Article | Our Five Most Watched Watch Videos
Our Five Most-Watched Watch Videos
From Charles de Gaulle’s historic victory pocket watch to a look inside the workshop of Parisian watchmaker Théo Auffret, Phillips has caught it all on camera.
As it is a little quiet in the watch auction world right now, we thought you might enjoy watching, or re-watching, some of our fantastic video content from the recent Spring sales. We love nothing more than sharing watch stories in video format, so here are five of the most watched videos so far this year, in case you are bored on a beach somewhere and need some horological entertainment!
By Sophie Furley
Charles de Gaulle’s Victory Watch
In the closing months of 1945, as the world finally breathed a sigh of relief at the end of the Second World War, a prominent group of Geneva citizens quietly commissioned a series of remarkable commemorative watches to honor the leaders of the Allied victory. Four ultra‑rare world time pocket watches were produced in utmost secrecy for Harry Truman, Joseph Stalin, Winston Churchill, and General Charles de Gaulle.
In this film, Phillips watch specialist Marcello de Marco and London historian Rory Welsh from The Bald Truth rediscover Charles de Gaulle’s personal “Victory Watch” at No. 4 Carlton Gardens in London, the historic address of his Free French headquarters during World War II.
The Watch Doctor
Researching rare timepieces can sometimes feel like stepping into an Indiana Jones adventure, as we hunt for answers to historical details surrounding watches that long pre-date the Internet, following a resolutely old-school path through books, vintage auction catalogues, period magazines, brand archives, and the generosity of friends and colleagues who share the same passion for horological knowledge.
In the case of the Rolex “Dragon” Ref. 6085, Phillips’ Advisory Board Member Dr. Helmut Crott opened the door to a remarkable cache of documents from famed dial-maker Stern Frères to better understand this incredible wristwatch—join Dr. Crott and Aurel Bacs as they bring these archives to life and reveal the story behind one of the most enigmatic Rolex enamel dials ever made.
Independent Spirits – Théo Auffret
In this new series, we meet independent watchmakers in their workshops to learn about their journey, their vision, and their dreams for the future. The series starts in Paris with independent watchmaker Théo Auffret. A graduate of the Edgar Faure watchmaking school, he first honed his craft in restoration with Denis Corpechot, then deepened his mastery of traditional hand-finishing techniques under the legendary Jean-Bastiste Viot. He later refined his skills in Switzerland with Luca Soprana, before embarking on his own independent venture in the heart of Paris, where we meet him to learn how the City of Lights inspires him and his team.
Aurel Bacs Presents Four Highlights from the Phillips Geneva Watch Auction: XXIII
Phillips’ Senior Consultant, Aurel Bacs, presents four timepieces that caught his eye, from a rare Louis Audemars Pocket Watch that was the most complicated timepiece of its day, to a fabulous Cartier Mystery desk clock adorned with different métiers d’arts, a Patek Philippe Ref. 2523 with a rare map of South America, and a Patek Philippe Ref. 2499-100 perpetual calendar chronograph with moon phases. Discover the in-depth stories behind each of these incredible timepieces.
The Phillips Watches Podcast Episode 4: Leadership Roundtable on 2025 Triumphs and 2026 Horizons
In this episode of the Phillips Watches Podcast, the global leadership team—Aurel Bacs, Paul Boutros, Alexandre Ghotbi, and Thomas Perazzi—meet in Geneva to reflect on the company’s record‑breaking 10th anniversary auctions. Despite headwinds such as US tariffs, they explore surging collector passion, shifting regional dynamics across the Americas, Asia, and the Middle East, the golden era of independent watchmaking, the renewed appreciation for pocket watches and Cartier clocks, and an optimistic yet measured outlook for the 2026 auction season.
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 DECADE ONE (2015–2025) sale having realized $83 million in 2025. The annual total for watch auctions in 2025 exceeded $290 million, marking the first time any auction house's Watches department has surpassed US$200 million in annual sales for five consecutive years.
About Sophie Furley
Sophie has spent the past 20 years covering watches and jewelry for leading print and digital titles, including Revolution, Telegraph Time, India Today and WorldTempus. She joined Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo in early 2025 as Head of Digital Marketing. Originally from the United Kingdom, she now lives on the outskirts of Geneva with her family and their dog.