Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo Reveals Highlights from The Geneva Watch Auction: XVIII on 3 and 4 November

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Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo Reveals Highlights from
The Geneva Watch Auction: XVIII on 3 and 4 November  
Shining with Three Masterpieces Never Before Offered at Auction  
A previously Unknown Rolex Ref. 6062 in Stainless Steel,  
One of Only Three Known Platinum Patek Philippe Nautilus ref. 3700  
And a George Daniels Anniversary in Platinum N° 1  

Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo is pleased to unveil a selection of highlight lots ahead of The Geneva Watch Auction: XVIII. The sale presents an array of the rarest and most coveted timepieces spanning the 20th and 21st centuries. A curated selection of these horological treasures will embark on a global public tour, commencing later this month in New York, and making stops in Hong Kong, Riyadh, London and Singapore. The preview will then open in Geneva on 1 November, leading up to the live auction on 3 and 4 November at the Hôtel La Réserve.  

Alexandre Ghotbi, Head of Watches, Continental Europe & Middle East, and Tiffany To, Head of Sale, jointly said, “At Phillips Watches, we are not just enthusiasts of horology; we are true watch nuts. Watches are ingrained in every facet of our lives, a constant presence in our thoughts and conversations. We wholeheartedly believe that the collection of timepieces to be offered in our auction on 3 and 4 November in Geneva is a testament to the unwavering passion and profound respect we hold for these exquisite mechanical marvels and the brilliant minds behind them. This forthcoming live sale comes on the heels of a successful spring season, marking a continuous run of over two-and-a-half years of consecutive white-glove auctions for the department.”  

Patek Philippe

Leading the selection of important timepieces from Patek Philippe is the Nautilus ref. 3700P (estimate CHF 1,000,000-2,000,000), one of the rarest sport watches ever produced by the historic Swiss watchmaker. Offered at auction for the first time, this is only the third example of the original Nautilus ref. 3700 in platinum to ever come to market, and the only one known without diamond indexes or bezel.  

A trio of influential Patek Philippe perpetual calendar chronographs will also feature, including a first-series ref. 2499 in 18k yellow gold (estimate CHF 800,000-1,600,000); a third-series ref. 2499 in 18k yellow gold with a Beyer dial signature (estimate CHF 400,000-800,000); and a ref. 1518 on bracelet in 18k yellow gold (estimate CHF 400,000-800,000). Another noteworthy vintage Patek Philippe highlight is a stainless steel chronograph ref. 1463 with Breguet numerals (estimate CHF 300,000-600,000).

Also introducing a pair of extraordinary Grand Complications that stand at the pinnacle of contemporary and complicated Patek Phillipes—a Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon Minute Repeater ref. 5016 in platinum (estimate CHF 300,000-600,000), and a full-set Perpetual Calendar Minute Repeater ref. 5013 in platinum (estimate CHF 250,000-500,000).  

Rolex

The most important Rolex in The Geneva Watch Auction: XVIII is a fresh-to-market ref. 6062 in stainless steel, poised to command the spotlight (estimate CHF 1,000,000-2,000,000). Not only does it stand as one of the rarest and most coveted references in Rolex’s storied legacy, but it also boasts remarkable complexity, housing a complete calendar mechanism. This exceptional timepiece emerges as one of the finest examples ever to grace the auction market.  

Other Rolex wristwatches not to miss include a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 6265 in 18k yellow gold with a black Khanjar symbol on the dial (estimate CHF 300,000-600,000) and a Rolex Submariner ref. 6200 (estimate CHF 250,000-500,000), one of the earliest examples of the brand’s legendary dive watch.  

Independent Watchmaking

As the fascination in the world of small-production, independent watchmaking continues to gain momentum, Phillips is proud to showcase an expanding selection of these extraordinary timepieces in its catalogues.  

Among the standout independent watches, the George Daniels Anniversary in platinum takes centre stage—a truly exceptional find, with only four ever crafted. This fresh to the market  masterpiece proudly bears the distinguished number 01 (estimate CHF 700,000-1,400,000), offering collectors a rare opportunity to acquire a piece of horological history.

