The upcoming Phillips New York Watch Auction: XV is set to captivate collectors with an extraordinary array of horological marvels. This highly anticipated event will feature four exceptionally rare F.P. Journe timepieces, a historically significant Rolex Daytona, and a distinctive Akrivia, among other high-value selections. With combined pre-sale estimates ranging from $24 million to $48 million, this auction promises to be Phillips' most valuable watch sale to date, drawing significant interest from enthusiasts worldwide.
Among the standout pieces is a 2000 pre-Souscription Chronomètre à Résonance from F.P. Journe, a masterwork estimated at $600,000 to $1.2 million. This particular model holds immense value as the sole known example crafted in pink gold. The 'pre-Souscription' designation signifies its production before the original series of 20 numbered Souscription watches, characterized by its intricate, finer engravings. These watches were delivered to existing clients who had previously acquired the brand's inaugural Souscription Tourbillon Souverain à Remontoir d'Égalité. Paul Boutros, Phillips' deputy chairman and head of watches, Americas, confirms the rarity, noting that only about 25 to 30 such pre-Souscription pieces exist in total, with Phillips having previously auctioned only two. The pink gold version presented here is believed to be unique, underscoring its exceptional collector appeal.
Another F.P. Journe gem is a second-generation Tourbillon à Remontoir, manufactured in 1999, directly following the initial 20 Souscription Tourbillon watches. Also valued between $600,000 and $1.2 million, this piece is one of only 16 known to remain in its original state. Intriguingly, Journe himself was known for making unprompted modifications to earlier dial designs during servicing, particularly before 2008. This specific Tourbillon à Remontoir, making its auction debut, has a pristine dial, untouched by such adjustments, adding to its desirability for purists.
Further enriching the F.P. Journe collection is a prototype Octa Reserve de Marche, the third model introduced by the esteemed watchmaker. This 2000 prototype, bearing the serial number Proto/00A, is estimated to fetch over $500,000. It is one of only three known prototypes, with this particular example being one of two that retain all their original dial details. This timepiece was revolutionary for its automatic movement, boasting an unusually long power reserve, which Boutros suggests might have extended closer to eight days in practice, surpassing the stated five. These prototypes were initially distributed among friends or board members, rather than being commercially sold, further enhancing their unique historical significance.
Completing the F.P. Journe quartet is a highly decorative Tourbillon Souverain 'Régence Circulaire' from 2016. Crafted in platinum with an intricately engraved rose gold dial on a platinum bracelet, this piece is also estimated between $600,000 and $1.2 million. This limited edition of just 20 pieces draws inspiration from 18th-century French Regency style, evident in its elaborate hand-engraved dial. While most models featured 18-karat rose or pink gold cases and leather straps, this platinum version with its salmon-toned dial and matching platinum bracelet represents an exceptionally rare variant.
Beyond the F.P. Journe offerings, the auction will also feature iconic watches such as Vic Elford's Rolex Daytona and a unique Akrivia AK02. Elford's Daytona is notably the first ever awarded to a winning race-car driver, commemorating his victory in the inaugural 24 Hours of Daytona endurance race in 1968. This historically rich piece, consigned by Jerry Seinfeld, carries an estimate of $100,000 to $200,000. The unique titanium Akrivia AK02, featuring two distinct dials—one inspired by the night sky over Joshua Tree State Park and another in yellow gold—is estimated at $500,000 to $1,000,000, promising to excite the market. Additionally, a couple of highly important Patek Philippe perpetual calendar chronographs, including a rare 2499 pink gold second series, will also be up for bid, with starting prices for some Patek Philippes at $3 million. The auction, set for November 10, is poised to be a landmark event for watch collectors.
