The PHILLIPS New York Watch Auction: XIII takes place on 6-7 December 2025, at our Park Avenue headquarters. The auction includes more than 140 of the world's finest watches – and though we are loath to boast, we truly think it's one of the best catalogues we've ever put together. We'll be highlighting several of the most interesting lots and stories featured in the sale right here, including the five different watches seen below.
Every season, our specialists comb through the sale to highlight the watches that speak to them most – pieces that might not always be the headliners, but reveal something essential about why we love our jobs. Sometimes it’s a technical breakthrough, sometimes a design detail, sometimes just the way a watch makes you feel when it’s on the wrist.
In this edition of Specialists’ Picks for the upcoming New York Watch Auction: XIII, our team shares personal favorites ranging from contemporary independents to 1950s Rolex wristwatches.
Lot 94: The Circa 1999 Philippe Dufour Duality No. 1 in 18k White Gold & Lot 95: The Circa 2002 Philippe Dufour Simplicity 37mm No. 1 in 18k Pink Gold
Lot 94 Estimate: USD $1,000,000 - 2,000,000
Lot 95 Estimate: USD $350,000 - 700,000
Paul Boutros, Deputy Chairman, Head of Watches, Americas
I’m excited to share two extraordinary independent watches from our New York Watch Auction: XIII.
The first is one of the rarest creations by Philippe Dufour – the Duality, one of only ten examples ever made. This example, in 18k white gold, was introduced in 1996 and carries movement number 1. The Duality was the world’s first wristwatch to feature two escapements, each with a free-sprung balance wheel and Breguet overcoil, linked by a differential that averages their rates to improve overall precision.
Another showstopper is Dufour’s iconic Simplicity, here in 18k pink gold with a 37mm case, a white lacquer dial, and blued steel Breguet hands. It, too, bears movement number 1. The original owner was exceptionally meticulous, preserving numerous accessories for both watches, including a postcard hand-signed by Philippe Dufour and related magazine articles.
Both pieces were hardly worn and are in outstanding condition. They will be on view in London, Geneva, Hong Kong, and finally New York from December 3 to 5, ahead of the auction on December 6 and 7.
Lot 96: The Circa 2004 F.P. Journe Octa Chronographe 'Souscription, No. 19' in Platinum
Estimate: USD $200,000 - 400,000
Isabella Proia, Head Of Sale, New York
What makes this F.P. Journe Octa Chronographe especially significant is that it belongs to the original Souscription series, the 38mm models powered by brass movements. It utilizes a pink gold dial like all early Journe watches, with an asymmetric layout, combining a flyback chronograph and oversized date display.
The Octa movement is modular, allowing Journe to build additional complications on top of its automatic base – a remarkable achievement blending technical ingenuity with artistic design. The watch wears beautifully, with balanced proportions and a dial that catches the light in shifting, dynamic ways. It's a joy to wear and look at.
In 2021, we sold Souscription Chronographe No. 1 as part of the complete set of Journe’s Souscription watches. Since then, no other Souscription Chronograph or Réserve de Marche has appeared at auction, making this an exciting opportunity for collectors.
Lot 33: A Circa 1952 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ref. 6105 'Ovettone' in 18k Pink Gold
Estimate: USD $20,000 - 40,000
Doug Escribano, Senior International Specialist
Today I want to highlight lot 33 from our upcoming New York Watch Auction this December.
It’s a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref. 6105 in 18k pink gold with a 36 mm case – a model produced for only about two years, making it exceptionally rare. Known as the “Ovettone,” this reference was introduced in the early 1940s and characterized by its larger, rounded caseback designed to house the automatic movement.
The watch wears beautifully on the wrist and looks great on either a man's or a woman's wrist, especially paired with its matching pink gold bracelet.
Lot 55: A 2021, Possibly Unique Cartier Tank Cintrée 'NSO' Ref. WGTA0019 in 18k Yellow Gold
Estimate: USD $30,000 - 60,000
Jaclyn Li, Consultant
I’d love to share what might be my favorite lot in our upcoming December auction – the Cartier Tank Cintrée, “NSO.”
First introduced in 1921, the Tank Cintrée is, in many collectors’ eyes, one of Cartier’s most elegant and enduring designs. Essentially a stretched version of the classic Tank, its curved case is perfectly ergonomic, following the natural shape of the wrist.
This particular example was created through Cartier’s “NSO” (New Special Order) program, which allows top clients to design their own unique pieces. It features a silver guilloché dial with a floral motif, elongated Roman numerals in navy blue inspired by London models, and matching blued steel hands, a sapphire cabochon crown, and even a blue strap.
It’s a timeless design that bridges past and present – an ideal choice for both modern and vintage Cartier enthusiasts, or anyone drawn to something quirky and out of the ordinary.
Lot 103: A Circa 1953 Rolex Oyster Chronograph Dato-Compax 'Jean-Claude Killy' Ref. 6036 in Stainless Steel
Estimate: USD $120,000 - 240,000
Erica Downs, Business Development Manager
My specialist pick for the upcoming New York Watch Auction: XIII is Lot 103, a Rolex Ref. 6036 “Jean-Claude Killy.”
Named after the Olympic skier and Rolex ambassador, the “Jean-Claude Killy” is a triple calendar chronograph – one of the most complicated wristwatches Rolex produced in the 1950s. This example features a riveted bracelet, a compact and wearable case size, and an attractively aged dial in excellent original condition.
The watch will be offered at our New York auction this December. We hope to see you there!
You can view the complete Phillips New York Watch Auction: XIII auction catalogue here.