Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo is thrilled to welcome you to The Hong Kong Sessions, Spring 2025, online auction, running from 12:00 PM HKT, Wednesday, 19 March, to 2:00 PM HKT, Wednesday, 26 March. Featuring more than 120 different high-end luxury wristwatches, the sale covers everything from A. Lange & Söhne and F.P. Journe to Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe, including all the watches featured below.
– By Logan Baker
Independent watchmakers represent the pinnacle of creativity, craftsmanship, and exclusivity. Unlike mainstream luxury brands, independent watchmakers operate on a smaller scale, allowing them to push the boundaries of design, mechanics, and innovation without the constraints of mass production.
These artisans — many of whom have honed their skills at renowned companies before venturing out on their own — create timepieces that are not only technically impressive but also deeply personal expressions of their vision.
For collectors, independent watchmaking offers the opportunity to own something truly unique — watches crafted in limited numbers, often featuring hand-finished movements, rare complications, and unconventional designs that set them apart from the mainstream.
In the following highlights, we explore some of the most exceptional independent watches included in the Phillips Hong Kong Sessions, Spring 2025, Online Auction — each a testament to the spirit of innovation and individuality that defines this fascinating sector of fine watchmaking.
Lot 8067: A Circa 2011 Ressence ZeroSeries Type 1002 Prototype Limited Edition in Stainless Steel with Titanium Dial
Estimate: HKD $60,000 - 100,000
Ressence, a pioneering watch brand based in Belgium, is celebrated for its avant-garde designs that redefine traditional horology. While the company meticulously crafts and engineers its timepieces in Antwerp, production and assembly take place in Switzerland — seamlessly blending Belgian design philosophy with Swiss watchmaking heritage.
The brainchild of Belgian designer Benoît Mintiens, Ressence made its debut at Baselworld in 2010, unveiling three fully functional Swiss-made prototypes. A year later, the brand introduced its first production model: the limited-edition Zero Series, with just 50 pieces released across three variants. The present example, the ZeroSeries Type 1002, is numbered 28 and features a striking silver titanium dial.
Radically innovative even in 2010, the Zero Series reimagined the traditional dial by eliminating rotating hands altogether. Instead, the entire dial itself moves, with four independent subdials indicating hours, minutes, seconds, and AM/PM. Another hallmark of these early references is the presence of a crown on the case’s side — a feature that would later be phased out in subsequent models.
A highly significant piece in Ressence’s history, the Zero Series is a rare find on the market. This well-preserved example is offered complete with its original set of accessories, including a playful collector’s gift from the brand’s early days — a 1:1 lenticular wristband replicating the watch’s design.
Lot 8068: A Circa 2020 Habring² × Massena LAB Erwin LAB02 'Sector Dial'
Estimate: HKD $40,000 - 80,000
Following the swift sell-out of their first collaboration, the Erwin LAB01 in bronze, Habring² and Massena Lab introduced the Erwin LAB02, an exclusive release announced privately via email to “friends and family.”
Limited to just 50 pieces, this edition features a striking two-tone sector dial in rose gold and silver, blending vintage inspiration with modern craftsmanship.
Drawing from the timeless elegance of vintage timepieces, including the Patek Philippe Ref. 96, the dial is a masterpiece of texture and contrast. A rose gold-plated chapter ring with a fine concentric pattern encircles the dial, while the silvered sections are vertically brushed, adding remarkable depth and refinement.
Housed in a 38.5mm stainless steel case, the watch is powered by the exceptional caliber A11s, an in-house hand-wound movement meticulously developed by Habring². Originally based on the Valjoux 7750, the movement has been extensively re-engineered to incorporate a deadbeat seconds mechanism.
Offered in like-new condition, this particular example, number 9, comes complete with its original accessories and an additional pair of hands. A rare and highly sought-after collaboration piece, the Erwin LAB02 presents an extraordinary opportunity for collectors to acquire a limited-edition timepiece that blends vintage charm with contemporary independent watchmaking mastery.
Lot 8061: A Circa 2020 H. Moser & Cie. Streamliner Flyback Chronograph in Stainless Steel
Estimate: HKD $120,000 - 200,000
At the start of 2020, H. Moser & Cie unveiled the Streamliner Flyback Chronograph, a stainless steel timepiece that introduced a fresh aesthetic inspired by early 20th-century design. The watch’s streamlined case echoes the aerodynamic curves of 1930s locomotives, giving it a distinctive, fluid silhouette. Adding to its uniqueness, this model features H. Moser & Cie’s first-ever integrated bracelet, designed with an elegant, wave-like structure. The exhibition sapphire crystal case back is engraved with “Limited 100,” underscoring the exclusivity of this chronograph.