Further highlights include an F.P. Journe Sonnerie Souverain with rare black dial series (estimate CHF500,000-1,000,000), and a prototype example (No. 000) of Philippe Dufour’s Simplicity wristwatch in a 34mm, 18k pink gold case, the exact same watch that Dufour exhibited at the Basel watch fair in 2000 for the launch of the Simplicity (estimate CHF 400,000-800,000). Another prototype worth mentioning comes from the workshop of Kari Voutilainen,  his Masterpiece Chronograph (estimate CHF 120,000-240,000).  

Alongside the esteemed George Daniels Anniversary mentioned above, The Geneva Watch Auction: XVIII proudly presents a remarkable duo of timepieces hailing from other contemporary British makers. George Daniels’ accomplished protégé, Roger Smith, is notably represented by his Series 2 Edition 2 number 1 in 18k pink gold (estimate CHF 250,000-500,000). Additionally, making its debut in a Phillips Watches live auction, is the technically astounding Double Impulse Chronometer from Charles Frodsham (estimate CHF 100,000-200,000).

A. Lange & Söhne

Earlier this year, a horological milestone was achieved when the first ever example of the only limited-edition Datograph, crafted by A. Lange & Söhne for Milan’s Pisa Orologeria boutique in 2004, made its international live auction debut at the Phillips Geneva Watch Auction: XVII. Now, the second ever example (estimate CHF 100,000-200,000) is poised for its moment in the spotlight this November, at the Phillips Geneva Watch Auction: XVIII. Also on offer is an exceedingly rare and eagerly sought-after Lange 1 in stainless steel (estimate CHF 100,000-200,000).  

Audemars Piguet

The Geneva Watch Auction: XVIII includes several fascinating Audemars Piguet timepieces, including the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Qatar Edition in 18k white gold that features a beautiful burgundy-purple dial (estimate CHF 100,000-200,000).  

Panerai

Phillips Watches takes immense pleasure in presenting an extraordinary creation: a one-of-a-kind platinum Radiomir Guido Panerai & Figlio PAM01346, showcasing a vintage Angelus SF240 movement dating back to 1961, paying homage to the renowned reference 3646. Created exclusively by Panerai for this auction, the entire proceeds from the sale, including Phillips’ Buyer’s Premium, will be donated to the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC) (estimate CHF 60,000-120,000).

Additional Highlights

The auction will feature a diverse array of significant and highly sought-after timepieces from other esteemed brands. Among them are watches from renowned names including Cartier, Christian Klings, De Bethune, Daniel Roth, Urban Jürgensen, and Vacheron Constantin.  

250th Anniversary of Urban Jürgensen Non-Selling Exhibition

To commemorate the 250th anniversary of Urban Jürgensen’s founding, Phillips Watches is delighted to announce a special event. As part of the auction preview in Geneva from 1 to 4 November, we will be hosting a non-selling exhibition featuring approximately 25 of the most significant and noteworthy timepieces, including the remarkable Oval Tourbillon pocket watch, showcasing the brand’s illustrious 250-year history. These exceptional watches are drawn from the private collection of Dr. Helmut Crott.

The Geneva Watch Auction: XVIII  

Session I: 3 November 2023, 2pm CET
Session II: 4 November 2023, 2pm CET
Location: Hôtel La Réserve, Bellevue, Geneva
Click here for more information.  

Highlight Tour  

United States
New York: 29 September – 1 October
Location: 432 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022  

Asia
Hong Kong: 2 – 6 October
Location: G/F, WKCDA Tower, West Kowloon Cultural District, No. 8 Austin Road West, Kowloon  
Riyadh: 13 – 15 October
Location: King Khalid Rd, Al Malqa, Riyadh 11052  
Singapore: 20 – 22 October
Location: The St. Regis Singapore, 29 Tanglin Rd, Singapore 247911  

Europe
London: 17 – 19 October
Location: 30 Berkeley Square, London, W1J 6EX  
Geneva: 1 – 4 November
Location: Hôtel La Réserve, Bellevue, Geneva    

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. Over the course of 2021 and 2022, the company sold 100% of the watches offered, a first in the industry, resulting in the highest annual total in history across all the auction houses at $227 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 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.