Christie’s Postpones Watch Sale Due to Security Breach

Christie’s has delayed its Geneva Rare Watches sale following a security hack that caused the company to take its main website offline. 

The auction will now take place on May 14, rather than the originally scheduled May 13, Christie’s said Monday. The company has also hired outside security experts to aid with the breach. 

“Christie’s has experienced a technology security incident,” said Christie’s CEO Guillaume Cerutti. “I want to assure you that we are managing this incident according to our well-established protocols and practices, with the support of additional security experts. This included among other things the proactive protection of our main website by taking it offline.” 

The remaining seven luxury-week sales, including the Geneva Magnificent Jewels auction, which features a 202-carat yellow diamond, will take place as scheduled. Clients will still have the option to bid securely in person, over the phone or online, Christie’s added.

Image: The Christie’s auction house in Geneva. (Shutterstock)