Introducing The Watches That Broke Records At Phillips Watch Auction This Weekend In Geneva

Phillips in association with Bacs & Russo has achieved an impressive combined total of CHF 50.5 million (USD 58 million) over the recent watch auction weekend, marking the second-highest total in Phillips’ history. This record-breaking event, held at the Hotel President in Geneva, included two prominent auctions: Reloaded: The Rebirth of Mechanical Watchmaking, 1980-1999 and The Geneva Watch Auction: XX.

The star lot, an F.P. Journe Platinum Tourbillon Souverain wristwatch, broke records with a final bid of CHF 7.3 million (USD 8.4 million), setting a new benchmark as the most expensive watch by an independent watchmaker ever sold at auction. The auction also saw four timepieces sell for over CHF 2 million and eight exceeding CHF 1 million, underscoring the unparalleled enthusiasm for collectible watches. The combined average price per lot reached CHF 256,000, further reflecting the event’s extraordinary success.

Reloaded, a collection highlighting the golden era of modern horology, attracted collectors and aficionados eager to secure significant pieces from 1980 to 1999. The F.P. Journe Tourbillon Souverain à Remontoir d’Égalité, featuring Journe’s distinctive gold movement and raw dial design, drew immediate attention, opening at CHF 1 million and escalating to a final price of CHF 7.3 million, over three times its estimate. Another highlight was the unique Rolex Cosmograph Daytona “Rainbow” ref. 16599SAAEC, which fetched CHF 5.5 million. Known for its one-of-a-kind multicolor sapphire bezel, the “Rainbow” Daytona has become one of Rolex’s most coveted collector’s pieces.

Additionally, a Derek Pratt for Urban Jürgensen Oval Pocket Watch sold for CHF 3.7 million, a rare platinum timepiece exemplifying exceptional craftsmanship with a tourbillon, remontoir, and detent escapement. This rare work by Pratt, completed with the assistance of Kari Voutilainen, pays homage to historical watchmaking precision and artistry.

The Geneva Watch Auction: XX continued with exceptional results, most notably the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona with the “Paul Newman Lemon” dial, which sold for CHF 2.5 million. This highly prized reference 6264 includes its original 1974 guarantee, contributing to its immense desirability among collectors.

Another standout was the Akrivia AK01, a rare titanium single-button chronograph tourbillon, achieving CHF 1.08 million. This piece, marking an auction record for Akrivia, reflects the artistry of Rexhep Rexhepi, who established Akrivia after honing his skills with renowned brands like Patek Philippe and F.P. Journe.

The sale’s remarkable atmosphere brought together over 1,000 collectors in person, with an additional 2,000 joining online from 64 countries. Phillips’ Deputy Chairman Alexandre Ghotbi and Senior International Watch Specialist Tiffany To expressed their gratitude: “The vibrant energy and enthusiasm we witnessed truly reflect the global appreciation for horological masterpieces. We are honored to see such an incredible response from our consignors and bidders, reinforcing Geneva as a cornerstone for watch auctions.”

This outstanding auction performance further cements Phillips’ role as a global leader in luxury watch auctions, celebrating the artistry and precision that define the world’s finest timepieces.