|
Phillips Unveils the Full Catalogue for The New York Watch Auction: X, Featuring an Extraordinary Selection of Wristwatches, Pocket Watches, and Clocks
Live Auction to be Led by a Possibly Unique Philippe Dufour Duality, a Rare Patek Philippe Ref. 5004A, and a Rolex Paul Newman Daytona “John Player Special”
Further Highlights by Patek Philippe Include an Unworn ref. 5208P Minute Repeating Perpetual Calendar Chronograph, a Ref. 1518 from the Original Owner’s Family, a Nautilus ref. 5740 retailed by Tiffany & Co., and a Pocket Watch Commissioned by Henry Graves, Jr.
To be Offered Alongside Two Magnificent and Unique Cartier Clocks and an Important Selection of British Pocket Watches
NEW YORK – 13 MAY 2024 – Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo is proud to showcase the full catalogue for The New York Watch Auction: X, featuring a curated selection of 150 exceptional timepieces. The sale presents an extremely diverse selection encompassing wristwatches, pocket watches, and clocks from esteemed Swiss, British, German, and Japanese makers. As previously announced, among the highlights are a remarkable Patek Philippe pocket chronometer commissioned by Henry Graves, Jr., a monumental Charles Frodsham clock watch and Philippe Dufour’s coveted Duality. Offered alongside these important timepieces is a stunning Patek Philippe Ref. 5208P, a Patek Philippe Ref. 1518, a Philippe Dufour Simplicity, and extraordinary vintage Rolex Daytona watches including a ref. 6264 in 14 karat gold retailed by Tiffany & Co. and an extremely well-preserved ref. 6239 in steel with three-color “Paul Newman” dial. An impressive selection of British pocket watches and two extraordinary, museum-quality unique Cartier clocks will also be included in the sale. These masterpieces represent the pinnacle of watchmaking, embodying timeless appeal for collectors worldwide. Following the preview in Hong Kong from 20 – 25 May, the watches will be on view in New York from 5-7 June, prior to the auction on 8 and 9 June.
Paul Boutros, Deputy Chairman and Head of Watches, Americas, and Isabella Proia, Head of Sale and International Specialist, said, “As we prepare for our milestone 10th live auction in New York, we celebrate a tradition of offering the highest quality in watchmaking at Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo. The timepieces featured in this auction showcase the timeless beauty, precision, and innovation that define the art of horology. From historic pocket watches to contemporary wristwatches, they represent masterpieces of design and watchmaking by their respective makers, possessing the kind of timeless appeal that extends across generations. We are honored to present this exceptional selection to collectors and enthusiasts alike.”
Estimate: $500,000 - 1,000,000 The reference 5208P is a testament to the pinnacle of watchmaking excellence as it signifies the manufacturer’s exquisite craftsmanship and unparalleled achievements in innovation and complications. As one of the brand’s most coveted and complicated wristwatches incorporating a minute repeater, an instantaneous perpetual calendar, and a single button chronograph, the reference 5208 represents the epitome of haute horology. In order to achieve this, a very specific module had to be developed in order to transmit the exact amount of power at the correct instant. The intricacy of this movement becomes apparent when considering it is made out of 719 components in total.
Produced in extremely small quantities since 2011, this masterpiece is reserved only for the most distinguished Patek Philippe clients upon application, each of whom must be approved by the Stern family. The present example is offered by its original owner, in brand new condition, and comes accompanied with all its original accessories. Discontinued in 2018 with only pink gold-cased models available in the current catalogue, the current lot is one of very few to appear on the market, highlighting the level of attachment collectors show for this outstanding model and the consequent difficulty in sourcing it.
Estimate: $400,000 - 800,000 The reference 1518 was the first perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch produced by any brand in series and set the course for Patek Philippe’s dominance in the world of high-end Swiss watchmaking. So ahead of its time was its design, Patek Philippe continues to use its timeless aesthetic as the foundation for a long line of highly sought after successor models including the references 2499, 3970, 5970 and today’s 5270. Scholarship suggests that only approximately 281 examples of the 1518 were produced, making its appearance on the market all the more rare.
Offered by the family of the original owner, this wristwatch is fresh-to-the-market. It is in a wonderful state of preservation with hallmarks visible to both the central case band and underneath the lug and retains well-defined case proportions. Manufactured in 1945, its dial features a coveted long signature. The enamel signature remains thick and defined, with the hard enamel printing throughout the dial remaining wonderfully preserved. Further elevating its desirability is the very rare Spanish calendar, as research indicates only five other examples with this feature are known.