Beyond its striking case design, the watch showcases a contemporary grey fumé dial with an outer tachymeter scale. Departing from traditional layouts, the chronograph’s minute counter is positioned along the outer edge rather than in a subsidiary dial. When activated, a white chronograph hand sweeps around the dial, while a red counter hand advances incrementally, marking each passing minute up to 60. This innovative design ensures a clean, uncluttered dial, free from additional subdials.
The present example is offered complete with its original certificate and presentation box, presenting a rare opportunity to acquire a limited-production timepiece from an independent brand known for its meticulous craftsmanship and exclusivity.
Lot 8071: A Circa 2022 Louis Erard × Alain Silberstein Le Régulateur Blanc
Estimate: HKD $15,000 - 30,000
The Louis Erard watches designed by Alain Silberstein have achieved remarkable international success, with each release selling out within minutes. The Le Régulateur Blanc elevates Silberstein’s signature design language, blending panache with playful creativity.
Produced in a limited edition of just 178 pieces, this striking timepiece features a pristine white dial with a whimsical layout, brought to life by vibrantly colored hands and indexes that ensure superb legibility. Its case, crafted from a combination of microblasted grade 2 titanium and mirror-polished grade 5 titanium, serves as the defining element of this distinctive watch. Paired with a practical and comfortable Velcro strap, it offers both style and everyday functionality.
Preserved in virtually unworn condition by its original owner, this Le Régulateur Blanc exemplifies Silberstein’s unique and imaginative take on the regulator design. Seamlessly merging traditional Swiss watchmaking heritage with bold geometric aesthetics, this timepiece is best described as a captivating work of mechanical art.
Lot 8041: A Circa 2024 Naoya Hida Type 4A in Stainless Steel
Estimate: HKD $120,000 - 200,000
A name synonymous with Japanese independent watchmaking, Naoya Hida has captured the attention of collectors since his debut in 2018. With an extensive background spanning Breguet, Vacheron Constantin, F.P. Journe, and Ralph Lauren, Hida’s eponymous creations celebrate the timeless elegance of mid-century design.
Rooted in simplicity and meticulous craftsmanship, Hida’s timepieces draw inspiration from iconic Calatravas, such as the Patek Philippe 570 and 96. Creating a distinct brand identity from an already minimalist blueprint is no small feat, yet Hida and his team have succeeded in crafting watches that resonate deeply with collectors. With an annual production of fewer than 20 pieces per model, acquired strictly through an application process, securing one is a challenge in itself.
The present example, the Type 4, was introduced in 2023 in two iterations, both crafted from 904L stainless steel. With a refined 36mm diameter — slightly smaller than his previous 37mm models — the Type 4A features a German silver dial with black cashew lacquer, while the Type 4A-1 showcases a DLC-coated dark grey German silver dial with ivory-colored cashew lacquer.
Every detail of the Type 4A is thoughtfully designed. Bold sans-serif numerals, unique to this model, lend it a sportier character within Hida’s collection. Renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship, the hour and minute hands are not stamped but precision-milled into a diamond shape, creating a highly detailed and three-dimensional effect. The blued seconds hand is hand-bent at the tip to follow the curvature of the slanted applied chapter ring — a detail that showcases the brand’s dedication to artisanal perfection.
Powering the watch is the extensively reworked manual-winding Caliber 3020CS, originally based on the Valjoux 7750. Hida’s modifications include the removal of the automatic rotor, chronograph components, and sub-seconds function, as well as the addition of a newly designed winding click spring to replicate the tactile experience of vintage mechanical watches.
Offered in unworn condition, this exceptional timepiece presents a rare opportunity to own a masterfully handcrafted watch that embodies the essence of Japanese fine watchmaking.
Lot 8084: A Circa 1990s Daniel Roth Small Seconds in Stainless Steel
Estimate: HKD $50,000 - 100,000
Daniel Roth is widely regarded as one of the pioneering figures of independent watchmaking, having founded his eponymous brand in 1989. Alongside contemporaries such as Urwerk, MB&F, and Richard Mille, Roth redefined the boundaries of horological design, blending technical ingenuity with a distinctive aesthetic that continues to influence the industry. A fourth-generation watchmaker, he honed his craft through formative tenures at Audemars Piguet and Breguet, where his visionary designs remain an enduring source of inspiration.
