From Audemars Piguet to Patek Philippe, Phillips Releases Early Novelties From The New York Watch Auction: NINE

The world of horology is abuzz with anticipation as Phillips unveils the early novelties from The New York Watch Auction: NINE, scheduled for December 9-10, 2023, at 432 Park Avenue in New York. This auction promises to be a celebration of timepieces that span the rich history of watchmaking while embracing cutting-edge innovations. The highlights include a pair of incredibly rare F.P. Journe watches with matching serial numbers, a unique Patek Philippe minute repeating pocket watch with a linear perpetual calendar in white gold, and the remarkable MB&F Horological Machine 4, among others. As these exceptional timepieces embark on a worldwide tour, enthusiasts and collectors will have the opportunity to witness their beauty and significance firsthand, with stops in London, Singapore, Los Angeles, Geneva, Taipei, Hong Kong, before returning to New York for the grand event in December.

Paul Boutros, Deputy Chairman and Head of Watches, Americas, and Isabella Proia, Head of Sale, New York, expressed their delight at the prospect of concluding the year with such a remarkable selection of timepieces. They emphasized that the watches featured in this auction serve as a testament to the enduring craftsmanship of the watchmaking industry. Notably, they celebrate not only its illustrious past but also its forward-looking spirit, exemplified by innovations like George Daniels’ Co-Axial escapement and Casio’s AI-generated G-SHOCK. The auction, they noted, is an opportunity for both enthusiasts and collectors to explore a market that reveres both heritage and innovation.

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F.P. Journe takes center stage with two exceptionally early timepieces, each bearing matching serial numbers. The Tourbillon Souverain, numbered 43/99T, and the Resonance “Pre-Souscription,” numbered 43/00R, are exquisite platinum watches with “shiny” yellow gold dials. These watches represent F.P. Journe’s pioneering interpretation of Abraham-Louis Breguet’s tourbillon invention. Collectors will be thrilled to discover that these two watches have not only retained their originality but have also never been serviced or subjected to any intervention, remaining in the pristine condition they were in when they left Journe’s workshop at the turn of the millennium. This exceptional set, with its matching serial numbers and complete original accessories, is a testament to the enduring appeal of F.P. Journe’s creations.

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The auction also boasts a rare George Daniels wristwatch, crafted in yellow gold, featuring his revolutionary Co-Axial escapement. George Daniels transformed the watchmaking industry with this innovation, which offered enhanced energy efficiency, reduced reliance on lubrication, and extended service intervals compared to the traditional Swiss lever escapement. Daniels’ struggle to convince Swiss brands to adopt his escapement culminated in the production of his own watches. This particular timepiece, delivered in 2000, is a testament to Daniels’ horological genius. It represents a bridge between 20th and 21st-century watchmaking, combining the innovation of the Co-Axial escapement with the aesthetics of Daniels’ renowned pocket chronometers.

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Patek Philippe presents a unique white gold minute repeating perpetual calendar pocket watch from 1973. This reference 844 showcases Patek Philippe’s commitment to elegance and precision. Its linear calendar display for day, date, and month at 12 o’clock was a design ahead of its time, serving as the inspiration for Patek Philippe’s 2021 perpetual calendar wristwatch. This pristine watch is believed to be one of only two white gold examples with a linear calendar produced, making it an exceedingly rare find. Offered from the collection of Jean-Claude Biver, this timepiece is a stunning representation of 20th-century horology.

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Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak “Minute Repeater Supersonnerie” is a luxurious marvel. This titanium watch combines the sporty Royal Oak case with the refined complication of a minute repeater. It showcases Audemars Piguet’s technical expertise and their ability to create timepieces that redefine sport luxury. The “Minute Repeater Supersonnerie” is a testament to Audemars Piguet’s innovation in producing timepieces that can deliver a loud and sonorous tone from a minute repeater. This exceptional watch is a true gem in the world of horology.

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Kari Voutilainen, known for his exceptional handcrafted timepieces, presents a platinum Vingt-8 wristwatch. Voutilainen’s watches are instantly recognizable due to his meticulously handcrafted dials and finishing. This Vingt-8 features a two-tone blue dial with an optical illusion pattern that creates a three-dimensional effect. While similar dials were featured in a 2020 series of Vingt-8 watches, this unique platinum-cased timepiece stands out with its striking color combination. In pristine condition and fresh to the market from the original owner’s collection, this watch offers a rare opportunity to own a unique Voutilainen masterpiece.

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Phillips also partners with Casio to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the iconic G-SHOCK with a groundbreaking timepiece. This Casio G-Shock 40th Anniversary Dream Project #2, crafted in 18-karat yellow gold, is a unique piece created using generative design, a process that employs artificial intelligence to optimize design elements. The watch features an original organic form that enhances both aesthetics and functionality. Carefully hand-polished to achieve a luster, this timepiece marks a new chapter for G-SHOCK. Impressively, 100% of the proceeds from this sale will be donated to charity.

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Last but not least, the auction includes the MB&F Horological Machine 4, inspired by the P47-Thunderbolt fighter plane. Its innovative movement is ingeniously positioned on a horizontal plane, driving two vertical gear trains. The watch features sapphire crystals that allow a glimpse into the intricate mechanics within. The Horological Machine 4 was awarded the prize for the Best Concept & Design Watch at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie of Geneva in 2010.

As Phillips prepares for The New York Watch Auction: NINE, these releases provide a tantalizing glimpse into the world of horology. With an array of exceptional timepieces that celebrate craftsmanship, innovation, and the enduring appeal of watchmaking, this auction promises to be a must-attend event for collectors and enthusiasts alike.