Estimate: $250,000 - 500,000 In 1992, Philippe Dufour introduced the Grande and Petite Sonnerie Minute Repeating wristwatch at Basel. It was the world’s first wristwatch to be fitted with such a highly complex chiming system and was an instant success. Following the Grande and Petite Sonnerie Minute Repeating wristwatch, Dufour introduced the Simplicity in the year 2000. Inspired by the traditional watchmaking methods in the Vallée de Joux, the Simplicity is entirely crafted and assembled under one roof. The name ‘Simplicity’ is a bit of a misnomer; though the watch only indicates the hours, minutes, and seconds, it is resplendent with aesthetic complexity. With hand engraved bridges, anglage, dream-like bridge forms, and gorgeous curvatures on the case, the Simplicity is the result of Dufour’s search for perfection.
Now discontinued, Dufour only created slightly more than 200 examples of the original Simplicity. Its rarity, coupled with elegant looks, has propelled the watch to ‘grail’ status today. Fitted with the hand-guillochéd dial variant in a 37mm case, the present lot is accompanied by its original certificate and presentation box. It is further offered in exceptionally well-preserved condition from the collection of the original owner, having just completed a factory service by Philippe Dufour.
Estimate: $200,000 - 400,000 Combining one of the scarcest Daytona models – the reference 6264 – produced for a very short period in the early 1970s, an uncommon 14 karat yellow gold case, and the extremely sought-after Tiffany & Co. signature, the present watch is amongst the most prestigious and hardest to find of all vintage Daytona configurations.
Bearing case no. 2’802’743, only five numbers apart from the only other known 14 karat gold 6264 retailed by Tiffany& Co., these watches most likely were part of an extremely restricted singular batch retailed by the illustrious firm. Aesthetically stunning in its configuration, the gold dial with black subsidiary dials superbly complements the black bezel and gold case. The bold Tiffany & Co. signature stands out prominently due its striking contrast with the gold dial as well as the lack of a “Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified” designation at 6 o’clock. The present watch is offered for the first time at public auction and can certainly be considered a trophy watch for the discerning connoisseur.
Estimate: $200,000 - 400,000 Playing an important role in Rolex history, the reference 6239 introduced in 1963 was the very first Cosmograph Daytona model. The 6239 was the first chronograph by the historic manufacture to feature the tachymeter scale incorporated on the bezel. In production as an alternative to the standard silvered and black dials, this dial configuration was originally named “exotic” by Rolex, before its association with the iconic actor. Paul Newman dials were poorly received by the public at first, and thus their production lasted for about 4-5 short years, making them today as scarce as they are appealing.
Hailing from the collection of an astute collector of vintage Rolex timepieces who appreciated its Japanese market origin, the present watch is a stunning example, maintaining its original “Paul Newman” exotic dial in flawless condition, housed in a very likely unpolished case. The perfectly preserved luminous plots have begun to take on a pleasing and consistent warm beige hue. The identical configuration of Paul Newman’s very own “Paul Newman” Daytona, ref. 6239 – which sold for a world record $17.8 million by Phillips in October 2017 – the present 6239 with tri-color Paul Newman exotic dial is certainly one of the finest examples to ever be offered publicly.
Estimate: $150,000 - 300,000 By 2018, Patek Philippe had diversified its legendary Nautilus line up to include a vast array of complications and came to launch the 5740G. With a lustrous 18K white gold case and bracelet, the caliber 240 Q – Patek’s ultra-slim perpetual calendar movement stamped with the Patek Philippe seal – beats within so that the case itself remains a mere 8.42mm, which is even slimmer than the reference 5712.
This 5740 bears the coveted “Tiffany & Co.” stamp on the dial. Only one other Tiffany-signed 5740 has appeared publicly, with very few having been produced. The watch is accompanied by its full suite of original accessories, including Tiffany blue outer box. It is furthermore presented in like-new, unworn condition.
Estimate: $150,000 - 300,000 Richard Mille prides his watches as “racing machines for the wrist” due to his commitment to creating high-performance watches inspired by the world of motorsports. One of the most celebrated events in the world of motorsport is Le Mans, a prestigious, annual endurance race that also serves as a platform for Richard Mille to showcase its watches' resilience and accuracy under extreme conditions.
Considered as one of the flagship models of the entire Richard Mille lineup, the RM 11-03 exemplifies such commitment to innovation and performance. This timepiece features a striking design, incorporating a tonneau-shaped case crafted from NTPT carbon and other cutting-edge materials. Equipped with a flyback chronograph and annual calendar complication with oversized date, the RM 11-03 offers precision timing alongside durability and ergonomic comfort.