The legacy of the Daniel Roth brand, spanning the late 1990s to the early 2000s, can be divided into three distinct eras: its inception following Roth’s departure from Breguet in 1989; the period after The Hour Glass acquired a stake in 1995; and the years following Bulgari’s acquisition in 2001. Among collectors, the earliest pieces from the pre-Hour Glass period are particularly coveted for their rarity and purity of design, often commanding significant attention when they appear on the market.
The present lot, the Daniel Roth Small Seconds, exemplifies the brand’s innovative spirit and Roth’s enduring design language. Produced in the late 1990s, this timepiece embodies Roth’s signature blend of Breguet-inspired classicism and bold independent watchmaking. The double-ellipse stainless steel case — a hallmark of Roth’s designs — is a striking departure from conventional shapes, balancing audacity with wearability.
The hand-engraved salmon dial is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, featuring Roth’s signature guilloché pattern and a brushed chapter ring that enhances legibility through subtle color contrasts and Roman numerals. A small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock, adorned with an anchor-shaped hand, adds a refined touch, while the signature blued hands pay homage to Roth’s time at Breguet.
Numbered 652, this exceptional timepiece presents a rare opportunity to acquire a classic from one of independent watchmaking’s most influential pioneers.
Lot 8079: A Circa 2006 Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Perpetual Calendar in 18k White Gold
Estimate: HKD $100,000 - 200,000
Worn by Michel Parmigiani himself, the Toric represents the first wristwatch ever created by the brand, laying the foundation for the distinctive design language that defines Parmigiani Fleurier today. A testament to both elegance and subtlety, the Toric seamlessly blends classic aesthetics with exceptional craftsmanship.
Introduced in 1999, the Toric Perpetual Calendar is a study in harmonious design — distinctive yet understated. Crafted in refined white gold, its signature fluted bezel and gracefully arched lugs enhance the sophistication of the grained ivory dial. Beneath this seemingly simple exterior lies an intricate and highly sophisticated perpetual calendar mechanism.
The dial is meticulously arranged with discreet displays for the day, month, and leap year, encircling the periphery and framed by a precise minute track. A retrograde date, rendered in shimmering silver, adds an additional layer of mechanical artistry. The blued steel seconds and date hands, along with the moon phase indicator, create a striking contrast, elegantly complemented by a royal blue sapphire cabochon set into the crown.
With the Toric Perpetual Calendar, Parmigiani Fleurier has achieved a perfect balance between aesthetic refinement and horological ingenuity. Offered in pristine, barely worn condition, this exceptional timepiece comes as a complete set with its original box and certificate from Japan.
Lot 8111: A Circa 2008 Delaloye Le Grade-Temps in 18k White Gold with Black Mother-of-Pearl Dial
Estimate: HKD $16,000 - 32,000
Nicolas Delaloye embarked on his independent watchmaking journey at the turn of the millennium, drawing from extensive experience in haute horology. Specializing in grand complications such as perpetual calendars and split-seconds chronographs, Delaloye honed his craft at Patek Philippe early in his career. He later served as a workshop manager at Roger Dubuis and contributed to the development of the grande sonnerie movement at François-Paul Journe.
In 2005, Delaloye introduced Le Grade-Temps under his own brand, Delaloye Genève, marking the debut of his first proprietary movement, the calibre ND01.
Characterized by a timeless round case with a refined silhouette, the Le Grade-Temps collection was produced in two sizes: 37mm and 41mm. While the majority were crafted in the larger size, the collection remained highly exclusive, with a planned production of just 50 pieces in white gold and 50 in pink gold. However, between 2004 and 2016, before pausing his independent work to return to Patek Philippe as a master restorer, Delaloye is believed to have completed only 18 examples in 41mm and just five in 37mm — making each an exceedingly rare creation.
Part of the early ND01 limited series, the present example, ND01.S.G, is numbered 3 of 50. Encased in a 41mm mirror-polished white gold case, it features a captivating black mother-of-pearl outer ring adorned with applied Breguet numerals. The central portion of the dial is elegantly recessed, framed by a raised rim, and finished with intricate guilloché, adding depth and refinement.
What makes this early example particularly exceptional is its unique interpretation of the ND01 movement. Visible through the sapphire caseback, the movement is transformed into a breathtaking hand-engraved masterpiece with a medieval touch — its plates and bridges adorned with striking phoenix motifs rising in blazing fire. Numbered 3 of 50, this extraordinary timepiece may well be a unique creation, carefully preserved by its original owner and accompanied by all its original accessories.
