Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo, the Leading Watch Auction House, Presents
“WATCHMAKERS: The Masters of Art Horology”
An Exceptional Exhibition in Support of Independent Watchmaking
Created by Maxima Gallery and Presented at The MAXXI in Rome
Featuring Pieces from the World’s Most Talented Watchmakers
Phillips Invites All Enthusiasts to the Opening of the
International Travelling Exhibition in Rome from 6-15April 2018
GENEVA – 6 MARCH 2018 – While Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo is known predominantly for finding the world’s rarest vintage watches, our team of experts are fans of all great watches, no matter when they were made. Phillips is therefore thrilled to announce its participation at Watchmakers: The Masters of Art Horology, a special exhibition by Maxima Gallery, which will present exceptional pieces of horology made by some of the world’s most important independent watchmakers.
The exhibition will showcase watches from Philippe Dufour, Hajime Asaoka, Christophe Claret, Ludovic Ballouard, De Bethune, Laurent Ferrier, Romain Gauthier, Vianney Halter, Christian Klings, Jean-Daniel Nicolas, Roger W. Smith and Kari Voutilainen at the MAXXI, the National Museum of 21st Century Arts, the first national institution devoted to contemporary creativity.
Also displayed Anniversary Watch no.1 a timepiece made by the late George Daniels, who many consider to be the father of modern independent watchmaking, and who has directly influenced the work of so many of the watchmakers cited above.
Conceived as a travelling exhibition, Watchmakers: The Masters of Art Horology will debut in Rome before flying to New York, Hong Kong and London. Phillips will be present throughout the exhibition’s worldwide tour and is thrilled to be able to invite watch enthusiasts to discover the work of these artists during their stops in New York and London.
As the current market leader for vintage and contemporary watches, we feel it is our duty to support these watchmakers, who represent a very important and fragile community of artisans working tirelessly to safeguard their craft, for our benefit. It is no surprise that many of their watches previously featured in our auctions, as they are already highly sought-after. We believe the future is bright for these watchmakers and their watches, which one day collectors will call vintage. It is our privilege to be able to enjoy them while they are modern.
About Maxima Gallery
Maxima is an art gallery specialising in modern and contemporary art. Years of mediating and curating some of the most prominent Italian art collections over the past twenty years have placed Claudio Proietti, the gallery’s owner, in a unique position. Today, Claudio represents some of the greatest contemporary artists. A watch collector and a passionate supporter of the the independents, Claudio conceived the Watchmakers: The Masters of Art Horology exhibition as a unique showcase which presents watchmakers as contemporary artists specialising in the study of horology.
The opening and first leg of the international exhibition will be held in Rome from April 6 to 15 at the MAXXI, the National Museum of 21st Century Arts; followed by New York from April 26 to 30 at Phillips’ New York gallery at 450 Park Avenue; Hong Kong from May 24 to 29 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel; and finally the exhibition will travel to London from June 19 to 26at Phillips’ Berkeley Square.
MAXIMA GALLERY - Via Agostino Depretis, 86 - 00184 Roma - Tel. +39064880285
Please click on the link below for a selection of high-res images:
Images Watchmakers the Masters of Art Horology
Check out interview with Claudio Proietti on phillipswatches.com
http://www.phillipswatches.com/meet-the-gallery-owner-who-finds-artistry-in-horology/
Permission for the use of any image is granted for timely reporting and auction review purposes only.
Image courtesy of Phillips / Phillips.com
###
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, achieving a sale total of $112 million in 2017 – its second consecutive year as the worldwide market leader in watch auctions.
A selection of our recent record-breaking prices:
1. Paul Newman’s Rolex “Paul Newman” Daytona reference 6239 (CHF 17,709,894/US$17,752,500) – New York Auction: Winning Icons – 26 October 2017 – Highest result ever achieved for any wristwatch at auction.
2. Patek Philippe reference 1518 in stainless steel (CHF 11,020,000 /US$11,112,020) – Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR – 12 November 2016 – Highest result ever achieved for a Patek Philippe wristwatch at auction.
3. Patek Philippe reference 2523 (HK$22,300,000 /US$2,856,630) – Hong Kong Watch Auction: FIVE – 28 November 2017 – Highest result ever achieved for any wristwatch sold at auction in Asia
ABOUT PHILLIPS
Phillips is a leading global platform for buying and selling 20th and 21st century art and design. With dedicated expertise in the areas of 20th Century and Contemporary Art, Design, Photographs, Editions, Watches, and Jewelry, Phillips offers professional services and advice on all aspects of collecting. Auctions and exhibitions are held at salerooms in New York, London, Geneva, and Hong Kong, while clients are further served through representative offices based throughout Europe, the United States and Asia. Phillips also offers an online auction platform accessible anywhere in the world. In addition to providing selling and buying opportunities through auction, Phillips brokers private sales and offers assistance with appraisals, valuations, and other financial services.
Visit www.phillips.com for further information.
*Estimates do not include buyer’s premium; prices achieved include the hammer price plus buyer’s premium.
PRESS CONTACTS:
GENEVA - Asta Ponzo, PR Consultant aponzo@phillips.com +41 79 961 85 66
LONDON - Katie Carder, Head of Press, Europe kcarder@phillips.com +44 20 7901 7938
NEW YORK - Jaime Israni, Senior Public Relations Specialist jisrani@phillips.com +1 212 940 1398