28-05-2025
Patek Philippe And Rolex On The Block At New York Watch Auction: XII
Aurel Bacs auctioneering lot 18 for CHF 5.5 million during The Geneva Watch Auction: XXI.
Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo is gearing up for another extraordinary two-day event: The New York Watch Auction: XII. Slated for June 7 and 8, it comprises 144 lots that represent both legacy brands and independent watchmakers, with more than a few pieces being offered publicly for the first time. The lots may be previewed on June 4 through 6 at 432 Park Avenue, where the auction will take place.
Patek Philippe Ref. 1518.
There's plenty to draw a watch lover in, from the impressively preserved 18-karat yellow gold Patek Philippe Ref. 1518, which has remained in the same collection for close to 40 years, to a Rolex Daytona gifted to Formula One legend Jean-Pierre Jabouille on the occasion of his Grand Prix win in 1979. The Rolex , Ref. 6265, features a caseback engraving that reads, 'DIE TO DRIVE – RENAULT F1 -J.P.J. 79.'
Another Rolex is up for sale: the Cosmograph Daytona 'Rainbow' – a gem-set stunner that features flawless sapphires and other gemstones, perfectly cut and fitted on the bezel without prongs. The lugs are set with diamonds and the dial features pavé diamonds. There are very few Rainbow variants in pink gold – and this one is in virtually brand-new condition.
The first commercially sold Biver Carillon Tourbillon Minute Repeater is included in the remarkable auction lineup. Here crafted in titanium, it is a stunning representation of contemporary haute horology that melds classical craftsmanship with acoustical engineering, as evidenced by the carillon that features three hammers striking three gongs on three distinct notes. This numbered watch is the first piece produced after the original prototype, which was offered by Phillips in 2023. The prototype sold for CHF 1,270,000.
Independent watchmaker F.P. Journe is well represented. The stainless steel Répétition Souveraine, an ultra-thin minute repeater with a translucent dial, is offered here by its original owner. Another, the unique Chronomètre à Resonance Piece Unique by Harry Winston x F. P. Journe combines elements of Harry Winston's Maximillian Busser-championed Opus One with Journe's signature visuals. This uber-dressy watch features a black dial and well-placed diamonds on the bezel, lugs and dial.
Patek Philippe – a highly sought-after brand at auction (or anywhere) – is making numerous appearances. Note the pink gold chronograph, Ref. 530, which is one of only about 140 examples produced (and only 30 in pink gold) and the rare Ref. 570 with a three-tone dial and applied Breguet numerals. Coveted marques like A. Lange & Sohne, Omega, and Audemars Piguet are also on the roster.
As a point of reference, the Geneva Watch Auction: XXI, held May 10 and 11 in Switzerland, was a distinguished event with 188 lots sold, totaling $52,196,552. The top lot was the Breguet Pendule Sympathique Clock No. 1, built by F.P. Journe and Techniques Horlogères Appliquées in 1991. It sold for CHF 5,505,000.
More recent still, Phillips achieved a total of over $27 million at the The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XX, held May 23 to 25. This surpasses the pre-sale high estimate of $23,121,745. A possibly unique Patek Philippe Ref. 5970P-013 in platinum led the sale, achieving a hammer price of over $1.29 million.