Lot 8082: A Circa 2000s Franck Muller Tonneau Perpetual Calendar Chronograph in 18k White Gold
Estimate: HKD $60,000 - 120,000
Since the 1990s, Franck Muller has built a distinguished reputation in haute horology, renowned for crafting exceptional timepieces that seamlessly integrate multiple complications within a single case. These watches are celebrated for their technical mastery, precision, and reliability.
The present offering exemplifies this legacy, featuring an extraordinary movement encased within Franck Muller's signature tonneau-shaped design. Crafted in white gold, the case provides a substantial and luxurious presence, perfectly complementing the intricate mechanics within. Beyond its status as a chronograph and perpetual calendar, this remarkable timepiece also incorporates a retrograde month display and an equation of time complication — an impressive feat of watchmaking ingenuity. The movement itself, wound by a platinum rotor, stands as a true work of art, demonstrating the brand’s commitment to excellence.
Accompanied by its original certificate and winding box, this well-preserved timepiece is offered without reserve — an enticing opportunity for discerning collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate the pinnacle of mechanical craftsmanship.
Lot 8063: A Circa 2022 Czapek & Cie. Antarctique Passage de Drake in Stainless Steel
Estimate: HKD $50,000 - 100,000
Introduced in 2020, the Czapek Antarctique Passage de Drake takes its name from the legendary English explorer Sir Francis Drake. The Drake Passage, a treacherous waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, lies between Cape Horn — the southernmost tip of South America — and the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica, inspiring the adventurous spirit of this exceptional timepiece.
Crafted from stainless steel and measuring 40.5mm in diameter, the case features an integrated double trompe l’oeil curve, giving it a distinct and elegant presence. The dial is adorned with an eye-catching trapezoidal motif, aptly named “Stairway to Eternity,” which adds remarkable texture and depth. The present edition, the Antarctique Passage de Drake Deep Blue, enhances this striking design with a rich, captivating hue.
At its heart beats the sophisticated micro-rotor caliber SXH5, a movement that seamlessly combines haute horlogerie finishing techniques with avant-garde laser engravings. Equipped with a stop-seconds function and a date display, the SXH5 also features a free-sprung balance wheel with four gold adjustable weights. The entire gear train is secured by skeletonized bridges, giving the movement a mesmerizing sense of depth and intricacy.
Completing the timepiece is a beautifully brushed integrated bracelet, with polished “C”-shaped links — a subtle nod to Czapek’s name. Designed for versatility, the bracelet incorporates a quick-change system, allowing effortless transitions to the accompanying rubber strap, which mirrors the trapezoidal motif of the dial.
A perfect fusion of contemporary design and traditional craftsmanship, the Antarctique Passage de Drake Deep Blue embodies Czapek’s dedication to innovation, elegance, and technical excellence.
Lot 8064: A Circa 2003 Urwerk UR-103 in 18k White Gold
Estimate: HKD $200,000 - 400,000
The UR-103 represents the culmination of nearly three years of development, followed by two additional years of rigorous testing. This groundbreaking model marked a dramatic departure from Urwerk’s earlier round designs, the UR-101 and UR-102. With its bold and unconventional aesthetics, the UR-103 shattered traditional watchmaking norms, setting the stage for the wave of unrestrained creativity that would later define Independent Creative Horology.
Blending geometric curves with a distinctive bombé rectangular case, the UR-103 exudes an industrial and futuristic appeal. The upper portion of the “dial” is adorned with engraved lines that enhance its architectural design, while an opening at the bottom reveals Urwerk’s signature time display — an innovative system of rotating satellites. The current hour is displayed on one of these rotating discs, seamlessly aligning with the minute track for effortless readability.
On the caseback, Urwerk integrates both functionality and precision with a power reserve indicator, a subdial for precise minute setting, and a fine adjustment screw that allows the wearer to regulate the watch’s timing to perfection.
Offered in excellent overall condition, this particular example is number 7 of a strictly limited edition of just 25 pieces. As a true icon in contemporary watchmaking, the UR-103 remains a landmark in independent horology — an extraordinary addition to any collection celebrating avant-garde craftsmanship and innovation.
Lot 8072: A Circa 2010 Pita Barcelona Minimal in 18k Pink Gold
Estimate: HKD $24,000 - 48,000
Founded in 1990 by self-taught watchmaker Aniceto Pita, Pita Barcelona embodies the true spirit of independent watchmaking. Based in Barcelona, Pita crafts bespoke, avant-garde timepieces in collaboration with his family, blending innovation with artistry. As a member of the AHCI, his creations push the boundaries of design and mechanics while remaining deeply personal and unconventional.
