arteau & Co achieved CHF 8.1 million (USD 9.8 million) in The Encore, its fourth online auction, held exclusively online from October 8 to 15. The 42-lot sale achieved White Glove status, with 100% of lots sold, realizing 131% above its aggregate high estimate, and raising CHF 204’405 in guaranteed makers’ fees.

The result represents a new milestone for Marteau & Co, marking its highest-grossing auction to date and a 44.6% increase over the CHF 5.6 million achieved by The Heat Wave in June. With an average lot value of approximately CHF 195,000, The Encore also established a new benchmark for the auction house.

The Encore becomes the highest-grossing online watch auction of 2026, and the highest overall result in four years, setting new world records for several leading names in contemporary independent watchmaking, including:

New World Record for Sylvain Pinaud — Piece Unique Origine in rose gold, sold for CHF 528,000 inc. buyer’s premium, establishing a new auction benchmark for the French independent watchmaker.

New World Record for Marco Lang — Piece Unique Zweigesicht-1 in platinum, sold for CHF 660,000 inc. buyer’s premium, setting a new record for the celebrated German watchmaker.

New World Record for Yosuke Sekiguchi — Piece Unique Yosuke Sekiguchi in stainless steel sold for CHF 480,000 inc. buyer’s premium, establishing a new benchmark for the Japanese independent watchmaker.

These achievements were accompanied by several new model records across the catalogue, reflecting sustained collector demand for rare and exceptional examples of contemporary independent watchmaking.

Among the highlights of The Encore was a Coffret set of five F.P. Journe limited-edition 38mm stainless steel watches, one of only 38 sets produced in 2015 to commemorate the discontinuation of the watchmaker’s 38mm collection. The exceptionally rare ensemble sold for an aggregate CHF 4.1 Million (USD 5 Million) total inc. buyer’s premium.

In just four auctions, Marteau & Co has seen its sales grow from CHF 2.75 million in March to CHF 5.6 million in June and CHF 8.1 million in October, reflecting the rapid development of the Geneva-based auction house and the increasing confidence of collectors in its highly curated, specialist approach.

Up next for Marteau & Co is The Blueprint, the auction house’s first thematic sale, which explores the colour blue through the work of some of the most admired independent watchmakers. Across the catalogue, blue takes many forms, from lapis lazuli, aventurine and mother-of-pearl to specially chosen Pantones, blued hands and cases, alongside more unconventional interpretations.

Leading the sale is an extraordinary Pièce Unique Philippe Dufour Simplicity, housed in a 38mm platinum case and distinguished by its aventurine dial and absence of small seconds — a combination unique to this example. Unmistakably Dufour, yet unlike any other Simplicity, it represents a fitting centrepiece for Marteau & Co’s first thematic auction.