The present RM11-03 is a rare variant of the reference, being one of a limited edition of 150 pieces made specially for Le Mans. Presented in like-new condition complete with all its original accessories, this watch exemplifies a passion for motorsport and technological innovation.
Estimate: $100,000 - 200,000 The present model is an indelible part of Cartier's history and represents what the brand is best known for – merging form with function. The present watch is an outstanding example from Baignoire Allongée series, launched by Cartier London during the late 1960s.
Rendered even more collectible due to its extraordinary black/blue dial, it is one of only two known examples with this dial configuration, with the two watches being only one serial number apart. While both the case and clasp are numbered 9180, the clasp is also stamped with Cartier hallmarks dated 1969 and ‘JC’, which stands for Jacques Cartier. The present lot was purchased at auction in 1990 and has remained in the same collection since its acquisition.
Estimate: $80,000 - 160,000 Introduced in 1972, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak marked a pivotal moment in horological history as the world’s first stainless steel luxury sports watch featuring an integrated bracelet. Conceived by renowned designer Gerald Genta, it not only shattered conventional norms but also set a new benchmark for luxury in stainless steel. Notably, its octagonal bezel, secured by eight hexagonal white gold screws, accentuated its maritime influence.
Distinguished by its black dial, devoid of the customary tapisserie motif but embellished with refined diamond markers and prominently displaying the royal "Khanjar" daggers at 6 o’clock, the present reference 5402 stands apart from regular production models. Records indicate that in the spring of 1973, Audemars Piguet ordered a batch of six dials without the tapisserie motif, featuring diamond-set indexes and an emblem at 6 o'clock. His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said of Oman frequently commissioned timepieces from esteemed manufactures to bestow upon loyal friends and foreign dignitaries. Assuming the throne on 23 July 1970, this makes the present watch likely one of the earliest gifts bestowed during his reign.
Offered in impeccable condition, the present "A Series" example is the perfect watch for those seeking an iconic A-series Royal Oak with royal provenance and an extraordinary dial.
GLOBAL HIGHLIGHTS TOUR HONG KONG | 20-25 May | Phillips, 1/F, WKCDA Tower, West Kowloon Cultural District, No. 8 Austin Road West Kowloon
Auction: 8-9 June 2024 Auction viewing: 5-7 June 2024 Location: 432 Park Avenue, New York, NY Click here for more information: https://www.phillips.com/auctions/auction/NY080124
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 Geneva Watch Auction: XIV having realized $74.5 million in 2021. 2023 marked the second most successful year for Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo with an annual total of $215.8 million.
Record–breaking prices include:
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 vintage 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 vintage Patek Philippe wristwatch at auction.
ABOUT PHILLIPS Phillips: where the world’s curious and bold connect with the art, design and luxury that inspires them. As a leading global platform for buying and selling 20th and 21st century works, Phillips offers dedicated expertise in the areas of Modern and Contemporary Art, Design, Photographs, Editions, Watches, and Jewels. Auctions and exhibitions are primarily held in New York, London, Geneva, and Hong Kong, with representative offices based throughout Europe, the United States and Asia. Phillips offers a regular selection of live and online auctions, along with items available for immediate purchase. Phillips also offers a range of services and advice on all aspects of collecting, including private sales and assistance with appraisals, valuations, and financial planning. Visit phillips.com for further information.
*Estimates do not include buyer’s premium; prices achieved include the hammer price plus buyer’s premium.
PRESS CONTACTS: NEW YORK – Jaime Israni, Head of PR and Corporate Communications, Americas jisrani@phillips.com NEW YORK – Paul Lerner, Consultant plerner@optimistconsulting.com
PHILLIPS NEW YORK – 432 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022 PHILLIPS LONDON – 30 Berkeley Square, London, W1J 6EX PHILLIPS HONG KONG – G/F, WKCDA Tower, West Kowloon Cultural District, No. 8 Austin Road, West Kowloon PHILLIPS GENEVA – Rue de la Confédération, 7 Geneva 1204
|
PATEK PHILIPPE, Ref. 5208P¸ 
PATEK PHILIPPE, Ref. 1518¸ 
PHILIPPE DUFOUR, Simplicity¸ 
ROLEX, Daytona Ref. 6264 Tiffany¸ 
ROLEX, Daytona Paul Newman ref. 6239¸ 
PATEK PHILIPPE, Tiffany-signed Ref. 5740, signed Tiffany & Co.¸ 
RICHARD MILLE, RM11-03¸ 
CARTIER, Baignoire Allongée¸ 
AUDEMARS PIGUET, Royal Oak Ref. 5402