structure. These internal advancements are timely, as Christie's watch business continues to demonstrate impressive performance. The first half of 2026 witnessed a remarkable 39 percent year-on-year increase in worldwide sales, culminating in a record-breaking Geneva auction in May that garnered an astounding US$42.2 million. This figure represents the highest total ever achieved for a multi-owner watch sale in the prestigious auction house's history, solidifying Christie's position as a dominant force in the global watch market.

This executive transition and the concurrent team enhancements are poised to propel Christie's watch department to new heights. With a seasoned leader like Remi Guillemin at the forefront, supported by a reinforced global team, the auction house is strategically positioned to continue its trajectory of success, innovation, and market leadership in the dynamic world of luxury timepieces. The focus on expert curation and strong client relationships remains paramount, ensuring that Christie's continues to offer unparalleled opportunities for collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.