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PHILLIPS IN ASSOCIATION WITH BACS & RUSSO TO AUCTION ELEVEN UNIQUE TIMEPIECES TO BENEFIT THE PHILIPPE AND ELISABETH DUFOUR FOUNDATION
Alexandre Ghotbi (Phillips), Philippe Dufour (Dufour Foundation), Aurel Bacs (Phillips), Daniéla Dufour (Dufour Foundation), Elisabeth Dufour (Dufour Foundation) and Marciela Lancoud (Dufour Foundation)
GENEVA – 20 March 2025 – Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo is proud to announce that eleven of the most revered independent watchmakers and brands have generously donated timepieces to benefit the Philippe and Elisabeth Dufour Foundation, a charitable initiative dedicated to addressing pressing humanitarian challenges in Switzerland and around the world. The watches will be offered as part of Geneva Watch Auction: XXI, taking place on 10 and 11 May 2025.
Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo has long championed independent watchmakers, viewing these brands as the next generation of watchmaking excellence. Presenting timepieces donated by Philippe Dufour, Ludovic Ballouard, Artya, Magana, Carl F. Bucherer, Miki Eleta, Jacob & Co., Berney, Moritz Grossmann, Bovet, and Havid Nagan, this auction is poised to be one of the most significant moments for independent watchmaking in recent history. Each of the eleven watches presented will be unique – either one-of-a-kind creations or exclusive iterations of existing models.
The Philippe and Elisabeth Dufour Foundation Established in June 2023, the Foundation's mission is multifaceted, focusing on providing essential resources such as food, clean water, healthcare, housing, and education to underserved communities. Additionally, it emphasises environmental stewardship and the preservation of artisanal crafts. This holistic approach reflects the Dufours' belief in nurturing both the physical and cultural well-being of societies.
The Watches While the complete catalogue of watches will be revealed in the weeks leading up to the auction, collectors can expect timepieces showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and innovation.
Philippe Dufour – The unique Philippe Dufour Simplicity captivates with an extraordinary dial crafted from real butterfly wings by artist Dominique Arpa-Cirpka, marking the first time Dufour integrates métiers d’art into his iconic design, all housed in a 37mm pink gold case with a hand-finished movement
Ludovic Ballouard – Ludovic Ballouard's Upside Down watch is a mechanical and artistic masterpiece, featuring a complex movement with 12 rotating discs that display the correct hour, paired with a hand-painted enamel dial reproducing Marc Chagall’s The Birthday, crafted in-house by Caroline Cottin.
Artya – ArtyA's unique Curvy Purity Tourbillon Ruby showcases the brand’s bold creativity with a striking ruby red sapphire case, an architectural skeletonised movement, an 18mm tourbillon, and a phosphorescent effect under UV light.
Magana – Magana Watches, a UAE-based brand dedicated to quality, culture, and sustainability, presents the Sands of Time Tribute to Liwa, a limited edition of 20 pieces inspired by the Liwa Desert, featuring a sand-colored DLC stainless steel case and calendar complications, with each sale supporting the planting of 212 trees through "Trees for the Future."
Carl F. Bucherer – Carl F. Bucherer created a unique timepiece featuring its signature peripheral rotor movement, the COSC-certified Caliber A2050, and a striking deep blue dial adorned with the Foundation’s logo, elegantly framed by a 40.6mm pink gold case.
Miki Eleta – Miki Eleta’s Time in Space is a horological sculpture that reimagines time-telling with a dynamic rotating hour display, inviting contemplation and engagement, housed in a bold 48mm steel case and powered by a manually wound ETA movement.
Jacob & Co. – Jacob & Co.'s The World is Yours dual time zone watch features a striking domed dial with a blue lacquer ocean and pink gold-plated landmasses, blending artistry with precision.
Berney – The Berney Ref. 8448 features the Valjoux 88 movement with a full calendar and moon-phase, housed in a 39mm stainless steel case with a black dial and elegant Breguet numerals.
Moritz Grossmann – Moritz Grossmann’s Tefnut Silver-Plated by Friction showcases masterful Glashütte watchmaking with a hand-applied silver-plated dial, engraved blue numerals, and a meticulously finished hand-wound caliber 102.1 – all housed in a 39mm stainless steel case.
Bovet – Bovet’s Recital 12 features an in-house movement with a 7-day power reserve, an off-center time display, and a black lacquer dial adorned with the Philippe and Elisabeth Dufour Foundation’s logo.
Havid Nagan – Havid Nagan’s Classic One Prototype, the first round watch from Aren Bazerkanian’s independent brand, features a layered dial, a meticulously constructed 29-part case, and a finely decorated movement with a 62-hour power reserve.
The proceeds from this historic auction will go to the Philippe and Elisabeth Dufour Foundation, preserving and advancing the legacy of independent watchmaking for generations to come.
Philippe and Elisabeth Dufour said "We all come from somewhere, we all have a story, and we all carry hope, and we all face suffering when adversity strikes. Pain recognises no borders, and hardship makes no distinctions. In these struggles, we stand as equals. We can't claim to save the world, but together, we can make meaningful change. Through our charitable efforts, may tears turn into optimism, and may the infinite goodness within each heart reveal our shared humanity. We extend our deepest gratitude to the watch community who support us and share our values for this second charity auction, as well as to Phillips and their entire team. With their partnership, we are confident that this spirit of being there for one another will continue to flourish."
Alexandre Ghotbi, Deputy Chairman Watches, Head of Europe and Middle East and Tiffany To, Head of Sale, jointly stated “We are deeply honoured to partner with the Philippe and Elisabeth Dufour Foundation, offering collectors an extraordinary selection of rare and historically significant timepieces—ranging from independent artisans to renowned brands across Switzerland, Germany, the US, and the UAE. This auction is more than just a celebration of craftsmanship, heritage, and watchmaking’s enduring legacy; it is a meaningful opportunity to support a noble cause and bring relief to those in need through the Philippe and Elisabeth Dufour Foundation."
Previews of the watches will be available both online and in-person at Phillips Geneva in the weeks leading up to the sale. For details on bidding, registration, and watch previews, visit Phillips.com or contact Phillips’ Watch Department.
Auction: 10 - 11 May 2025 Location: Hotel President, 407 Quai Wilson, Geneva, Switzerland, 1201 |