True to its name, the Minimal model strips timekeeping down to its essential elements. Devoid of a crown, the pink gold case seamlessly integrates Pita’s patented Time-Setting Mechanism into the caseback, preserving its clean, uninterrupted form. The present Minimal features a matte black dial, where a silver hand elegantly tracks the hours in a 12-hour rotation. In contrast, a delicate red seconds hand orbits the dial, creating a mesmerizing interplay of movement.
By omitting the minutes, the Minimal transforms time reading into an intentional and contemplative act, fostering a deeper connection between the wearer and the passage of time. Each Pita Barcelona timepiece is made-to-order, ensuring a high degree of personalization and creative independence.
Lot 8112: A Circa 2023 Behrens Perigee BHR027T
Estimate: HKD $30,000 - 50,000
The 2023 debut of the Behrens Perigee BHR027T stands as a striking testament to the brand’s unwavering commitment to innovation, craftsmanship, and avant-garde design. As part of Behrens’ pioneering collection, this exceptional timepiece pushes the boundaries of traditional watchmaking, blending bold aesthetics with remarkable mechanical complexity.
Housed in a 42mm titanium case, the Perigee is a marvel of modern engineering. Titanium’s lightweight yet highly durable properties ensure both comfort and resilience, making it an ideal choice for this groundbreaking timepiece. The case showcases a harmonious mix of brushed and polished finishes, emphasizing its architectural form and lending a sophisticated edge to its futuristic design. Its asymmetrical shape, a hallmark of Behrens, sets it apart from conventional timepieces, transforming it into an unmistakable conversation piece.
The dial of the BHR027T is a masterwork of micro-engineering, exemplifying Behrens’ innovative approach to time display. After two years of development, the brand introduced an orbital Earth-Moon system refined with a chain-driven hour display and a retrograde minute counter. The intricately designed chain, equipped with ruby bearings, completes a full revolution every 12 hours, offering a mesmerizing visual experience. Through the sapphire caseback, the BM01 caliber is revealed, showcasing its architectural beauty along with a power reserve indicator, allowing the wearer to fully appreciate the meticulous craftsmanship behind the movement.
Numbered 62 out of a strictly limited edition of 200 pieces, this Behrens BHR027T is an exceptionally rare and innovative creation, perfect for collectors who seek something truly distinctive. Presented in brand-new, unworn condition, it is accompanied by its full set of original accessories. The BHR027T is a fusion of artistry, cutting-edge mechanics, and pioneering design—an extraordinary addition to any horological collection.
Lot 8069: A Circa 2018 Habring² Erwin Tribute to WWW in Stainless Steel
Estimate: HKD $50,000 - 100,000
Founded by the husband-and-wife team of Richard and Maria Habring, Habring² is an independent watchmaking brand renowned for its award-winning creations. With multiple Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) accolades to their name, the duo established their Austrian workshop in 2004, focusing on crafting timepieces with rare complications — offered at an accessible price point.
The Erwin Tribute to WWW is a striking example of Habring²’s ingenuity, blending a cushion-shaped case with a military-inspired design. Produced in an ultra-limited run of just 10 pieces, its design elements — large Arabic numerals and luminous spade hands — evoke the classic aesthetics of 1940s pilot’s watches. However, the acronym WWW in its name does not reference the well-known wartime “Watch, Wrist, Waterproof” classification, but rather Watches, Wine & Wonders, a private collector group for whom this special edition was made.
Beneath the black grené dial lies one of the most intriguing complications in watchmaking: the deadbeat seconds. Powered by the A11MS calibre, the seconds hand moves in precise one-second increments, mimicking the motion of a quartz watch but with full mechanical integrity. The beauty of this complication can also be admired through the sapphire caseback, revealing the movement’s meticulous craftsmanship.
Offered in well-preserved condition, this example comes complete with its original certificate, spare parts, and presentation box. As a piece never publicly commercialized, it presents a rare opportunity to acquire an exclusive creation from one of independent horology’s most respected names.
You can view the complete catalog for the Phillips Hong Kong Sessions, Spring 2025, Online Auction, right here.
About Phillips In Association With Bacs & Russo
The team of specialists at PHILLIPS Watches is dedicated to an uncompromised approach to quality, transparency, and client service. Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo holds the world record for the most successful watch auction, with its Geneva Watch Auction: XIV having realized $74.5 million in 2021. Over the course of 2021 and 2022, the company sold 100% of the watches offered, a first in the industry, resulting in the highest annual total in history across all the auction houses at $227 million.
About Logan Baker
Logan has spent the past decade reporting on every aspect of the watch business. He joined Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo at the start of 2023 as the department's Senior Editorial Manager. He splits his time between New York and Geneva.
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