PHILLIPS UNVEILS EXCEPTIONAL INDEPENDENT WATCHMAKING HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE HONG KONG WATCH AUCTION: XXIII

F.P.JOURNE | Chronomètre à Résonance, "Parking Meter", The Armoury, platinum dual-time wristwatch, circa 2018

Estimate: HK$6,000,000-12,000,000/ US$769,000–1,540,000

Among the leading highlights of the sale is the extraordinarily rare F.P. Journe Chronomètre à Résonance RT “Mark Cho Special”, offered directly from the personal collection of Mark Cho, co-founder of The Armoury. Commissioned by Cho and created through a close collaboration with François-Paul Journe and Pierre Halimi, the watch encapsulates a remarkable story of friendship, connoisseurship, and independent watchmaking at its finest. Produced in an edition of only five examples, the series marked the final use of F.P. Journe’s coveted 38mm platinum “Parking Meter” Résonance case, making it one of the last and most desirable iterations of the model ever created.

Distinguished by its unique navy blue and warm-toned dial configuration, inspired by vintage patina, the F.P. Journe minute repeater, and a palette personally selected by Cho, the design is unlikely ever to be repeated. Adding further personal significance, the watch bears the serial number 168, a remarkable coincidence that matches the street number of The Armoury’s flagship New York boutique. To commemorate the occasion, The Armoury will present the successful bidder with a bespoke garment crafted specially by its team.

F.P.JOURNE | Tourbillon Souverain in platinum, circa 2001

Estimate: HK$3,900,000–11,600,000/ US$500,000–1,490,000

The present fresh-to-the-market F.P. Journe Tourbillon Souverain No. 069 represents one of the earliest and most sought-after examples of the independent watchmaker’s groundbreaking creation. Dating to 2001 and housed in a platinum case, the watch features an exceptionally rare shiny yellow gold dial, with only nine such examples documented to date. Part of the coveted third series of early brass-movement Tourbillon Souverain models, it embodies François-Paul Journe’s pioneering combination of a tourbillon with a remontoir d’égalité, the first time these two complications were united in a wristwatch. Preserved in remarkable, completely original condition and offered fresh from a distinguished private collection where it has remained for over two decades, this historically important timepiece is accompanied by its original warranty card and presentation box, making it a trophy acquisition for collectors of independent horology.

F.P.JOURNE | Centigraphe Souverain Anniversaire Hong Kong, in titanium and 18k pink gold, circa 2016

Estimate: HK$2,400,000–4,800,000/ US$ 308,000–615,000

Another F.P. Journe highlight of the sale is the Centigraphe Souverain Anniversaire Hong Kong Boutique Edition, numbered 10 of just 20 examples produced in 2016 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the brand’s Hong Kong boutique. Distinguished by its lightweight titanium and 18K pink gold case, the model showcases François-Paul Journe’s ingenious chronograph design and is among the most exclusive boutique editions ever created by the manufacture. Preserved in hardly worn condition and offered with its original certificate and presentation box, this rare anniversary timepiece presents an exceptional opportunity to acquire one of the most sought-after modern F.P. Journe limited editions.

F.P.JOURNE | Octa Calendrier, Ruthenium Collection in platinum, circa 2004

Estimate: In excess of HK$1,600,000/ US$205,000

The present F.P. Journe Octa Calendrier Ruthenium, offered fresh to the market and bearing the coveted number 01 of 99. Produced between 2001 and 2005 as part of the celebrated Ruthenium Collection, one of the most important and sought-after series from François-Paul Journe’s early brass-movement era, this watch represents the very first example of the model ever made. Preserved in excellent condition, its ruthenium dial has developed an attractive and distinctive patina over time, further enhancing its individual character. With only 23 examples of the 99-piece production known to have reappeared at auction, this exceptional timepiece offers collectors a rare opportunity to acquire a historically significant and highly elusive F.P. Journe, distinguished by both its rarity and its unique place at the very beginning of the series.

VOUTILAINEN | Vingt-8, titanium wristwatch with hand-guilloché blue enamel dial, circa 2022

Estimate: HK$1,500,000–2,500,000/ US$192,000–321,000

This exceptionally rare Vingt-8 is one of only two special commissions created in titanium and the only known example to appear on the market. Offered by its original owner and preserved in outstanding condition, the watch features a striking hand-guilloché blue enamel dial crafted by Comblémine and distinguished by Kari Voutilainen’s personal signature in place of the traditional logo, a deeply personal detail that places the celebrated independent watchmaker at the heart of the design. Combining the lightweight rarity of a titanium case, artisanal hand-finishing, and extraordinary provenance, this unique Vingt-8 represents a remarkable convergence of friendship, craftsmanship, and collector-driven creativity, making it one of the most important and individualistic Voutilainen wristwatches to emerge at auction in recent years.

HALDIMANN| H1 Flying Central Tourbillon, PuristS Series 2, ref. S2-02-828, circa 2012

Estimate: HK$1,000,000–2,000,000/ US$128,000–256,000

This extraordinarily rare Beat Haldimann H1 Flying Central Tourbillon “The PuristS Edition” Series 2 in platinum is offered fresh to the market by its original owner. One of just eight examples produced across the two PuristS series, and one of only four Series 2 watches, this early-production piece is distinguished by a unique red 12 o’clock marker specially requested by the owner and a custom serial number, making it the only known example with this configuration. Preserved in unpolished condition and overhauled by Haldimann in 2023, the watch embodies the independent watchmaker’s uncompromising artisanal approach, featuring his signature flying central tourbillon and hand-finished details. This timepiece represents a rare opportunity to acquire an important creation from one of the most respected independent masters in contemporary horology.

AUFFRET PARIS | Tourbillon à Paris Subscription in titanium, circa 2023

Estimate: HK$900,000–1,800,000/ US$115,000–231,000

The present Théo Auffret Tourbillon à Paris Subscription No. 18 is the first example of the model ever to appear at auction. Created by the independent French watchmaker whose Tourbillon à Paris prototype won the F.P. Journe Young Talent Competition in 2018, this remarkable timepiece represents the earliest chapter of Auffret’s horological career. Cased in lightweight titanium and distinguished by a hand-guilloché dial, it is one of only two such examples produced among the 15 Tourbillon à Paris subscription watches delivered. Combining artisanal hand-finishing, exceptional rarity, and historical importance as one of Auffret’s earliest serially produced creations, No. 18 offers collectors a rare opportunity to acquire a milestone work from one of independent watchmaking’s most promising talents.

KIU TAI YU | HK 2000, limited edition white gold wristwatch, circa 2000

Estimate: HK$150,000–300,000/ US$19,200–38,500

Another noteworthy highlight of the sale is Kiu Tai Yu’s HK 2000, a rare and historically important creation by the pioneering independent watchmaker who became the first Asian member of the AHCI in 1992. Fresh to the market and numbered 14 of a limited series of 20 pieces, the present watch is cased in 18k white gold and is only the fourth known white-gold example of this configuration to appear at auction. Created to celebrate the dawn of the new millennium, the watch embodies Kiu’s distinctive fusion of Eastern symbolism and Western horology, featuring auspicious Chinese inscriptions and a unique multi-cultural dial design. With only a handful of Kiu Tai Yu watches ever appearing publicly and examples remaining exceedingly scarce, this exceptional timepiece represents a rare opportunity to acquire a landmark work by one of the most influential figures in Asian independent watchmaking.